Conservatory & Greenhouse Horticulturist
Full time position with benefits
Must be able and willing to work evenings and weekends, as needed. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The display of tropical plants at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden serves the Horticultural Mission and creates the dramatic contrast between exotic plants and a conventional southern landscape. The collection is grown and supported by approximately twelve thousand square feet of production greenhouses and is most prominently displayed in the Orchid Conservatory. The Conservatory is one of the Garden’s primary attractions and was built to showcase the Garden’s extensive collection of orchids. The Greenhouse Horticulturist is responsible for the permanent and rotating displays of tropical plants and orchids in the Conservatory. The Greenhouse Horticulturist is a Horticulturist within the department and expected to perform all levels of landscape and grounds maintenance. Garden Horticulturists are integrated company staff members and actively participate in all forms of Garden programs and events, especially exhibit installations and education. The Greenhouse Horticulturist participates in societies and shows to maintain an active connection to the local plant community.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES/TASKS:

• Directly responsible for the health, maintenance, display quality, rotation and reliable performance of all plants grown and stored in greenhouses, including the orchid collection and tropical plant inventory.
• Manages greenhouse structures, systems and operations to ensure proper plant health care and hygiene.
• Operates an active IPM program that includes scouting and both conventional and progressive control methods.
• Responsible for the successful establishment and growth of vegetative and woody cuttings taken from the Garden to be propagated or perpetuated for various purposes.
• Responsible for building and managing an inventory or saleable plants to support the Garden Store.
• Participates in orchid propagation and procurement to build and improve the collection.
• Responsible for plant labeling and tracking in accordance with established records management standards.
• Manages permanent and rotating displays of tropical plants in the Conservatory, including large trees and palms.
• Assists with design and planning for Conservatory displays and all seasonal and temporary exhibits.
• Oversees the training, scheduling and management of volunteers for greenhouse and Conservatory support.
• Performs all levels of landscape and grounds maintenance tasks, as required.
• Provides assistance with orchids and tropical plants for sale in the Garden Store.
• Creates seasonal and holiday displays in the Visitors’ Pavilion and various areas throughout the Garden, as assigned.
• Supports all Garden programs and events and serves as an active member on planning committees.
• Active involvement in educational programs, including tours, classes and presentations offered to daily guests and through special events.
• Understands the Garden Mission Statement and supports all Garden staff, departments and Garden Leadership in pursuing and achieving institutional goals.
• Understands the guest perspective and works to support and enhance the guest experience in every way.
• Serves as an external representative of the Garden and participates in local societies, as well as public shows and competitions.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS:

1. Job title of supervisor to whom the position reports: Director of Horticulture & Facilities
2. Job titles of those who report directly to this position: Volunteers, Interns and Contract Employees

CONTACTS:

As an employee of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, the individual selected for this position must make a commitment to the highest level of customer service to the Garden’s internal and external customers in every way.

Internal Customers: Immediate co-workers, Leadership Team, and all Garden departments

External Customers: Guests, Donors, Volunteers, vendors and other organizations and entities.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Well rounded knowledge of wide variety of plant species, including care and maintenance requirements.
• Experience in maintaining the highest level of horticulture standards.
• Ability to design and install plant-based displays.
• Working knowledge of the role of public horticulture.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with a diverse audience.
• Ability to prepare and lead horticultural classes and presentations.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends to meet Garden’s needs.
• Computer skills including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to produce a clean driving record.
• Willingness to wear a uniform and work outside.
• Must be willing to serve all of our guests equally regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity and/or sexual orientation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: