Assistant Curator

Locations: 4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL, 33620, US Job Description The Assistant Curator supports the planning, maintenance, and development of plant collections within the Botanical Gardens. This role assists in implementing horticultural standards, maintaining cultivation records, and supporting educational programming. The position also contributes to land management efforts and public engagement through tours and interpretive content. This position works directly under the supervision of the Curator and trains and supervises volunteers, interns, and federal work‑study students to assist with these duties. Maintenance of the plant collections includes planting, pruning, fertilizing the plants in accordance with industry guidelines. Responsibilities Assist in maintaining plant collections to high horticultural standards. Support land management activities related to native and invasive species. Implement best practices for plant health and care. Contribute to seasonal and container planting designs. Plants, prune, and fertilize plants within the Botanical Gardens' collections. Monitor irrigation system and water as needed. Treat plants for insect and disease issues using appropriate chemicals and/or agents. Weed plant beds and mulch them as appropriate. Monitor plants in the Plant Shop, re‑pot plants into appropriate containers, and restock propagated plants as needed. Train and supervise volunteers to assist with the activities listed above. Work with the Curator to supervise interns and federal work‑study students. Assist in the review and editing of student work products. Organize volunteer work assignments including Plant Festivals and special events. Collaborate with Program Assistant on educational content and visitor engagement. Participate in public tours and talks about the Botanical Gardens. Maintain collections' database. Operate signage machinery and produce landscape signage as needed. Perform other duties as needed. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor of Science degree in a related field (e.g., botany, plant biology, horticulture) At least 1–2 years of experience maintaining plant collections or nursery operations Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.

• a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree
• b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree
• c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree
• d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree
• e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree

Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position. Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Basic horticultural design and plant care knowledge Knowledge of planting, pruning, fertilizing, and mowing Ability to identify native and invasive plant species Competence in maintaining plant records and databases Strong communication skills for public engagement Ability to assist with educational programming Preferred Qualifications Familiarity with Florida native and invasive species ISA certification (e.g., Certified Arborist) FDACS certified Pesticide Application license desired, but not required Compliance and Federal Notices This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodations in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process. This job description does not constitute an employment contract. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of South Florida