Horticulturist, THA

Horticulturist

Holden Arboretum

Opportunity:

The Horticulture & Collections department seeks a professional who will use sound horticultural principles to enhance, maintain and improve outdoor gardens ensuring plants are grown and cared for under optimal conditions. Responsibilities will include leading the maintenance and planning of a specific garden area while performing other activities as required. The Horticulturist will participate in short and long-range planning activities guided by Holden Forests & Gardens' (HF&G) strategic plan and assist in the setting of goals to accomplish those objectives.

We are seeking a professional who will take initiative in developing and implementing improvements by planning and executing scheduled garden tasks. The Horticulturist will share knowledge with colleagues and guests through tours, classes and social media and will work collaboratively with colleagues in other departments.

We are seeking a professional who will present a positive attitude that leads to successful teamwork, superb customer service, a high-quality aesthetic and wants to do meaningful work in an organization that values diversity of thoughts and perspectives. Holden Forests & Gardens connects people with the wonder, beauty and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities. When you join HF&G, you join a team of professionals who are passionate about improving Northeast Ohio's communities through our mission-driven programs. This position is based out of the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, OH with occasional travel to the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland, OH. By joining HF&G, you will not only have the opportunity to work in a beautiful setting, but you will also have the opportunity to contribute to our fulfilling and groundbreaking work. HF&G strives for a welcoming workplace where everyone feels that they belong.

Position Details:

• Reports to the Director of Arboretum Horticulture and Collections

• Full-time, non-exempt position

• 40 hours a week guaranteed

• Monday

• Friday 7am

• 3:30 pm

• Medical, Dental, Vision benefits

Key Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities of the Horticulturist include, but not limited to:

• Supports Holden Forests & Gardens' mission, vision, and values

• Plans and implements the maintenance for various woody and herbaceous plant species within the core garden areas using sound and sustainable horticulture practices including but not limited to soil preparation, planting, watering, fertilizing, bed renovation, mulching, propagating, pruning, staking, transplanting, and weeding

• Safely operates a variety of machinery and equipment including, but not limited to, motorized utility cart with dump body and motorized utility cart with plow, tractor with bucket loader and fork attachments, skid steer, excavator, van, pick-up and dump truck, chain saws, chipper, single and double stage snow blowers, pruners, hand shears and saws, pole pruners and saws, weed eaters, sprayers, push and riding mowers, and various wheeled carts

• Works with Director of Arboretum Horticulture and Curator of Living Collections, to develop garden designs for new and existing beds, select and acquire appropriately sourced plant material, ensuring curatorial, research, educational and aesthetic themes are congruent with the mission

• Orders tools, plants, and supplies as needed and maintains financial records in accordance policy

• Maintains operational and pesticide records

• Monitors assigned irrigation system and works with Collections Maintenance and Facilities departments to ensure optimal function

• Inspects and maintains small equipment to ensure safe operating condition

• Designs, installs, and maintains interior and exterior horticulture displays associated with special shows, events, and exhibitions

• Assists the Plant Collections Curator and Plant Recorder by labeling plants on the grounds and maintaining detailed planting records

• Maintains a safe and productive working environment for staff and guests

• Interacts regularly with guests, members, and the public positively to create a welcoming atmosphere both in-person and on-line

• Shares horticultural and gardening expertise with other professionals and amateurs by coordinating and teaching a minimum of classes, workshops, or public tours annually

• Shares photos, videos, and written content suitable for members and guests throughout the year with the Marketing department and submits a minimum of four blog posts annually

• Actively participating in conferences, organizational meetings, committees, and events to promote a culture centered around trust, sharing, and collaboration

• Implements Plant and Pest Management practices in accordance with the law

• Engages with donors and board members as requested

• Assists in the hiring process as requested

• Participate in ice and snow removal as needed

• Performs other duties as required by supervisor

Qualifications and Skills:

• Significant practical horticulture experience in a garden of merit and deep plant knowledge will be considered in lieu of a degree

• A Bachelor's degree in public horticulture, horticulture, landscape architecture, botany environmental science or related field, preferred

• A minimum of five years' experience in landscaping, garden maintenance or a related field, a plus

• Previous work experience in public horticulture gardens, a plus

• Possess a strong sense of garden aesthetics; experience in garden design, highly desired

• Broad range of plant knowledge including nomenclature, husbandry, pruning, required conditions, highly desired

• Experience operating small power equipment, highly desired

• Experience performing strenuous, hands-on work year-round in all types of weather conditions, highly desired

• Proficient use of Microsoft 365 products, specifically Teams, Outlook email & calendar, Word, Excel, SharePoint, and OneDrive, preferred

• An observant initiator and self-starter

• Ability to recognize and manage priorities and adjust rapidly to changing circumstances

• Collaborative team player a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to participate within a multi-disciplinary team

• Valid driver's license an acceptable motor vehicle record, required

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Working primarily outdoors where temperature extremes exist

• This position requires work that takes place both indoors in a humid glasshouse and outdoors where the ambient temperature spans 0-100 degrees Fahrenheit

• Transporting oneself by foot over a variety of terrain that may be wet, slippery, uneven and/or rocky Standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, reaching, pulling, pushing, sitting, and grabbing

• Able to ascend and descend stairs Lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs. regularly

• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, and diagram form

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers and common fractions

Some of the reasons Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) is a great place to work!

We offer Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits | Paid Time Off | 8 Paid Holidays a year | 403(b) | Employee sponsored life insurance, long term disability and short-term disability | Work in a beautiful environment within Greater Cleveland | Discounts in our stores & cafes | Free parking at both campuses anytime we are open | Free admission to many Northeast Ohio Museums | Free Employee Assistance Program | And Much More!

Apply:

Holden Forests & Gardens values an authentic sense of belonging at all levels of the organization, including staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and visitors. HF&G believes that working toward an equitable culture that values all perspectives enriches the work environment, helping achieve our goal to build a greener and healthier Northeast Ohio. We are working to create and sustain a supportive environment and sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds. HF&G also provides regular DEAI training for staff, managers, volunteers and Board to create a welcoming and accessible environment.

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Qualified applicants should submit résumé, cover letter and 3 professional references.

Holden Forests & Gardens (Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diverse and talented workforce. We seek skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced individuals to join our staff and enhance our reputation as one of the country's foremost public gardens.