Garden and Arboretum Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary: The Garden and Arboretum Manager is the primary staff member dedicated to the management of Yew Dell’s gardens, plant collections and garden staff. The Garden and Arboretum Manager works closely with the Director of Horticulture and Facilities to develop long range and detailed work plans to insure optimal condition of the collections, to maximize the standard of horticulture and further the mission of Yew Dell. The Garden and Arboretum Manager provides mentoring, guidance and supervision to garden staff and supports Yew Dell’s institutional mission through involvement in and support of programming and events.

Job Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the Director of Horticulture and Facilities, set and implement long range plans for the development of Yew Dell’s gardens and plant collections.
• Ensure Yew Dell’s plant collections remain current, cutting edge and representative of new plant trends
• Implement an efficient and effective system to maintain Yew Dell’s gardens in show condition
• Plan, plant and manage seasonal plant and garden displays
• Manage plant database and mapping systems so they remain up to date, accurate and provide the necessary information to support the organization
• Manage and maintain garden and arboretum budget lines
• Supervise and manage scheduling of garden staff
• Work with the Volunteer and Education Coordinator to recruit, retain, train and efficiently utilize garden volunteers.
• Provide occasional garden tours, lectures, classes and workshops
• Field horticulture questions and inquiries from the public and media
• Provide horticulture information to support development, marketing and event efforts
• Collaborate with other Yew Dell staff in planning and implementation of Yew Dell events, classes and other programs
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications/Requirements:

• A two or four-year degree in horticulture or a related field, and at least five years of experience in garden management
• Excellent knowledge of woody and herbaceous ornamental plants
• Strong enthusiasm for plants, gardens and education of the public and green industry members about horticulture
• Efficient and productive work style that maximizes the use of limited resources
• Openness to and enthusiasm for leaning new techniques, products and approaches
• Ability to work well in a team environment with other Yew Dell staff, board, committee members and volunteers
• Ability to effectively supervise staff and volunteers
• Excellent communication skills, including a positive attitude with staff, volunteers, and visitors
• Strong computer skills
• Ability to be on foot for long periods of time and lift up to 50 pounds
• Must be willing to work non-standard hours as needed including weekend and evening hours
• Must have transportation to attend meetings, events and various functions as required

Yew Dell Botanical Gardens is an internationally-recognized center of gardening, plants and education, all offered in a stunning site of significant historical importance. Originally the home, gardens and commercial nursery of the late Theodore Klein and his family, Yew Dell Botanical Gardens now offers the public exceptional display gardens, an ambitious slate of education programs and community events, ongoing garden plant research, woodland trails and event rental opportunities.

Almost immediately following Klein’s death in 1998, development pressures began to threaten the property, which had been zoned industrial. Recognizing the unique attributes of Yew Dell, a board of community volunteers raised the funds to purchase the property, and then began the longer term plan to restore Yew Dell and share its treasures with the public. The unique nature of the property was further recognized by The Garden Conservancy, a national non-profit dedicated to saving America’s most unique gardens. The Conservancy named Yew Dell a Preservation Project, at the time one of only nine such projects in the nation. In 2010 Yew Dell was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Company Description

Yew Dell Botanical Gardens is an internationally-recognized center of gardening, plants and education, all offered in a stunning site of significant historical importance. Originally the home, gardens and commercial nursery of the late Theodore Klein and his family, Yew Dell Botanical Gardens now offers the public exceptional display gardens, an ambitious slate of education programs and community events, ongoing garden plant research, woodland trails and event rental opportunities.\r\n\r\nAlmost immediately following Klein’s death in 1998, development pressures began to threaten the property, which had been zoned industrial. Recognizing the unique attributes of Yew Dell, a board of community volunteers raised the funds to purchase the property, and then began the longer term plan to restore Yew Dell and share its treasures with the public. The unique nature of the property was further recognized by The Garden Conservancy, a national non-profit dedicated to saving America’s most unique gardens. The Conservancy named Yew Dell a Preservation Project, at the time one of only nine such projects in the nation. In 2010 Yew Dell was added to the National Register of Historic Places.