Succulent Plant Propagator

Job Overview Working under the supervision of and reporting to the Bernie and Miyako Storch Curator of the Desert Garden and Collections, maintains and oversees the Desert Collections in the Desert Collections Nurseries and performs related specialty tasks. Ensures that assigned areas maintain high standards. Essential Duties Curation Assists the Curator and colleagues in improving the quality of existing collections. Collaborates with Plant Recorder to ensure that all Desert Collections accessions are properly documented and tracked in the database. Collaborates with Plant Recorder and nursery staff to assure that all plants under their care in the Desert Collections are properly labelled. Constantly improves quality of information in records. Horticulture Responsible for overall quality of plants in the Desert Collections nurseries utilizing best horticultural practices. Maintains Desert Collections nurseries including grooming, repotting, watering, and fertilizing. Works with nursery staff and volunteers dedicated to the Desert Collections in pursuit of the above goals. Contributes to overall quality and professional operation of the Desert Collections in accordance with the Living Collections Policy. Advocates for resources and support, establishing best practices, achieving highest possible standards, and supporting the well‑being of the Huntington. Builds and maintains associations with other institutions and collectors that support capacity to build collections. Research and Conservation Ensures collections are propagated in support of preservation, conservation, research, display, interpretation, exchange, introduction, and distribution through the International Succulent Introductions (ISI) program. Assists the Curator in promoting and exchanging material with other institutions, collectors, and researchers, through ISI, reciprocal exchange, and sales. May assist in hosting researchers to interpret our collections and provide materials to further their research. Education and Interpretation Contributes to advancing understanding and appreciation of Huntington collections by horticultural use, experimentation, and ongoing engagement with researchers and the public. Assists with interpretation of the collections through collaboration with Communications/Education via printed and digital media, lectures, conferences, etc. Candidate Requirements and Experience Experience with propagation of a broad array of plant types including succulents. Minimum five years’ horticultural experience. Knowledge of plant taxonomy and succulents. Knowledge of legal restrictions pertaining to succulents and the Desert Collections. Excellent communication skills. Ability to collaborate productively with a wide range of coworkers and colleagues, specialists and researchers in botany. May need to work varied hours, on weekends, or evenings for events such as cactus shows, conferences, and lectures. B.A. or higher degree in botany, horticulture or related field preferred. Working Conditions Expect to work outdoors daily in all weather conditions. Rain gear and watering boots will be provided. Expect to wear clothing and footwear appropriate for exposure to soil in wet or dusty conditions. Must be able to stand for long periods of time, stoop, bend, and lift up to 25 pounds. Compensation & Benefits Pay Range: $23.00–$26.00 per hour, commensurate with experience. Medical, Dental, Vision coverage. 403(b) retirement plan and matching retirement plan with an outstanding employer match. Hybrid remote work schedule available for applicable positions. Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and holidays. Discounts for staff in The Huntington Store and restaurants. Free admission to various museums and cultural institutions. Free passes each month to welcome family and friends to visit the grounds. Equal Employment Opportunity The Huntington is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law. #J-18808-Ljbffr