Director of Horticulture

~ Fairchild is located in Coral Gables, just south of downtown Miami, Florida in an unusually mild microclimate. It was established in 1936 to celebrate Dr. David Fairchild's legacy of exploration and horticultural experimentation. The Garden has grown along with its surrounding metropolitan area, and now serves as the major botanical institution for a local audience of six million people. ~

Fairchild is the main hub of activity for local gardeners and plant enthusiasts, and is a popular attraction for tourists visiting Miami.

The most famous of William Lyman Phillips' landscape designs, Fairchild's 83 acre main garden is a model for subtropical and tropical landscapes in Florida and beyond. Notable landscape elements include a rainforest, palmetum, native and exotic butterfly gardens, flowering tree collection, arid gardens, and Caribbean plant collections. Fairchild also owns and manages a 20 acre tropical fruit farm that includes a comprehensive collection of the world’s mango cultivars.

Position Overview

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden seeks a talented garden professional to lead its Horticulture Department. With a collection of more than 3500 species from all over the tropics, Fairchild has unique opportunities for collecting, growing, studying, and displaying many of the world's most remarkable plants.

Suitable candidates will be passionate about tropical plants, and will possess high levels of experience, energy, and creativity. We expect the Director of Horticulture to take a fresh look at Fairchild's plant collection and develop ways to increase its value for display, teaching, research, and conservation. The Director of Horticulture will also play an active role in fundraising, soliciting donations and grants to support the continued growth of the Garden.

Serving as the main spokesperson for Fairchild’s collections and horticultural knowledge, the Director of Horticulture will communicate with the public regularly through writing, public speaking, and social media.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and strengthen Fairchild’s leadership role in tropical horticulture.
• Curate and add value to Fairchild's living plant collection.
• Lead a team of 23 staff members and more than 100 volunteers.
• Be a visible representative of horticulture at Fairchild and within the broader community
• Raise funds for horticultural projects, collecting expeditions, and the continued growth and expansion of the department.
• Promote the use of Fairchild’s collection and landscape for education and research
• Serve on the Garden’s management team.
• Work closely with Education and Research teams on major projects including science and outreach.
• Work with the Volunteer Services Department to promote a culture of volunteerism in Horticulture.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, or Public Garden Management.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in public horticulture, with tropical experience preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years experience managing personnel.
• Demonstrated organizational and leadership skills.
• Experience in fundraising.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking experience.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Rose Ricks, Science Village Assistant.
• Review of applications will begin on August 1.
• Applications will be reviewed and selected candidates interviewed until the position is filled.

~ Equal Opportunity Employer/Compliance with ADA/Drug-free Workplace ~