Horticulturist

Horticulturist

Position Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $25.00 - $27.00/hour

About Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, the former home of George and Martha Washington, is owned and maintained by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, the oldest national historic preservation organization in the United States.

Founded in 1853 by Ann Pamela Cunningham, the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association pioneered the preservation of a historic American site for future generations. Today, the Association works to preserve, restore, and manage the Mount Vernon estate to the highest standards while educating visitors and people around the world about the life and legacies of George Washington.

Position Summary

The Horticulturist is a full-time, non-exempt status position, working within the Gardens and Landscapes Department under the direct supervision of the Senior Manager of Horticulture. The Horticulturist supports the overall mission of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association and the Department to preserve, care for, and interpret the Association's historic, cultural, and natural resources. The Horticulturist helps care for the estate's historic gardens. Responsibilities include: planting, pruning, harvesting, applying soil amendments, water management, and weed and pest control.

Essential Duties

Areas of responsibility may include, and are not limited to, the: Botanic Garden, Sundries Field and Slave Cabin Garden, Grist Mill, Fruit and Nursery Garden, Lower Garden, Upper Garden, and landscape areas. Incumbent will collaborate with Historic Trades staff to provide interpretive support for activities at the Farm site, and will also assist with projects in the Upper and Lower Gardens, Fruit and Nursery Garden, and the historic and non-historic landscape as needed.

• Tasks include: daily inspection of gardens and walkways; planning, planting, harvesting, pruning, applying soil amendments; water management; debris removal; weed and pest control; mulching; and assisting with invasive plant management.
• Uses current best practices and responsible stewardship when performing the tasks outlined above.
• Work with team members to identify and control insects, diseases, and weeds. Apply insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides safely and properly, and maintain pesticide records.
• Understands basic soil structure and soil health, and the relationship to plant health.
• Operates and maintains equipment and power tools as needed.
• Maintains records of work activities and submits information for monthly reports.
• Responsible for staying up-to-date and informed on the latest horticultural practices and pesticides.
• Interacts positively with visitors, answering questions and giving directions.
• Practices and maintains safety standards and procedures in all work areas and assures others' work safely as well.
• Works independently and with minimum supervision; however, certain tasks require the individual to work closely with other departmental staff in a team setting.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation within the Gardens and Landscapes department and throughout the Estate, with co-workers, management, and volunteers.
• Conducts all work in accordance with the Mount Vernon Ladies Association's procedures and guidelines.
• Performs other related duties as requested by the immediate supervisor and carries out the completion of special assignments.
• This position is classified as essential, and the incumbent must be able to participate in ice and snow removal and storm-damage clean-up as needed.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in horticulture or a related field of study; a minimum of two years' work experience in horticulture, or a similar field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in planting, growing, and harvesting vegetables and field crops.
• Knowledgeable in the cultivation practices of native and non-native trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, and possess an awareness of environmental practices that enhance local ecosystems.
• The ability to identify invasive plants and experience with controlling them is a plus.
• Ability to implement proper pruning techniques for all types of woody plants.
• Experience in operating a variety of equipment, including assorted hand and power tools, chainsaws, electric and diesel gators, tractors, loaders, aerial lifts, and dump trucks, is ideal.
• A background in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, experience, and knowledge of pesticides, including the proper application of pesticides and possession of or the ability to obtain a Virginia pesticide applicator's license, is essential for this position.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to perform strenuous work in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme high and low temperatures.
• Work requires frequent walking, standing, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, and the ability to navigate uneven terrain.
• The incumbent will frequently handle objects weighing up to 30 pounds (occasionally 50 pounds) unassisted. On a regular basis, drag, lift, and carry heavy debris and watering hoses, and load or unload heavy items from powered and hand-operated carts.
• Must be available to work occasional weekends, holidays, and evenings.
• Valid driver's license.

Work Environment

This role is performed entirely outdoors and is subject to a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and humidity. Exposure to pollen, dust, and various plant materials is common. The environment may be noisy due to equipment use.

Physical Requirements

• The employee must be able to stand, walk, bend, crouch, push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Use of hands and arms to operate landscaping tools and machinery is required.
• The role involves repetitive tasks and physical exertion throughout the day.

Benefits

• 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
• Employee recognition at 5 years of service
• Monthly employee events
• Employee referral program
• On-site Library
• Discount on Public Event Tickets
• Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops
• Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and The General's Canteen
• Free parking
• Health, Vision, and Dental insurance
• Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Paid leave for sick time, vacation, and Holidays
• Flexible spending account for medical care

Mount Vernon is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Mount Vernon will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.