Horticulturist I - Indoor Floral Display

Summary: Performs a variety of duties associated with aspects of design, production, product acquisition, fabrication, installation, maintenance and care of the annual floral display shows. Performs delivery, maintenance, and rotation of containerized crops, tropical plants, and seasonal decorations located in various offices and indoor venues throughout the Garden. Maintains temporary indoor plantings and displays with strong attention to detail within Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center, Emerson Floral Conservatory, William R. Orthwein, Jr .and Laura Rand Orthwein Foundation Floral Conservatory Garden and other locations as necessary, including rotation of orchids from MBG collection. Assists with design, fabrication, and installation of holiday décor at President’s Residence plus off-site floral display projects. Coordinates transportation of living collection materials and assorted appropriate containers for display of Mediterranean flora during non-show season floral displays alongside detailed record keeping for plant moves.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs a wide range of landscape/maintenance tasks important to the preservation, protection and transplanting of existing plants; including but not limited to soil preparation, planting, mulching, weeding, watering, fertilization, irrigation and pesticide application.
• Works with Supervisor to target and develop plant collections and landscapes according to Garden policy and area descriptions.
• Responsible for daily maintenance of “What’s in Bloom” display to keep it a clean, fresh, and up-to-date.
• Performs a variety of duties associated with aspects of design, production, fabrication, installation, maintenance and care of the annual floral display shows.
• Meticulously maintains permanent indoor plantings within the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center, Emerson Floral Conservatory, the William R. Orthwein, Jr. and Laura Rand Orthwein Foundation Conservatory Garden and other locations as necessary, including rotation of orchids from the MBG collection.
• Assists with all aspects of design, fabrication and installation of holiday décor at President’s Residence.
• Assists with design, acquisition and fabrication of props and costumes for supporting floral displays, parades, or occasions.
• Plans in advance for minor and major landscape changes and requests plant material in time for propagation and growth to size by nursery staff.
• Performs plant record keeping at the highest level ensuring that all plants in the collection have accession labels at all times and all maintenance information regarding the collection (i.e. new plantings, divisions, moves, deaths, etc.) is up to date at all times.
• Understands, consistently monitors, and implements appropriate irrigation requirements for a variety of plant material and utilizes technology to tailor irrigation schedules to assigned collections.
• Requests propagation of plants in the collections to ensure survival, paying particular attention to rare and threatened species and those of wild origin.
• Operates technical equipment, submits maintenance requests in a timely manner, and maintains general care of tools and equipment necessary for operations to include but not limited to: vehicles, forklifts, pallet trucks, carts, lifts, Cushmans, tractors, cultivators, mechanical sprayers, and a variety of hand tools.
• Maintains general care of horticultural tools, and technical equipment (i.e., apply lubrication and general cleaning); refers more serious problems to the Supervisor.
• Ensures that all applicable safety standards followed.
• Adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards; reports accidents and injuries.
• Performs delivery, maintenance, and rotation of containerized crops and tropical plants located in various offices and indoor venues throughout the Garden.
• Ensures all work areas kept clean and tidy with tools stored properly.
• Appropriately, label, transport and store, any floral display items placed into temporary storage.
• Directs volunteers to assist with all duties.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Competencies:

• Communication: Combines listening skills, verbal and written communication skills and visitor relation skills.
• Collaboration: Incorporates teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, cooperation and visitor focus. 
• Accountability: Initiative to take ownership of responsibilities, the ability to prioritize and the working knowledge and skills to take action.
• Problem Solving: Blends problem solving skills, judgement and decision making skills along with creativity and resourcefulness.
•        Stewardship:  Merges the practical application of the Garden values and support for a positive organizational climate.         

Qualifications/Experience:

• Minimum of (3-4) years of hands-on relevant horticulture or floriculture display work, experience required.
• Strong knowledge of plant materials and landscape maintenance techniques; proficient in operating various landscaping tools and equipment (compact track loader), power tools, moderate carpentry skills.
• Strong knowledge of appropriate and effective watering practices for containerized materials.
• Proficient ability to identify various floral fungus, pests and pathogens and apply sound, appropriate remedies.
• Proficient in operating and knowledge of safe operation procedures for various types of landscape maintenance equipment.
• Ability to present technical concepts to non-technical functional teams.
• Proven ability to lead and direct the work of others to complete general projects, including but not limited to volunteers is required.
• Demonstrates highest level of professional and ethical conduct; knowledge and understanding of organizational policies, procedures and systems.
• Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively at all levels; must enjoy and feel comfortable interacting and working in close proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions regarding horticulture collection.
• Scheduling flexibility that allows working weekends and holidays for annual watering schedule Knowledge of and adherence to all health and safety guidelines.
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:

• Associate’s or B.S. degree in Horticulture, Biology, Botany and/or related field preferred.
• An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Solid Internet research skills.
• Ability to use e-mail to communicate with Garden staff in order to answer questions and service their needs.

Other Skills and Abilities: N/A

Language Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English (verbal and written).
• Ability to read and understand pesticide labels.
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Mathematical Skills:

• Requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals.
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• Reasoning Ability:
• Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Ability to possess and maintain valid drivers, chauffeurs, and pesticide applicator’s licenses.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 80 lbs. (i.e., load, unload and move gardening supplies, medium to heavy weight tools and equipment). Large boxes, props.
• Ability to stand and move about in conservatory, prep area and storage areas for extended periods of time - 80% or more of the workday is standing on feet.
• Ability to safely operate various power woodworking tools, such as table saw, band saw, drill press, etc.
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb ladders, etc.)
• Ability to safely navigate tight spaces in storage areas as well as in, over and around the props in shows.
• Ability to wear Garden issued Personal Protective Equipment.
• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing).

Work Environment:

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (i.e., in temperatures over 100°F as well as temperatures below 0°F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed).
• Must be able to work in bright, sunshine with probable high UV levels in the William R. Orthwein, Jr. and Laura Rand Orthwein Floral Conservatory Garden.
• Must be able to work in high heat and humidity.
• Must be able to work in wet conditions occasionally, as watering is a daily need during the flower shows.
• Actively works hands-on with horticulture crew and a large volunteer team to fabricate, install, maintain,de-install/strike displays.
• Comfortable working in immediate proximity to public in a safe and friendly manner answering questions regarding horticulture collection.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:

• Garden Employees, Volunteers, Guests, Green Industry vendors and Contractors

Supervisor (title not person):

• Horticulture Supervisor in Floral Display

rticulturist I - Indoor Nursery