Position Purpose

The Horticulturist position at Garden in the Woods supports the daily and seasonal operations needs of the Horticulture Department through dedicated work in the gardens with interns and volunteers to continue the high standard of ecological horticulture that Garden in the Woods is recognized for. This position collaborates closely with the members of the Horticulture Department to realize seasonal and long-term goals for the organization. Work with other departments to support the mission of the organization is encouraged.

Essential Job Functions

Horticulture and Garden Management (70%)

• Ensure garden displays are maintained to the highest ecological horticultural standards, including aesthetics, ecological horticulture, plant health, and educational value. 
• Work with the Director of Horticulture and Senior Horticulturist to recommend and implement garden renovation and maintenance projects.
• Execute the daily and weekly maintenance goals as set by the Senior Horticulturist, which includes weeding/editing, planting, caring for pathways and trails, seasonal tasks, and pruning.
• Maintains records of changes and proposed ideas within the garden based on bed locations.
• Works closely with seasonal interns and volunteers to instruct and inspire best practices of ecological horticulture. 
• Generates project ideas for interns and volunteers to complete
• Generates ideas for Hort staff field trips and assists Senior Horticulturist with planning and logistics
• Works with Production Horticulturist to collect target species seed from Garden in the Woods and wild spaces

Facilities Management and General Operations (30%)

• Assists with the timely maintenance of garden vehicles and equipment
• Assists with implementing facilities projects
• Performs annual inventory of garden tools, hand tools, and equipment
• Assists department colleagues with group projects throughout the garden
• Collaborates with other departments to support event and retail logistics
• Collaborates with the Conservation Department to achieve ex-situ goals at Garden in the Woods
• Supports Public Programs through teaching classes and leading garden tours
• Contributes to the overall visitor experience by sharing knowledge and enthusiasm about plants
• To perform other duties as assigned. 

Skills, Experience, Education, and Certifications

• Working knowledge of the flora of the Northeast and a passion to learn more
• Excellent record-keeping skills
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Enthusiasm for working with others
• Ability to work in all weather and to perform the manual labor associated with gardening
• Associate degree or equivalent certificate in a relevant field with 2 years experience. Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Proficiency with computer platforms and written communication including the use of Google Suite (Gmail, Google Meet, Google Calendar), Powerpoint, Excel, and IrisBG or similar collection management databases.

Physical Demands and Work Environment Factors

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Lift objects of at least 20 lbs. 
• Perform manual labor for long periods of time, and may use repetitive wrist and hand motions involved in raking, shoveling, planting, weeding, and pruning. 
• Reach with hands and arms, and bend over to work with plants on the ground.  
• Engage in work that requires close vision and color vision. 
• Have close visual contact with a computer monitor
• Work outdoors during all seasons and weather conditions as long as their safety is not compromised. 
• Walk, stand, kneel, crawl, and bend while standing on uneven ground.