Conservatory Horticulturist

~ One of the most-visited attractions in the Richmond, Va., area, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden offers year-round beauty on a historic property with more than 50 acres of spectacular gardens, dining and shopping. ~

A classical domed Conservatory is the only one of its kind in the mid-Atlantic. The Children's Garden offers a wheel-chair accessible Tree House (fun for kids and adults!), an Adventure Pathway, Sand and Water Play areas and an International Village. More than a dozen themed gardens include a Healing Garden, Fountain Garden, Asian Valley and Victorian Garden.

Dining options include the Garden Café and Tea House; the Garden Shop offers an extensive array of items. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a non-profit organization and proceeds support the Garden's educational mission.

Position Overview

Using best horticulture practices, in accordance with established Garden standards, this position will be responsible for the daily operation of the 10,000 sq ft. Conservatory. Collections under glass include orchids, palms, cycads, cacti, succulents, other tropicals and Mediterranean plants.

Outdoor displays include seasonal water lily display, ornamental grass garden and adjacent perennial beds. The employee must ensure the highest standards of display, using environmentally responsible methods.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• General care and maintenance of plant collections in assigned areas: plant installation, daily maintenance (planting, mulching, watering, fertilizing, weeding, etc.), renovation, and repair.
• Monitors and reports mechanical problems to appropriate staff or contractor.
• Monitors climate conditions with ARGUS control system.
• Completes daily routine of inspections for mechanical and safety problems.
• Landscape design, plant selection, and installation for permanent plant collections and seasonal displays in assigned garden areas.
• Monitors the quality and health of the permanent plant collections and seasonal displays in assigned areas.
• Application of pesticides, biological controls, and fertilizers as required for best growth of plants using IPM approach as required and directed.
• With Manager of Horticulture, schedules all work in assigned areas.
• Supports curatorial efforts; including providing taxonomical information, input to plant records database, plant labeling and participating in annual plant inventories.
• Participation in garden-wide events, exhibitions, and group-projects serving a leadership or supporting role as directed by Supervisor.
• Use and preventive maintenance of assigned equipment, tools, vehicles and irrigation systems.
• Supervision and training of assigned paid and unpaid staff.
• Effective coordination of contracted services (e.g. turf care).

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Complies with provisions of the current Employee Handbook, all published personnel policies and the requirements job description.
• Performs duties in a manner consistent with a public garden serving multi-generational families, and in accordance with directed practices and procedures.
• With supervisor, monitors and documents safety and risk management programs and training for assigned personnel.
• Works with an awareness of surroundings, and vigilant to any possible threat to the safety of visitors, volunteers, and staff or to their property.
• Ensures all concerns are reported promptly.
• Ensures all mishaps, injuries and incidents are reported immediately and ultimately in writing to supervisor and the Executive Director.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required by supervisor, other Directors and Executive Director.

Qualifications

Skills/Abilities:

• Must be able to obtain a Virginia Pesticide Applicator's License within the first four (4) months of employment.
• Time management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels.
• Comfortable interacting with garden visitors.
• Organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook required.
• Experiencing using databases preferred.

Education/Knowledge:

• Bachelors or Associate's degree in horticulture preferred.
• Bachelors or Associate's degree in landscape maintenance / construction or related field might be considered based on experience.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in the field of horticulture, garden management, or landscape maintenance is required.
• Other combinations of education/experience appropriate to the job will be considered.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly.
• Must be able to bend, squat, kneel, stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to work indoors in conservatory conditions and outdoors in all seasonal extremes.

Note: Duties described above, other duties and physical demands have been identified as essential
functions as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation: $TBD 

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to submit your cover letter and resume.