Lead Horticulturist
Full-time position with benefits
Position requires some evenings and weekends
Starting rate of pay:  approximately $17.00/hour

POSITION SUMMARY:

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is a nationally distinguished public garden known for its vibrant and eclectic collection of plants and elegant seasonal displays. The Garden includes over nine acres of outdoor display beds, including formal gardens, perennial gardens and annual display beds. The Lead Horticulturist is an elevated and distinguished member of the professional horticultural staff that is primarily responsible for maintaining the highest quality display at all times. The Lead Horticulturist must manage time, space and resources to identify and address the most relevant maintenance needs of the large and dynamic plant collection. The Lead Horticulturist is a production oriented position within the department and provides leadership to others in the Horticulture Department while performing all levels of landscape and grounds maintenance. All levels of Garden Horticulturists are integrated company staff members and actively participate in all forms of Garden programs and events, especially exhibit installations and education.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES/TASKS:

• Maintains all public garden areas to be safe, tidy and a daily representation of the highest level of horticultural display and maintenance standards.
• Directly oversees Horticulturists and Landscape Technicians when and as engaged in proper outdoor horticulture including group projects and department-wide shifts and initiatives; supervisory role and responsibilities does not extend to management and scheduled work in the Orchid Conservatory or production greenhouses.
• Fulfills the Expectations for Managers and Supervisors in the direct supervision of the professional outdoor horticulturists, including scheduling, daily production management and performance evaluations, as well as disciplinary action and performance improvement plans, as needed.
• Manages herbaceous perennials for health and reliable and persistent bloom quality. Manages perennial plant containment and migration.
• Manages woody shrubs and small trees for health, structure and scale, as well as display quality.
• Coordinates large tree management and removals with the Director of Horticulture.
• Maintains display gardens to be relatively weed free.
• Understands and supports the original design intent of separate gardens and garden areas.
• Identifies projects and renovations and coordinates project execution with the Director of Horticulture.
• Drafts a Weekly Production Schedule for the following week by end-of-day on Thursdays.
• Maintains the Annual Maintenance Calendar to include records of seasonal maintenance and horticultural best practices, as well as planning and production milestone dates.
• Assists the Director of Horticulture with design development for seasonal outdoor displays.
• Supports the bi-annual rotation and maintenance of approximately ten thousand square feet of annual display beds, including bed preparation, weeding and pinching and pruning.
• Performs hand-watering, as required.
• Supports an active IPM program that includes scouting and both conventional and progressive control methods.
• Administrates the Horticulture Staff function within the Collections Management Program.
• Generates regular plant lists to highlight seasonal interest.
• Manages the Horticulture Staff function within the Plant Questions Procedure.
• Monitors the volunteer schedule on a daily basis and ensures that staff is prepared for volunteer support; posts volunteer schedule on a regular basis; serves as the primary liaison to the Education Department with respect to volunteer management.
• Provides administrative support to the Director of Horticulture including, but not limited to purchasing and procurement.
• Performs all levels of landscape and grounds maintenance, as required.
• Supports all Garden programs and events.
• Active involvement in educational programs, including tours, classes and presentations.
• 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
2. Job titles of those who report directly to this position:  Outdoor Horticulturists and Landscape Technicians, Volunteers, Interns and Contract Employees

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to provide leadership to others, including teaching, engaging and motivating staff and volunteers. 
• Well rounded knowledge of a wide variety of plant species, including knowledge and experience of southern/hardy plants, annual/seasonal displays and design, and maintenance of these plants. 
• Ability to prioritize, organize schedules/tasks and think proactively. 
• Experience in maintaining the highest level of horticulture standards.
• Willingness to promote safety in the workplace.
• 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.
• Willingness to perform other duties, as assigned.
• 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.
• Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background check. 
• Willingness to wear a uniform and work outside in various weather conditions. 
• 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