Job Description

TITLE: Assistant Horticulturist


DEPARTMENT: Horticulture

REPORTS TO: Director of Horticulture

GENERAL SUMMARY: The Assistant Horticulturist is responsible for providing horticultural support for show installation and day to day horticultural tasks indoors and out, incorporating best sustainable practices. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create a working environment that is inclusive, equitable and welcoming as we honor employee experiences, perspectives, and unique identities.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assist Display Horticulturists and managers by carrying out all horticultural duties as assigned in Conservatory display rooms, gardens and nursery areas, including but not limited to watering, deadheading, planting, mulching, pruning, fertilizing and integrated pest management, using best, most sustainable practices, with particular attention to detail.
2. Plant and install large hanging baskets, large trees and shrubs, and other show features. Act as team leader for these activities as required. Be aware of safety concerns and alert managers to any problems.
3. Assist with overall show install throughout the Conservatory. May give input and/or assist in design of rooms and/or gardens.
4. Perform indoor and outdoor pruning that is not contracted to arborist, both at the Conservatory and at other Phipps owned properties. Use of a scissor lift and tall ladders, up to 25', will be required.
5. Maintain plants in the nursery areas, under the direction of the production manager, including ball and bur lapping, watering, pruning, properly spacing,
6. Move plants and supplies as needed using bobcats, with attachments, as needed.
7. Troubleshoot garden problems and prioritize garden tasks.
8. Evaluate crops with other staff to determine future feasibility for displays.
9. Monitor, diagnose and treat insect, disease, physiological and cultural conditions, working with IPM specialist.
10. Assure all equipment is properly operated, maintained and stored.
11. May occasionally write articles, give tours, teach classes and assist with special events as required.
12. Respond to inquiries from the public regarding plants and care; maintain excellent customer relations.
13. Maintain Pennsylvania pesticide applicator license through appropriate and timely update training, being aware of credits needed.
14. Participate in weekend watering rotation.
15. Perform other activities and duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

1. Knowledge and practice of highest industry standards for planting, pruning and horticultural maintenance, incorporating sustainability in all areas.
2. Knowledge of a vast plant palette and ability to research the needs of individual crops in the employee's care. Ability to suggest suitable plants to add to displays, and ability to gather information to create an ideal environment for optimum health of displays.
3. Ability to diagnose problems that are physiologically based and/or stress related, anticipate what will occur under specific conditions (i.e., soil conditions, climate), and identify stresses and proactively implement solutions.
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
5. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
6. Computer skills - proficiency with Internet and email software. Working knowledge of Argus software a plus.
7. Strong attention to details.
8. Ability to prioritize and work independently.
9. Ability to work with the public and co-workers in a pleasant and courteous manner.
10. Must have a valid driver's license.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SENSORY DIMENSIONS

1. Physical mobility: sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, walking, pushing/pulling, lifting/carrying objects up to 50 pounds, climbing up to 25 feet, manual dexterity to operate keyboard.
2. Mental effort: reading, writing, analyzing and visualizing.
3. Sensory requirement: ability to communicate and respond to staff in a friendly and fair manner.
4. Strong work ethic in all areas of job performance.
5. Ability to communicate and respond both in person and over the phone to the general public, staff, volunteers and board members in a friendly, knowledgeable, professional manner.
6. Able to work under deadlines and stress.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Greenhouse and garden atmosphere - hot, humid, sun-filled climate.
2. Ability to provide own transportation to perform principal responsibilities.
3. May be called upon to work all shifts, weekends and/or holidays. Overtime may be required during the two - three weeks before all major shows.
4. Will have occasion to work in or pass through any area of the Conservatory or growing houses.

MINIMUM POSITION GUIDELINES (Education, Experience and Certification)

1. Minimum of Associates degree in horticulture or related field. Four-year horticulture degree preferred.
2. At least two years' experience in growing and maintaining plants in a professional capacity, using the highest industry standards.
3. Ability to acquire Pennsylvania pesticide applicator license within six months of hire.

Revisions, additions or deletions to this job description may be made at any point.

Job Tags

Weekend work, All shifts,

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