Manager of Living Collections/Horticulturist

Job Description

The Manager of Living Collections oversees Wyck’s 2.5 acre historic landscape, particularly the half-acre historic rose
garden, and takes the lead in managing the site’s landscaped grounds. The Manager of Living Collections reports to the Executive Director.

STATUS: Part-time, 25-30 hours per week
Pay: $20 per hour; eligible for Wyck health benefits.

About Us

Wyck is a National Historic Landmark house, garden, and farm in the Germantown neighborhood of
Philadelphia that served as the ancestral home to the Wistar and Haines families from 1690-1973. The people
who lived and worked at Wyck for nine generations were committed to education, horticulture, natural history,
and preservation. Today, the Wyck Association connects this family’s rich history to the Germantown
community through programs that focus on history, horticulture, and urban agriculture. The 2.5-acre, centuries old site includes the historic home, the oldest original-plan rose garden in America, a working urban farm, and
sections of preserved landscape and historic outbuildings.

The Wyck Rose Garden dates to the 1820s, with 50+ cultivars of historic roses. Included in the garden are the
original rose plants from the 19th-century design, as well as plants from the 18th-century kitchen garden.
Several roses in cultivation today were thought to be lost until they were rediscovered growing at Wyck in the
1970s, and all specimens of these varieties in commercial trade descend from Wyck plants. Wyck’s grounds
provide a rich opportunity for engagement with a historic landscape and the community.

Duties & Responsibilities

Preservation and Maintenance (70% of time)

• Remove historically incorrect plants, install historically documented plants, and maintain organic rose
garden, south lawn, and other small areas not tended by the Home Farm Manager to historically
appropriate level of appearance, including mowing.

• Plan and carry-out long term garden projects according to Landscape Management Plan; update plan as
needed

• Day-to-day activities include, but are not limited to: weeding, mulching, and edging of all ornamental
planting areas; installation of seasonal plants and bulbs; pruning of shrubs, small trees, and roses;
maintenance of paths, sidewalks, and walkways; turf renewal when necessary; fertilizing; tying up
climbing roses, management/removal of invasive plants, such as climbing ivy (on fence, trees, and
structures) and poison ivy; fall cleanup of garden and landscape

• Use best cultural practices with an emphasis on organic and biological controls

• Constantly monitor plant health, and employ preventative measures to ensure a healthy and beautiful
garden

• Coordinate and supervise contractors when necessary, including arborists

• Keep accurate daily records of plants added to/removed from garden

• Propagate Wyck’s significant rose plant material for use on the property and for sale

• Keep greenhouse & coach house clean and orderly; maintain tools & landscape machinery

• Work directly with and supervise garden volunteers

• Work with Wyck staff to prepare grounds for festivals and other events held on the property

• Complete a yearly assessment of the garden and plan next year’s goals

• Other duties as assigned

Interpretation (25% of time)

• Lead tours of the garden and answer questions from the public

• Develop interpretive messages for rose garden and work with Manager of Interpretation to train staff
and volunteers on this messaging

• Research, as needed, in the Wyck Papers and other historical documents

• Work with Manager of Interpretation to develop interpretive programs for the general public as part of
Wyck’s public programming and special events

• Participate in program and special events planning as needed, including Celebration of the Roses, Honey
Festival, membership events, etc.

Administration (5% of time)

• Manage and develop long-term productive relationships with farm and garden volunteers

• Manage horticulture budget in conjunction with Executive Director

• Assist in grant writing and reporting for horticultural projects

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s, Associate’s, or similar degree in horticulture or related field, or 2+ years gardening
experience in a professional setting. Estate gardening and ornamental horticulture experience a plus.

• Must be friendly, reliable, well-organized, self-motivated, creative, and a team player with a passion for
community engagement

• Knowledge and interest of botanical or garden history a plus

• Ability to work in a collaborative environment but also independently

• Ability to work outdoors in all elements

• Committed to organic gardening

• Reliable transportation to and from work

• Available to work occasional weekends and evenings for Wyck special events

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required

Additional Information

Physical Demands

Gardening is a physically demanding job that must happen regardless of weather (hot, cold, wet, and dry).
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly be required to use hands to finger, handle,
or feel; reach with hands and arms; sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee will frequently be required
to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance upon ladders. The employee must
regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift
and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision,
color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Application Instructions

To apply:
Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to wyckapplications@gmail.com
with Manager of Living Collections in the subject line. No phone calls please.

Wyck is an Equal Opportunity Employer.