Horticulturist I - Outdoor North Gardens

Summary This position is responsible for the selection and addition of plant species into the Garden's Living Collections for assigned areas to support plant conservation and build research capacity. The living collection includes herbaceous perennials, bulbs, shrubs, trees, and vines, and a critical component of this position is the expansion of assigned collections according to MBG policies and guidelines. Design, installation and maintenance of landscapes and individual plants must be conducted to the highest standards. Researching and recording cultivation information is essential, as is using this information to modify the growing environment as necessary to ensure plant health. Accurate and detailed record keeping and plant labeling is critical. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Works with Supervisor to target and develop plant collections and landscapes according to Garden policy and area descriptions. Utilizes Index Seminum, the Garden's Targeting Database, and other resources to select species and develop the garden's collections. During species selection, conducts research entering information on plant habit and cultivation into the Targeting Database. Utilizes internal data sources such as the Living Collections Management System, Targeting Database and external data sources to aid in individual plant cultivation and landscape maintenance decisions. Records relevant procedures in Living Collections Management System to support integrity of records for short term operations and long term institutional knowledge. Exhibits the highest level of ethical conduct in obtaining and sharing plant material and ensures compliance with MBG policies. Performs 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. Performs a wide range of landscape/maintenance tasks important to the cultivation, preservation, protection and transplanting of existing plants; including but not limited to soil preparation, planting, staking, mulching, weeding, watering, fertilization, irrigation, pruning, training, IPM and pesticide application as needed. Understands, consistently monitors, and implements appropriate irrigation requirements for a variety of plant material and utilizes technology to tailor irrigation schedules to assigned collections. Requests propagation of plants in the collections to ensure survival, paying particular attention to rare and threatened species and those of wild origin. Applies landscape/maintenance tasks to ensure care of assigned garden areas meets Missouri Botanical Garden expectations. Plants and maintains displays in a manner that enables plant genetics and accessions data to be preserved and allows the public to easily distinguish plants when reading plant labels. Completes landscape designs and oversees the layout and installation of plant material. Plans, in advance, for minor and major landscape changes and requests plant material in time for it to be propagated and grown to size by nursery staff. Operates technical equipment, submits maintenance requests in a timely manner, and maintains general care of tools and equipment necessary for operations to include but not limited to vehicles, forklifts, pallet trucks, carts, lifts, Cushmans, tractors, cultivators, mechanical sprayers, and a variety of hand tools. Participates in field work locally, nationally and internationally for plant collecting expeditions, as well as, horticulture capacity building. Assigns, leads and directs the work of volunteers to deliver and complete projects. Completes assigned tasks as needed in support of seasonal displays and annual flower shows. Ensures that all tool storage areas and work areas are kept clean and tidy. Performs assigned weekend watering rotation duties. Performs snow removal on Garden grounds, when called upon, to maintain a safe environment for staff and visitors. Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately to supervisor. Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed and adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards. Maintains a professional demeanor, answering informal questions from the public as needed when working on Garden grounds. Meets expected attendance guidelines. Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies. Behaves & communicates 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. Performs other duties as assigned. Core Competencies Communication – Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations. Collaboration – Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences. Accountability – Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; Effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively address visitor and internal colleagues' concerns. Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision making process; Includes appropriate people in making decisions. Stewardship – Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes 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 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. Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively at all levels; must enjoy and feel comfortable interacting and working in close proximity to 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 our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your 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 be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is 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 100F as well as temperatures below 0F, 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 Manager, Landscape and Plant Collections #J-18808-Ljbffr