GENERAL SUMMARY: Under the direction of the President and CEO and the Sr. Director of Site Operations, The Director of Horticulture will be responsible for the design and maintenance of all of our horticultural exhibits, gardens and collections. This individual will oversee the design, planning and implementation of the changing and permanent displays, and will be responsible for the planning, propagation and maintenance of all plants and plant collections.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Horticulture:
Supervise and direct assigned personnel in the acquisition, care and maintenance of the indoor and outdoor plant collections and the maintenance of collection and inventory records. Oversee 36,000 sq. ft. state of the art greenhouses and 55,500 sq. ft. conservatory, as well as surrounding outdoor gardens, including the Edible Display Garden, Japanese Garden, Children’s Discovery Garden and the Center for Sustainable Landscapes Green Roof and Environs, at the fifteen-acre garden.
Work with staff to develop, design and implement plans for a new Tropical Forest exhibit every three years, as well as seasonal shows in the Conservatory and outdoor each year. Manage all phases of plant production to assure timely propagation of plants for various seasonal exhibits and displays within existing greenhouse conditions.
Responsible for horticultural integrity and appropriateness (or involved in these discussions)
Consult with gift shop buyer on appropriateness of plants and plant kits.
Oversee the planning and design of the horticultural exhibits whether in house or with an authorized designer. Also, oversee the horticultural component of the Conservatory’s major seasonal flower shows.
Work with the President and CEO to develop and implement collection policies (plants and art) for the organization.
Oversee the development and implementation of pest control management systems, whether with natural predators or pesticides, to eliminate pest problem.
Manage the programs and staff operating the volunteer programs. Coordinate training and development of horticulture department staff.
Serve as member of the Conservatory’s management and planning team.
Work with the design team, Facilities Manager, Education and other departments to present a coordinated, exciting exhibit to the public. Represent Phipps Conservatory on a local and national level at horticulturally related organizations and on all plant related topics.
Work with staff to encourage and promote teamwork and interdepartmental cooperation resulting in a collaborative work environment between horticulture and other departments.
Develop and work within departmental budget. Assist with capital campaign improvement projects, gathering information, researching various options for facilities, determining space, and preventative maintenance for greenhouse and horticultural areas.
Perform other duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
Ability to plan, design and implement approved horticulture displays and flower shows.
In-depth knowledge and appreciation of tropical plants and their artistic use in landscapes.
Knowledgeable with the classification, biology, and cultivation of plants, plus demonstrated expertise in general horticulture and education.
Ability to implement all principal duties and responsibilities.
Ability to work with volunteers and outside organizations.
Strong interpersonal skills
Strong communication skills
Ability to set clear goals and expectations for self and others and meet them.
Ability to help others build on their strengths and grow in their jobs, to the benefit of the organization and each individual.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SENSORY DIMENSIONS
Physical mobility: sitting, standing, walking, kneeling and bending. Lifting/carrying objects up to 30 pounds. Manual dexterity to operate horticulture equipment as well as keyboard. Must be able to walk steps.
Must be able to transport heavy loads using a wheelbarrow, move and place trees and shrubs.
Mental effort: reading, writing, analyzing, planning and researching.
Able to exercise initiative and sound judgement.
Sensory: Ability to communicate and respond to staff and others.
Ability to work under deadlines and stress.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Conditions and physical demands may very according to seasons and location of assignment.
Greenhouse and Conservatory climate, both indoors and outdoors.
May be called upon to work all shifts, weekends, and/or holidays,
MINIMUM POSITION GUIDELINES (Education, Experience and Certification)
Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, or a related field and 5 years of experience working in a Botanical Garden.
Strong familiarity with safe and appropriate use and storage of pesticides and fertilizers.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite as well as any relevant software.
Knowledge of sustainable practices.