Horticulturist-Garden Curator

Position Information

Classification Title Agriculture/Forestry Technical/Paraprofessional/Professional FLSA Non-Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications

Requires technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship, a 2-year degree, or professional certificate. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications Position Summary

Plan, plant, curate and manage the assigned areas at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Duties and responsibilities include planting design, selection, and acquisition of plant species and cultivars appropriate for this garden. The curator will work closely with the Director of Horticulture & Grounds to ensure accurate plant accessioning, inventory and record keeping. Make certain that plant labels and interpretive signs are correct and in place, and ensure that plazas, pathways, lighting, and architectural features are safe, clean and in good condition. The candidate will supervise part-time employees, students and volunteers.

Engage in outreach activities to individuals, businesses, plant societies, botanical and horticultural organizations that might provide support or services.

Contribute to the Garden's newsletter and participate in various committees, educational programs, special events and other grounds/horticultural projects. Work weekend or evening shift approximately six times a year.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Possess the horticultural knowledge necessary for the curation and management of diverse and extensive botanical and horticultural collections including proper fertilization, irrigation, propagation, pruning, and pest management techniques (including pesticide application).

• Knowledge of plant nomenclature, labeling, accessioning, and record keeping (including data entry into records databases, database maintenance, and production of plant labels).

Physical Demands

• Working in Inclement weather (extreme hot and/or cold, rain, etc)

• Occasionally lifting +50 lbs, lifting 25 lbs repeatedly

• Performance of manual labor (moderately high physical demands including reaching, stooping, and kneeling)

• Sit at a computer for extended periods of time

• Duties associated with landscaping.

• Driving as necessary to complete job duties.

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes Is this a Position of Trust? No Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

• Design and installation of annual plant material.

• Maintenance of permanent plant collections in assigned area to include watering, fertilizing, propagating, weeding, pest control, pesticide application leaf/ litter removal, deadheading, and mulching.

• Specialized seasonal maintenance to include winter pruning of specimen woody ornamentals, division of herbaceous material, seed collection, and seasonal pruning of flowering shrubs.

• Routine maintenance of turf areas within display gardens to include mowing, fertilizer application.

• Renovation of areas as needed.

• Participation in garden design and planning activities.

• All other duties as assigned.

Percentage of time 45 Duties/Responsibilities

• Research plant selections for possible inclusion in assigned area collections.

• Develop sources for acquiring plants, seeds, etc.

• Submit purchase requests and production needs to Director of Horticulture & Grounds.

• Maintain accurate and up to date inventory records with special attention to changes in accession data.

• Keep plant species labeled and note any changes in nomenclature.

• Participate in garden wide collections inventory process.

Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities

• Supervise part-time employees, student workers (paid and unpaid) and volunteers in proper horticultural maintenance procedures.

Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities

• Participate in Garden's public service and educational programs.

• Assist in the set-up and breakdown required for internal events, search committees, and programs.

• Help with installations of seasonal and major displays at the Garden and with booths at trade and flower shows.

Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities

• Assist Director of Horticulture and Grounds in achieving departmental goals.

• Assist other horticulture and grounds staff members in their duties and responsibilities.

• Adhere to all regulations for occupational and chemical safety under Worker Protection Standard (WPS) and OHSA requirements.

• Obtain (within 6 months of hire) and maintain Georgia Commercial Pesticide Applicators license/s.

• Routine maintenance of tools, vehicles, and equipment.

Percentage of time 5

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name Jason Young Recruitment Contact Email jason.young@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact University HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.