Sr Horticulturist

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

 Compensation: 0-0

Mt. Cuba Center is a premier botanic garden that inspires an appreciation for the beauty and value of native plants and a commitment to protect the habitats that sustain them.

The Senior Horticulturist is responsible for developing and maintaining creative planting displays of the living collection within the gardens. They demonstrate expertise in fine gardening techniques and lead the successful care of the assigned Garden area. This position supports the visitor experience and upholds Mt. Cuba Center standards for plant care. This is a unique role within our gardens team as this individual oversees the woods path, Trillium garden, fall border, west slope path and other naturalistic style gardens beloved by our founders. The ideal candidate can demonstrate knowledge of woodland ephemerals and ecological gardening practices. 

Responsibilities/Duties

• In collaboration with the Director of Horticulture and the Gardens Manager, contribute to horticultural design development/renovation of gardens as needed
• Maintain plant record documentation and adhere to the Living Collection Policy
• Monitor and maintain the health and care of living plant collections by performing a variety of horticultural maintenance activities including, but not limited to, site/soil preparation, planting, transplanting, mulching, weeding, watering, fertilizing, implementing Plant Health Care practices, monitoring for pests and disease, herbicide/pesticide application as appropriate, and pruning
• Maintain well-groomed and safe garden pathways that are free from debris, including snow/ice removal as needed
• Develop specialized horticultural skills and knowledge required to maintain key collections or displays; effectively acting as a subject matter expert.
• Provide knowledge and guidance to support guest and organizational initiatives related to profession
• Lead, guide, and train employees, interns, and/or volunteers performing related work

Qualifications/Requirements

Abilities

• Safely and effectively operate and maintain a wide range of hand tools, power tools, vehicles and small and large engine equipment and vehicles
• Willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with the staff and the public
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn and adapt to various software and technology programs to complete work duties
• Self-motivated, organized, attentive to details, and the ability to manage time and effectively function without close supervision
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays and special events as needed
• Requires moderate physical work; Frequent standing, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, reaching, carrying, lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 pounds

Qualifications

• Associate degree in horticulture or plant science from an accredited college, university, or recognized certificate in horticulture and 5 years’ experience working in a public garden setting or equivalent experience
• Broad knowledge of native herbaceous and woody plant identification, growth and cultural characteristics, pest/disease/weed recognition and control, fine gardening skills
• The successful candidate must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. An exception to the COVID vaccine requirement may be provided to individuals for qualified religious or medical reasons.

FLSA Designation

• Non-exempt

Additional Information

Mt. Cuba Center is committed to diversity and inclusivity and encourages qualified candidates from all cultures and communities to apply.   

Contact Information

Mt. Cuba Center
Contact Name: Courtney Davis
Email: cdavis@mtcubacenter.org
Phone: 3022398881
Website: Apply Online