Grounds & Plant Health Care Specialist

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

 Compensation: $17.50/hr+

Mt. Cuba Center’s mission is to inspire an appreciation for the beauty and value of native plants and a commitment to support the habitats that sustain them. Our team is comprised of public garden professionals that value the importance of ecological horticulture and utilize their knowledge and skills to create healthier landscape.

Position Summary: The Grounds & Plant Health Care Specialist assists in the overall maintenance of Mt. Cuba Center’s landscape, including woody and herbaceous plantings, lawns, woods, garden features, paths, and roadways. They provide logistical support to other departments as needed to ensure the smooth operation of Mt. Cuba Center. They use specialized knowledge in plant health care techniques to serve as point person for all plant health issues.

FLSA Designation: Non-Exempt

The successful candidate must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. An exception to the COVID vaccine requirement may be provided to individuals for religious or medical reasons.

Mt. Cuba Center is committed to diversity and inclusivity, and we encourage qualified candidates from all cultures and communities to apply. This is a full-time, benefits eligible position. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and outstanding professional development opportunities.

Responsibilities/Duties

  • Maintain the health and look of the turf through mowing, fertilizing, watering, weed-eating, aerating, and applying compost and compost tea
  • Maintain woody and herbaceous plantings through planting, weeding, pruning, mulching, and other horticultural activities
  • Maintain roads, pathways, and parking areas through surface maintenance, renovations, and leaf, debris, and snow removal
  • Support the Gardens, Natural Lands, and Arboriculture departments by assisting them with planting, pruning, vegetation management, tree removal, and other projects
  • In cooperation with Horticulture staff, monitor living collections for pest and disease, diagnose plant health issues, and implement PHC best practices/ techniques as appropriate to maintain plant health; Serve as point person for all plant health issues and maintain records related to pest and treatment activities
  • Oversee all elements of the hazardous material program for the organization, including hazardous materials storage, inventory of product, usage, training, inspections, audits, SDS maintenance, communication positing’s and general industry OSHA compliance, Act as the Chemical Coordinator for the Hazardous Material Safety Program
  • Make regular repairs to maintain the fences, walls, garden furniture, drains, catch-basins, bridges, curbing, patios, terraces, courtyards, and other hardscape features
  • Perform regular repair and servicing to maintain the good condition of tools and equipment

Qualifications/Requirements

  • Strong understanding and experience with grounds and landscape maintenance or related field
  • Broad horticultural knowledge including basic understanding of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, and plant maintenance
  • Strong knowledge of plant health care, including pest/disease recognition and ecological approaches to control
  • Understanding of OSHA Worker Protection Standards and regulations
  • Proficient knowledge and skill in pesticide application practices
  • Basic computers skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite
  • Ability to operate and maintain a wide range of hand tools, power tools, vehicles and small and large engine equipment including the use of chain saws, brush chipper, and manual transmission vehicles safely and effectively
  • Ability and willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
  • Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed

Education/Experience: Associate degree, certificate in horticulture, or equivalent from an accredited program and 5 years’ professional work experience with an emphasis on IPM, grounds maintenance, horticulture and/or plant science.

Certification, Licenses, Credential: Delaware Pesticide Applicator Certification

Physical Requirements (lifting, etc.): Requires strenuous physical work; Frequent standing, bending, twisting, stooping, climbing, lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects over 50 pounds

Contact Information

Mt. Cuba Center
Website: Apply Online