Conservation Horticulture Coordinator

~ Since the Garden opened its doors in 1976, it has become the emerald jewel in the crown of Atlanta culture. The Garden is an ever-evolving destination where the horticulturally-minded, nature-inspired and fun-seeking families come together to feel human again. ~

Renowned plant collections, beautiful displays and spectacular exhibitions make the Atlanta Botanical Garden the loveliest place in the city to visit. An urban oasis in the heart of Midtown, the Garden includes 30 acres of outdoor gardens, an award-winning Children’s Garden, the serene Storza Woods highlighted by a unique Canopy Walk, and the picturesque Skyline Garden.

The Gainesville location, opened in 2015, celebrates years of planning and development of one of North Georgia’s most beautiful landscapes aimed at connecting visitors with both the natural world and cultural amenities. It is home to the largest conservation nursery in the Southeast.

Position Overview

The Conservation Horticulture Coordinator focuses on native plant collections curation, propagation, and orchid/carnivorous conservation field research. The Conservation Horticulture Coordinator works in a team environment to coordinate daily horticultural operations at both the Midtown Atlanta location and the 3-acre conservation nursery in Gainesville, Georgia. The role requires attention to detail, excellent records maintenance, and the ability to coordinate conservation efforts with diverse groups of partners.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates horticultural activities with 2 conservation horticulture staff and several volunteers.
• Manages Conservation Horticulturist at Midtown location and works collaboratively with Safeguarding Nursery Coordinator in Gainesville, GA.
• Coordinate and carry out daily horticulture operations such as watering, fertilizing, repotting, and preparing plants.
• Coordinate and implement daily IPM techniques to collections and production materials.
• Design and carry out germination and optimization experiments independently or in a team environment.
• Coordinate movement of plant materials between Atlanta/Gainesville with conservation horticulture staff.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments, spray/fertilizer applications, and distribution of plant materials.
• Document standard operating procedures for germination and horticultural production of rare and threatened species.
• Analyze experimental data and provide written reports, presentations, and publications.
• Provide training and guidance to other members of staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Conduct training workshops for partners, collaborators, university students, and national and international interns.
• Assist in the development of conservation projects, including grant writing, reporting, and research/collection permitting.
• Coordinate and execute horticultural integration in ex-situ conservation efforts.
• Coordinate and manage several in situ projects across the region focused on native orchids and carnivorous plants – including conducting out-planting, monitoring, permitting, and arranging partners for fieldwork.
• Coordinate and assist with management of Conservation Collections - focusing on imperiled native plants from the southeastern US, native orchids, and carnivorous plants.
• Assist with the continued development of collections via (field) seed and plant collections.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree (preferred) or B.S. in Horticulture, or closely related science.
• Minimum of 4 years’ hands-on experience in plant propagation, preference given to experience with Orchidaceae and Sarraceniaceae.
• Experience with seed germination of both orthodox and recalcitrant seed.
• Highly organized with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with high attention to detail and adherence to production and research protocols.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• High-level critical thinking, analytic and proactive problem-solving skills.
• Strong ability to document experiments and troubleshoot protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and cooperatively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate groups/teams of partners, staff, and volunteers.
• Demonstrated ability to provide training and support to a wide variety of audiences.
• Georgia Pesticide applicators license (preferred).
• The successful candidate will be passionate about producing high-quality native plant materials for conservation purposes.

Physical Requirements: 

• Seasonally frequent travel to Gainesville, Georgia and field sites throughout the southeastern US and international field sites will be required for this position.
• Position involves strenuous field work in extreme weather conditions and the ability to lift 50 lb. is required.

Mental Requirements: 

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to effectively respond to multiple, changing and often conflicting priorities is essential.
• Must be able to effectively interact with the general public and co-workers and peer professionals.

To Apply

• Please e-mail resume to Careers along with the title of the position you are applying for.

~ The above job duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work for employees in this position, but this is not intended as an exclusive or all-inclusive inventory of all duties required of employees in this job. ~