Horticulturist

Horticulturist Opportunity at Holden Arboretum

The Horticulture & Collections department seeks a horticulturist who is responsible for applying advanced horticultural principles to design, maintain, and enhance landscapes, ensuring plants thrive under optimal conditions including those for rhododendrons and other low pH plants. This role involves leading the planning, supervision, and upkeep of designated garden areas in close collaboration with gardeners, volunteers, and other horticultural staff. The horticulturist plays a key role in both short-term and long-term planning, aligning with the gardens' strategic goals, and is instrumental in setting and achieving departmental objectives. They are proactive in developing, implementing, and supervising garden improvements, as well as planning and scheduling garden-related tasks. Additionally, the horticulturist shares their expertise by conducting tours, teaching classes, and contributing to social media efforts. They work closely with other HF&G departments to foster a positive, team-oriented environment that enhances customer service and the overall aesthetic quality of the gardens.

Position details:

• Reports to the director of arboretum horticulture
• Full-time, non-exempt position
• 40 hours a week guaranteed Monday – Friday 7am – 3:30 pm
• Medical, dental, vision benefits

Key Responsibilities

• Cares for and guides the maintenance of various woody and herbaceous plant materials within assigned core garden area
• Knowledge and experience of ericaceous plants such as rhododendrons and others that require low pH soil
• Plans, leads, and oversees garden projects, including developing work plans for tasks such as soil preparation, planting, watering, fertilizing, bed renovation, mulching, staking, edging, thinning, and weed control
• Maintains and updates AOP (annual operating plan) document for assigned garden, designing and creating planting plans using a curatorial framework
• Conducts soil assessment, provides fertilization and amelioration guidance
• Performs structural, deadwood, and rejuvenation pruning
• Manages planting, pruning, and design of assigned garden area
• Maintains pesticide records in compliance with ODA requirements
• Identifies pests and diseases, applies treatments, and takes corrective action
• Manages day-to-day activities of gardener(s), seasonal gardener(s), intern(s) and, 1 or more volunteers
• Proficient in use of industry specific mechanical, electric and hand powered tools and equipment, including tractor with bucket loader and fork attachments
• Inspects and maintains small equipment in safe operating condition, including sharpening and storage. Reports broken and damaged equipment when appropriate
• Engages with donors and board members as requested
• Leads and assists with horticulture-related contributions to exhibits in collaboration with the exhibits & events team as requested
• Reviews and sets priorities based on shared criteria and discussions with supervisors
• Identifies and implements sustainable horticulture and department practices
• Assists with the design, installation and maintenance of interior and exterior exhibits associated with special shows and events
• Assists with labeling plants on the grounds, specifically in areas of focus
• Formal record keeping (IPM, training, curatorial docs etc.)
• Helps maintain a safe and productive working environment
• Monitors and makes small repairs to above ground portion of assigned irrigation system
• Ability to travel regionally and nationally as requested
• Performs other duties as required by supervisor

Public Outreach

• Positively interacts with guests, members, and the public to create a welcoming atmosphere
• Shares horticulture and gardening expertise with other professionals and laypersons through classes, workshops, public tours, educational displays, printed publications, participation in conferences and relevant organizational meetings.

Qualifications and Skills

• Degree in horticulture, landscaping, botany, perennial plant production, ecologically informed horticulture and/or related fields
• Significant practical horticulture experience in a garden of merit and deep plant knowledge will be considered in lieu of a degree
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in landscaping, garden maintenance or related field; previous work experience in public horticulture gardens, a plus
• Broad range of plant knowledge including nomenclature, husbandry, pruning, and required cultural conditions
• Experience working in woodland gardens and with plants that require shade, highly desired
• Knowledge of plant taxonomy and ability to use a dichotomous key
• Demonstrated experience in garden design preferred
• A passion for nature, plants, the environment, and the outdoors with interest in working outdoors year-round performing manual labor in all weather conditions
• Possess strong collaboration skills and openness for cross-departmental teamwork
• Work independently as well as on a team
• Possess strong oral and written communication skills and proficiency with computer software: Microsoft 365 products, including Word and Excel
• Maintain a valid driver's license and acceptable vehicle record (2 or less points or violations)
• Proficient in use of industry specific power tools and equipment

Physical Requirements

• Willing and able to operate small power equipment and perform strenuous, hands-on work year-round, in all types of weather conditions.
• Working outdoors or indoors where the ambient temperature spans 0-100 degrees Fahrenheit
• Transporting oneself by foot over a variety of terrain that may be wet, slippery, uneven and/or rocky.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel and crouch; use hand or finger, handle or feel objects, tools, and controls, reach with hands and arms, and have the ability to talk and hear.
• The ability to exert 50 pounds of force regularly and be able to transport oneself by foot over a variety of terrain that may be wet, slippery, uneven, rocky.