Job description

Summary: Performs all responsible duties associated with production and maintenance of plants at consistent levels of high quality amongst nursery site(s) and greenhouses. Duties are directly related to production of woody and herbaceous plant material, annual display crops, and plants for the Garden flower shows. Ensures living collections development is to be implemented through legal and ethical plant acquisitions, appropriate plant production, and accurate plant recording.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Care and maintenance of all types of plant materials and seasonal crops (including but not limited to; watering, weeding, mulching, applying Integrated Pest Management (IPM), monitoring and scouting crops, growth regulator applications, achieving necessary plant nutrient levels, sowing seeds, sticking cuttings, dividing plants, grafting, transplanting, pruning,).

o Identify and correct nutrient deficiencies

o Ensure optimum temperature, light and humidity levels

o Identify and treat pests and diseases

o Adjusts irrigation systems, shade and ventilation

o Maintain proper soil/media fertility

o Sterilize and clean greenhouses and their contents periodically

• 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
• Utilize the Garden’s Living Collections Management System to aid in maintaining and developing plant collections

o Update the Living Collections Management Database when a plant status has changed

o Maintain highest standards of plant record keeping; ensure that plants are labeled with accession numbers and/or proper labels at all times

o Complete periodic inventories of the nursery and greenhouses

o May be responsible for timely and accurate data entry of plant orders

• Adheres to MBG’s living collections policy, collections acquisitions processes and collections focus
• Follow and be mindful of all appropriate legal and ethical processes when acquiring plants for the Garden; oblige with national and international permits and regulations including patent laws, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
• 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
• As assigned, provides information/text for collections interpretation
• Conduct tours, lead presentations and answer visitor’s questions about the Garden’s plant collections and displays; participate in media outreach (TV, radio, newspaper, etc.) when required
• Completes assigned tasks as needed in support of seasonal displays and annual flower shows
• Ability to remove snow, ice, leaves, and results of storm damage from work environment
• Ensure that all applicable safety standards are followed; adapt or modify work methods to reduce hazards; report all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately
• Ensures that all tool storage areas and work areas are kept clean and tidy
• Responsible for assigned weekend watering rotation duties
• Perform other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Competencies:

• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments prepared and on time
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings, as required
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively, using correct spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information
• Interpersonal - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly

Qualifications/Experience:

• Minimum of (3-4) years of hands on, relevant experience in plant production required
• Thorough understanding of greenhouse and nursery mechanical systems
• Demonstrated experience in producing various greenhouse and nursery crops – annuals, tropicals, holiday crops, woody and herbaceous plant material, etc.
• Strong knowledge of appropriate and effective watering practices for a wide range of plant material
• Foundational understanding of landscape design to assist in planning/scheduling of crops; thus, ensuring timely delivery
• Knowledge of living collections, curation, and plant recording
• Proficient ability to identify various greenhouse pests and pathogens, and apply sound, appropriate remedies; working knowledge regarding the use of biological pest controls is preferred
• Knowledge and application of greenhouse horticultural practices to include plant height control, day length sensitivity, pest management
• Proficient in operating and knowledge of safe operation procedures of various types of landscape maintenance equipment
• Proven ability to lead and direct the work of others to complete general projects, including but not limited to volunteers is required
• Demonstrates highest level of professional and ethical conduct; knowledge and understanding of organizational policies, procedures and systems
• Demonstrated 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 regarding horticulture inquiries
• Knowledge of and adherence to all health and safety guidelines
• Scheduling flexibility that allows working weekends and holidays as needed
• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive COVID-19 vaccinations by hire date, and the Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on community health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain visas, vaccinations and immunizations 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, Outlook)
• Solid Internet research skills.
• Ability to use e-mail to communicate with Garden staff in order to answer questions and service their needs

Other Skills and Abilities: N/A

Language Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English (verbal and written)
• Ability to read and understand pesticide and chemical labels

Mathematical Skills:

• Requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; 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 drivers and pesticide applicator licenses

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 80 lbs. (i.e., load, unload and move gardening supplies, medium to heavy weight tools and equipment)
• Must be able to work in high heat and humidity
• Requires standing, walking, bending, stooping and reaching for extended periods of time-- 80% or more of the workday is standing on feet
• Ability to transport cumbersome potted plants and trays of varying weights
• Ability to safely navigate narrow greenhouse aisles
• Ability to operate equipment including tractors, forklifts, utility vehicles, sprayers, cultivators, and mowing machinery
• Ability to wear Garden-issued Personal Protective Equipment
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb ladders, etc.)
• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing)

Work Environment:

• Ability to work in all weather conditions (i.e., humid conditions, temperatures over 100°F as well as temperatures below 0°F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed)
• Wet conditions much of the time as watering is frequent
• Knowledge of and adherence to all health and safety guidelines.
• Comfortable working in immediate proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering general questions regarding the Garden’s operations, events, facilities, etc.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:

• Garden employees, volunteers, guests, green industry vendors, and contractors

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