Manager

Job no: 495923 Work type: Full Time Location: Swarthmore Categories: Staff, Hourly (Non-Exempt), On Campus Responsibilities Horticultural Tasks Maintain plant collections by planting, weeding, mulching, pruning, fertilizing, irrigating, leaf raking, and other plant cultural practices with minimal supervision. Assist with design modifications, plant records, and plant curation as needed. Maintain specialty garden areas including Glade Garden, Harry Wood Garden, Nason Garden, Pinetum, Pollinators Garden, Singer Hall landscape, Winter Garden, magnolia and holly collections, green roofs, courtyard gardens, and major horticultural collections. Groundkeeping Duties Keep campus areas, turf, roads, sidewalks, and patios maintained efficiently and prioritize tasks for safety and aesthetics. Perform trash removal, irrigation, turf renovation, mowing, snow removal, and leaf raking to maintain safety and high horticultural aesthetics. Assist with special function setup and tear-down to prepare facilities for College- and Arboretum-hosted events. Be present for and assist in College emergencies, bad weather occurrences, and special functions to maintain campus safety. Community/Education Support Develop, lead or assist with Arboretum classes and lectures open to members, the public, and volunteers; give lectures as requested; assist with guided campus tours. Provide horticultural information to the public, members, and volunteers. Lead or assist with educational programs such as tours, lectures, conferences, sales, events, and alumni weekend tours as needed. Assist staff with various programs (e.g., evening lectures, Perennials and Woody Conferences, Greens Sales) as needed. Lend support to College professors, students, and educational departments in courses and laboratories that use plant collections, gardens, and Crum Woods. Additional Responsibilities Safely and proficiently use all hand gardening tools and train others to do the same. Safely and proficiently use grounds power equipment and train others, with proper training. Conduct educational sessions as requested by the Learning and Engagement staff. Occasionally write articles for the Arboretum’s quarterly Hybrid newsletter and contribute to the annual year-in-review report and departmental brochures as necessary. Cooperate in the function of the entire Facilities Management Department and assist in meeting departmental goals. Perform other job-related duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities Senior Horticulturist co‑supervises 1‑2 Horticulturist positions. Senior Horticulturist daily supervises 2‑7 volunteers, 1‑5 student workers, and 1‑3 summer interns; Horticulturist assists with daily supervision. Interactive Skills and Who You Are Build successful working relationships with coworkers and supervisors; project a positive image of Scott Arboretum & Gardens and Swarthmore College. Communicate readily and work effectively as part of a team. Work successfully with coworkers, interns, students, and Arboretum volunteers to accomplish departmental workload. Adapt to new work situations, people, ideas, procedures, and organizational structures in a constantly changing environment. Exhibit maturity, reliability, composure, and stability under pressure. Abide by a high standard of professional ethics to ensure organizational integrity. Demonstrate familiarity with identification and maintenance of a broad range of trees, shrubs, vines, herbaceous perennials, annuals, and turf grass; provide proper horticultural care efficiently. Make informed decisions regarding soils, fertilization, pruning, and planting to implement best management practices. Familiarity with common diseases, insects, weeds, and cultural problems of mid-Atlantic landscapes and turf. Knowledge of sustainable landscape and gardening practices related to soil and plant health. Basic knowledge of restoration processes and maintenance of natural areas such as Crum Woods, meadows, and storm water retention/detention basins. Physical Demands Lift up to 50 pounds frequently; carry a 35‑pound backpack sprayer for extended periods. Execute shoveling, pruning, and raking for extended periods; manipulate vibrating hand‑held power machinery for extended times. Perform kneeling, bending, squatting motions for extended times; work from a ladder for pruning and other plant care. Read and interpret pesticide labels, machinery safety manuals, and horticultural information; maintain written maintenance records. Working Conditions Work under harsh weather conditions and perform emergency storm‑related damage services. Be on campus during weather emergencies to support essential operations. Work occasional scheduled weekends and outside regular hours as needed or in case of emergency. Physical dexterity required year‑round; high productivity at a fast pace. Work with diverse crew, faculty, staff, and volunteers. Qualifications Senior Horticulturist Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related discipline; or a practical horticultural training course (two to four years) plus 3‑5 years of job‑related experience. Possess a Pennsylvania pesticide applicator’s license for appropriate categories or willingness to obtain one. Valid driver’s license. Familiarity with hand tools and grounds maintenance equipment. Preferred Qualifications: Five years or more of gardening/horticulture experience in addition to formal education. Experience working in a public garden or college campus setting. Horticulturist Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related discipline; or a practical horticultural training course (two to four years) plus 1‑3 years of job‑related experience. Preferred Qualifications: Three to five years of gardening/horticulture experience in addition to formal education. Experience working in a public garden or college campus setting. Professional & Security Requirements PA Criminal background check required for all staff positions prior to employment. MVR clearance required due to use of College‑owned motor vehicle for essential job responsibilities. Education verification required because a college degree is required. Compensation The market range for this position is $22.00‑$28.00 per hour for Horticulturist and $25.00‑$32.00 per hour for Senior Horticulturist. Salary offers are based on experience, education, departmental budget, internal equity, and market information. Benefits You’ll work at a renowned liberal arts college with a 420‑acre campus. The College contributes 10% of an employee’s salary to their retirement account, which is 100% vested upon participation. Additional benefits include tuition grants, tuition reimbursement, paid time off for staff, and a holiday schedule. (Other benefits are available through the College.) Swarthmore College is committed to creating a culture of respect and inclusion so that every member of our community feels a sense of belonging. We actively seek and welcome candidates with diverse perspectives and experiences. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any identity or characteristic protected by law or College policy. #J-18808-Ljbffr