Specialty Orchid Grower

Job Description

Longwood Gardens is seeking a Specialty Orchid Grower to join our Horticulture team. Orchids have long held a prominent place at Longwood, as they were a passion of our founder Pierre S. du Pont and his wife, Alice, who were both charter members of the American Orchid Society. Started in the early 1920s, our orchid collection first consisted of plants the du Pont’s purchased extensively from American growers, as well as imported from growers in India, Thailand, and the Caribbean to England, France, and Belgium, and has grown throughout the years as many orchid enthusiasts have added to the original collection. What started with the passion of two people has grown into our current Orchid Collection of 5,000 plants representing 2,000 different taxa.

About Us

As one of the great gardens of the world located just 30 miles outside of Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens is rooted in a steadfast mission of bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Across our many departments, each and every staff member creates the magic that makes our Gardens distinctive. Our team of dynamic professionals is what sets us apart, and our spirit of legacy, innovation, and opportunity is what guides us. While beauty is our heart, our people are our soul.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Specialty Orchid Grower is responsible for curating and maintaining our prestigious living orchid collection and overseeing their immersive display in the historic Orchid House. Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring the Orchid Collection is cultivated at the highest standards of horticultural excellence, including precise repotting, meeting targeted cultural conditions by taxon, strict adherence to virus and pest management protocols, and detailed documentation of care.
• Continuing to elevate the renown of the Orchid Collection through thoughtful curation and alignment with the orchid management plan.
• Collaborating on novel hybrid development for displays and collection enhancement.
• Engaging with the horticultural community and the public to promote the importance of knowledge-sharing, conservation, and innovation in orchid cultivation through articles and presentations.
• Demonstrating leadership by staying current on best practices and technologies through regular professional development opportunities.
• Managing an annual budget for the care and maintenance of the orchid collection and ensuring fiscally sustainable practices are followed.
• Leading staff, students, and volunteers in orchid cultivation projects.
• Assisting with seasonal and special displays, snow operations, and committee involvement as needed.

Education and Experience

We seek an individual with exceptional horticultural expertise, creativity, and the ability to collaborate to ensure Longwood’s orchid collection inspires and educates visitors while supporting orchid conservation efforts. The ideal candidate will possess:

• A bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or related field.
• A minimum of 5 years as a greenhouse orchid grower with experience and expertise managing multiple orchid taxa.
• The ability to work independently and within a team setting.
• Ability to work on ladders and at elevated heights.
• A Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator License or the ability to obtain one within three months of hire.
• Ability to obtain a DOT card.
• A forklift operation certification or the ability to obtain within one month of hire.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for prolonged periods, and work in varied environmental conditions.
• Ability to work occasional weekends, holidays, and evenings.

Additional Information

Longwood Gardens is committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment that celebrates the complexities and differences of all living things. We welcome and respect diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. Diversity creates a more beautiful world, sparks innovation, and unites us.

Application Instructions

Please apply online at: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=181b5b63-e5e7-4ecf-8085-a1618c3e9975&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=552964&lang=en_US