Horticulturist II: Floriculturist

Job Description

Job Title: Horticulturist II: Floriculturist
Reports To: Nursery Manager and Assistant Director of Horticulture
Department: Horticulture
Supervisory Responsibility: Occasional volunteers
FLSA: Non-exempt
Full Time Position: Hourly, 40 hours per week

Position Summary: Bellingrath Gardens & Home seeks a qualified individual to fill the position of Horticulturist II: Floriculturist. This position bears one area of primary responsibility: scheduling, growing, and finishing of floricultural crops, while also researching potential future floricultural crops that be used in Bellingrath’s bedding plant program. Secondarily, this position coordinates with both the Nursery Manager and the Greenhouse Grower the maintenance and propagation (vegetative, asexual via stem cuttings) of a wide range of plants that are made available for sale to the public both year-round via our plant sales area in the Atrium and also at three Plant Markets (spring, Mother’s Day, and fall).

As the Horticulturist II: Floriculturist, you must also demonstrate proficiency in the following areas: 1) production of florist pot crops (poinsettias, chrysanthemums, forced bulbs, florist hydrangeas, et al.), bedding plants, and vegetatively propagated tender perennials/tropical plants, 2) soilless media management, fertility, and composition for growing greenhouse and nursery crops, 3) fertility and growth management of greenhouse crops (using water soluble fertilizers, slow-release fertilizers, PGRs, water management, pH and pour-through testing, etc.), 4) weed and pest management utilizing both traditional and IPM methodology, including preventative methodology such as a fungicide program, 5) propagation of plants via seed and cuttings, and 6) basic operations of greenhouse systems. The Horticulturist II: Floriculturist must excel in all means of communications: verbal, written, email, and direct communications with fellow staff members and the public. It is desired, too, that the Horticulturist II: Floriculturist should be able to delegate, when the need arises, appropriate tasks to interns and volunteers, while also leading by example by directly work with people under your supervision.

We seek knowledgeable and passionate “plant people” in our Horticulture team. With literally tens of thousands of beautiful plants growing at Bellingrath Gardens & Home, and with plans to add more to our horticultural displays and plant collections, the Horticulturist II: Floriculturist’s role will revolve around celebrating a passion for plants through the cultivation of greenhouse crops that grace and beautify our beautiful and historic gardens located here along the Fowl River in southern Mobile County, Alabama.

About Us

Bellingrath Gardens and Home is the historic 65-acre estate and home of Walter D. Bellingrath and Bessie Morse Bellingrath, opened to the public in 1932. The Bellingrath-Morse Foundation was established by Mr. Bellingrath in 1949 on his 80th birthday to perpetuate the Gardens and Home as a “permanent and fitting memorial” to his wife’s “artistry and genius.” Today, visitors to Bellingrath Gardens and Home stroll through the vibrant and ever-changing estate garden and tour the historic home, built in 1935 and filled with the original furnishings and pieces collected by the two founders. Bellingrath is Alabama’s oldest public garden, remaining relevant today through its many varied programs, including its award-winning “Magic Christmas in Lights” holiday festival and the new Gulf Coast Chinese Lantern Festival.

Duties & Responsibilities

Primary duties include:
● Schedule and grow all floricultural crops located in the Bellingrath Gardens & Home greenhouse range. Although many other plants are grown in our greenhouses, this position will focus on floricultural crops (florist pot crops, forced horticultural crops, bedding plants, and vegetatively propagated tender perennials/tropical plants).
● Applying appropriate pesticides and fertilizers to ensure ideal crop growth and results. Utilize IPM protocols in place of chemical/traditional methods, too, as our facilities will support.
● Assist in growing adequate numbers of plants for sale in the Atrium, working with the Nursery Manager to monitor which crops are “best sellers” and areas for continual improvement

Secondary duties include:
● Work at Bellingrath’s three Plant Market sales events
● Greenhouse equipment operations and basic repairs
● Attending planning and coordination meetings
● Participate with the Nursery Manager and the Greenhouse Grower on planning work for a future new greenhouse complex and associated systems
● Other tasks as assigned

Education and Experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
● 2- or 4-year degree in Horticulture, or equivalent experience
● 3 or more years of proven floricultural experience
● Proven work ethic
● Maturity in communicating and interacting with fellow staff
● Extensive knowledge of plants growable in south Alabama
● Ability to lift at least 35lbs
● Proven ability to work independently and also effectively and cohesively with other employees and volunteers
● Must have or acquire an AL private applicator permit within two months of start date
● Ability to work outdoors in climatic conditions typical to Mobile, Alabama
● Must have reliable transportation

Additional Information

Bellingrath Gardens and Home is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of an applicant’s or employee’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other legally protected basis under applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Bellingrath Gardens and Home makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

Application Instructions

We are searching for an outstanding candidate to become our Horticulturist II: Floriculturist and be ready to help lead Bellingrath Gardens and Home forward to an exciting future. To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter of interest, and at least two professional references to: employment@bellingrath.org