Senior Horticulturist (South Gardens)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Works with Supervisor to target and develop plant collections and landscapes according to Garden policy and area descriptions
Utilizes Index Seminum, as well as, the Garden’s Targeting Database to build collections
During species selection, conducts research entering information on plant habit and cultivation into the Targeting Database
Observes plants when growing in the Garden, collects and enters cultivation information into the Living Collections Management System and modifies growing environments based on observations to support optimum plant health
Utilizes internal data sources such as the Living Collections Management System, Targeting database and external data sources to aid in individual plant cultivation and landscape maintenance decisions
Performs plant record keeping at the highest level ensuring that all plants in the collection have accession labels at all times and all maintenance information regarding the collection (i.e. new plantings, divisions, moves, deaths, etc.) is up to date at all times
Exhibits the highest level of ethical conduct in obtaining and sharing plant material and ensures compliance with MBG policies
Stand in for and act as point of contact for staff when landscape supervisor is away from the Garden
Provides training and mentorship to other horticulture staff and students
As requested by supervisor participates in member and donor tours
Works with supervisor in planning field collections of plant material and staff exchanges
Performs a wide range of landscape/maintenance tasks important to the cultivation, preservation, protection and transplanting of existing plants; including but not limited to soil preparation, planting, staking, mulching, weeding, watering, fertilization, irrigation, pruning, training, IPM and pesticide application as needed
Understands, consistently monitors, and implements appropriate irrigation requirements for a variety of plant material and utilizes technology to tailor irrigation schedules to assigned collections
Plants and maintains displays in a manner that enables plant genetics and accessions data to be preserved and allows the public to easily distinguish plants when reading plant labels
Requests propagation of plants in the collections to ensure survival, paying particular attention to rare and threatened species and those of wild origin
Completes landscape designs and oversees the layout and installation of plant material
Plans, in advance, for minor and major landscape changes and requests plant material in time for it to be propagated and grown to size by nursery staff
Operates technical equipment, submits maintenance requests in a timely manner, and maintains general care of tools and equipment necessary for operations to include but not limited to: vehicles, forklifts, pallet trucks, carts, lifts, Cushmans, tractors, cultivators, mechanical sprayers, and a variety of hand tools
Participates in field work locally, nationally and internationally for plant collecting expeditions, as well as, horticulture capacity building
Assigns, leads and directs the work of volunteers to deliver and complete projects
Completes assigned tasks as needed in support of seasonal displays and annual flower shows
As assigned provides information/text for collections interpretation
Ensures that all tool storage areas and work areas are kept clean and tidy
Performs assigned weekend watering rotation duties
Performs snow removal on Garden grounds, when called upon, to maintain a safe environment for staff and visitors
Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately to supervisor
As assigned performs tours, gives presentations, and participate in media outreach (TV, radio, newspaper, etc.) when required
Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed and adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards
Performs other duties as assigned

Education:

Associate’s or B.S. degree in Horticulture, Biology, Botany and/or related field required
An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered

Qualifications/Experience:

Minimum of (5-7) years hands-on, relevant horticulture work experience required
Exceptional knowledge of plant material and landscape maintenance techniques with an emphasis in herbaceous perennials, bulbs, shrubs, trees and vines
Ability to organize and lead teams, problem solve and resolve team conflicts
Proven ability to convey technical concepts to other horticulturists, volunteers, and students
Proven ability to maintain plants and landscapes at an exceptional level
Proven ability to design landscapes with mission focused plant material and modify the growing environment to support plant diversity
Proven ability to add and maintain plant material to living collections to support conservation, research and education
Proven knowledge of and significant experience with living collections, curation and demonstrated excellence in plant recording
Knowledgeable in safe operating procedures of various landscaping tools and equipment and proficient in their maintenance
Strong knowledge of appropriate and effective watering practices for a wide range of plant material
Proficient ability to identify various plant fungus, pests and pathogens and apply sound, appropriate controls
Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively at all levels; must enjoy and feel comfortable interacting and working in close proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner answering questions about the living collections
Scheduling flexibility that allows working weekends and holidays for annual watering schedule and occasional snow and ice removal
Knowledge of and adherence to all health and safety guidelines
The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required