Horticulturist I - Outdoor Turf Maintenance

Full‑time, Year‑round Position Summary: Performs all duties associated with the maintenance and care of turf and outdoor landscaping. Duties are directly related to the installation and care of the turf and landscaping in all areas of the garden, including off‑site Garden‑owned properties. Installation and maintenance of landscapes and individual plants must be conducted to the highest standards. Accurate and detailed record keeping and plant labeling is critical. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Perform a wide range of landscape/maintenance tasks important to the preservation, protection and transplanting of existing turf and landscape features; including but not limited to mowing, edging, line‑trimming, blowing, soil preparation, planting, seeding or sodding, mulching, grading, irrigation, fertilization and pesticide application and soil testing as needed. Identify low areas, potholes, and other trip hazards present in turf and mitigate filling and reseeding as appropriate. Assist with contractor coordination for turf repair required following annual events. Maintain meadow areas and naturalized bulb collections and add to these through selection and acquisition of plant material in line with MBG plant collections development activities. Perform and assist with irrigation auditing as required. Oversee and be responsible for specific areas in the assigned mowing schedule in day‑to‑day operations. Perform seasonal tasks as assigned including leaf mulching, tree maintenance, weeding, flower show set‑up and maintenance, and snow/ice removal. Assist with the maintenance of main site plantings including but not limited to planting, pruning, weeding and mulching. Help with installation and maintenance of floral display shows. Perform plant record keeping at the highest level ensuring that all plants in the collection have accession labels at all times and all maintenance information regarding the collection (i.e., new plantings, divisions, moves, deaths, etc.) is up to date at all times. Exhibit the highest level of ethical conduct in obtaining and sharing plant material and ensure compliance with MBG policies. Understand, consistently monitor, and implement appropriate irrigation requirements for a variety of plant material and utilize technology to tailor irrigation schedules to assigned collections. Maintain general care of mowers and landscaping tools, horticultural tools, and technical equipment, including lubricating and general cleaning. Refer more serious problems to Supervisor. Ensure all applicable safety standards are followed. Adapt or modify work methods to reduce hazards, and report all accidents, injuries and near‑miss accidents immediately. Answer questions from visitors and direct them to further assistance, as needed. Meet expected attendance guidelines. Follow and adhere to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies. Behave and communicate in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others. Perform other duties as assigned. Core Competencies Communication – Listen to others and ask questions for clarification; write clearly and present information accurately; speak professionally and respond well to questions; support positive visitor relations. Collaboration – Demonstrate teamwork and promote respect in the workplace; engage in problem solving and group initiatives; cooperate in implementing procedures and process improvements; strive for positive visitor experiences. Accountability – Demonstrate commitment to responsibilities and adaptability to changes; effectively prioritize, troubleshoot and take appropriate actions; follow policies and procedures, meet deadlines, quality, and safety standards; proactively address visitor and internal colleague concerns. Problem Solving – Identify and resolve problems; include supervisor before taking action as necessary; recommend solutions, demonstrate creativity and resourcefulness; exhibit sound and accurate judgment in decision‑making; include appropriate people in making decisions. Stewardship – Promote and adhere to sustainability, safety and security protocols; foster a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; demonstrate effective and prudent use of Garden resources; maximize contributions during work hours. Qualifications / Experience Minimum of (3‑4) years hands‑on, relevant horticulture work experience required. Knowledge of plant material and landscape maintenance techniques with an emphasis in Turf, herbaceous perennials, bulbs, shrubs, trees and vines. Knowledgeable in safe operating procedures of various landscaping tools and equipment and proficient in their maintenance. Knowledge of appropriate and effective watering practices for a wide range of plant material. Proficient ability to identify various plant fungus, pests and pathogens and apply sound, appropriate controls. Proven ability to convey technical concepts to other Garden staff and volunteers. Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively at all levels; must enjoy and feel comfortable interacting and working in close proximity to the general public, in a safe and friendly manner answering questions about the living collections. Scheduling flexibility that allows working weekends and holidays for annual watering schedule and occasional snow and ice removal. Knowledge of living collections, curation and plant recording. Knowledge of and adherence to all health and safety guidelines. The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of its employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by their healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries as required. The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Education Associate's or B.S. degree in Horticulture, Biology, Botany and/or related field required. An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered. Computer Skills Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Word, Excel and Outlook Email). Ability to enter data into spreadsheets and databases. Solid internet research skills required. Mathematical Skills Requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and to calculate percentages and decimals. Reasoning Ability Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Ability to possess and maintain valid driver's and pesticide applicator's licenses. Must have the ability to pass a background screening and motor vehicle report (MVR) to meet minimum insurance underwriting criteria. Physical Demands Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. (i.e., load, unload and move gardening supplies, medium to heavy weight tools and equipment). Must be able to work in bright sunshine with probable high UV levels and must be able to work outdoors year‑round. May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb ladders, lift operation, etc.). Requires standing, walking, bending, stooping and reaching for extended periods of time—80% or more of the workday is standing on feet. Ability to wear Garden issued Personal Protective Equipment. Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing). Work Environment Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (i.e., in temperatures over 100°F as well as temperatures below 0°F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed). Actively works hands‑on to complete landscape maintenance tasks. Comfortable working in immediate proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions. Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden Garden employees, volunteers, guests, Green Industry vendors and contractors. National and international botanical institutions, government agencies, and conservation divisions. Supervisor: Supervisor, Horticulture – Turf #J-18808-Ljbffr AgHires