Temporary/Seasonal Horticulturalist

Career Opportunities with Franklin Park Conservatory

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Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers world-class horticulture, art & nature-based exhibitions and educational programs. The 13-acre indoor and outdoor facility—situated two miles from downtown Columbus—features glasshouses including the historic John F. Wolfe Palm House; botanical gardens including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden and Scotts Miracle Gro-Foundation Community Garden Campus; and event venues. The Conservatory is home to the largest collection of Chihuly glass in a botanical garden and Light Raiment II by internationally renowned artist James Turrell. Committed to the community, the Conservatory strives to provide an accessible and welcoming experience to all.

MISSION

As a premier botanical garden destination, we connect people to nature and create life enhancing experiences.

VISION

Envision a world that celebrates nature as essential to the human experience.

JOB SUMMARY

The Horticulturist is an important member of the Horticulture and Exhibitions team and will be responsible for horticulture maintenance of display gardens as well as seasonal exhibition installation. The Horticulturist will report to a horticulture team Manager and at times receive direction from Senior Horticulturist for general work coordination and daily assignments. They will also work with a team of Senior Horticulturists and Horticulture Assistants to maintain high profile spaces. The Horticulturist can work in a variety of areas to meet the needs and goals of the department but with a focus in a specialized, assigned zone within the property. This multifaceted position will involve maintaining plant collections according to collection goals, leading projects as needed, as well as coordinating and working alongside volunteers. The Horticulturist can play numerous roles and specializes in various aspects of Conservatory operations. This role supports departmental and facility goals, mission, and values with a strong emphasis on customer service.

Additional Information: This is a full-time non-exempt position. This position is eligible for the Conservatory's benefit package offered to full-time employees, which includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid Life/AD&D/Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance, participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement Program (OPERS), optional 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), and complimentary membership to the Conservatory.

Compensation: $19/hourly paid biweekly.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Prepares the property for daily public visiting hours.

Works hands on in cultivated gardens and natural ecosystems. This includes, but is not limited to: weeding, planting, pruning, mulching, watering, staking, dividing, and transplanting plants, path maintenance, mowing, fertilizing, pest and disease control and seasonal plant installations on FPCBG grounds.

Develops and administers plant maintenance programs and department work plans for efficient operations.

Monitors, reports and treats pests, diseases and environmental concerns within Integrated Pest Management program, including the use of pesticides and herbicides.

Develops knowledge and identification of plant collection, specializing in assigned areas or collections.

Works and coordinates with Senior Horticulturists and Designers to implement and maintain designs, installation and removal of seasonal flower displays, seasonal exhibits, and new permanent installations.

Provides information to the Plant Collections Specialist regarding plant accessions, removals, transfers, and label requirements. Labels plants in a timely manner, assists with the installation of signage and ensures the quality control of signage. This includes, but is not limited to: installation, straightening, cleaning, reporting and turning in damage signage.

Assists with training Horticulture Assistants, ensuring they can conduct horticulture maintenance practices correctly, effectively, and efficiently.

Supervises and trains volunteers and interns as well as creating and leading their work projects.

Interacts with the public, volunteers, employees, and peer institutions by answering questions, leading tours, public presentations, interviews, and TV appearances.

Supports marketing and electronic media programming including developing and facilitating informational topics as well as highlights of plant collections to share with the public.

Assists in irrigation program setting, minor repairs and troubleshooting issues.

Keeps inventory of tools and supplies, coordinates ordering and delivery of product while maintaining the budget.

Supports offsite storage organization and transporting props.

CREDENTIALS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Associates or Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, botany, or a related field OR 2 years of hands‑on experience with tropical plants with extensive knowledge in plant maintenance, watering techniques, plant identification, pest and disease identification and treatment as well as equipment use.

Demonstrated experience with leading projects.

Proficient in greenhouse/tropical house maintenance techniques, aquatic plant maintenance, including pruning techniques, irrigation repair, herbicide, pesticide and beneficial insect uses and applications.

Understanding tropical plant physiology, tropical soil systems and moisture management, experience with high humidity environments.

Ability to obtain and maintain ad valid Ohio Certified Pesticide Applicator’s License within 6 months of employment.

Ability to obtain and maintain Forklift Certification.

Valid Driver’s License with the ability to provide your own transportation to and from work sites as needed.

Ability and willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays and special events as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Demonstrates proficient written and verbal communication skills when sharing horticulture knowledge with a variety of audiences such as the public, employees, volunteers, and peer institutions.

Knowledge and proficiency in the use of basic software programs (Word, Excel, and Google Workspace).

Ability to develop, lead, and implement effective maintenance routine strategies with strong attention to detail.

Ability to install and maintain garden displays that ensure a high standard of plant health and display presentation.

Ability to lead and implement landscape and Conservatory designs.

Ability and willingness to apply chemicals and supervise others applying chemicals safely and correctly.

Team-focused with the ability to multitask, set priorities, manage time and meet deadlines, follow directions, and work independently.

Ability to work within budgets and support revenue goals.

Ability and willingness to perform hands‑on gardening and other duties in all types of weather, indoors and outdoors: heat and humidity, freezing temperatures, wind and rain.

Frequently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves materials weighing up to 50lbs to accomplish plant installations and maintenance.

Ability to operate lifts and ladders to ascend plant canopy for maintenance safely.

Ability to support the mission and values of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

Knowledge of tropical plant propagation methods, requirements for non‑soil plants, including mounting, epiphytic irrigation, and nutrient delivery.

Light intensity management of high light plants and low light/understory plants.

EEO Statement

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Conservatory does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, lactation status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other protected status. The Conservatory values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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