Horticulturist I - Hardy Living Collections

Company: Missouri Botanical Garden
Location: Saint Louis
Posted on: April 9, 2021

Job Description:

Summary: This position is responsible for the selection and addition of plant species into the Garden's Living Collections for assigned areas to support plant conservation and build research capacity. The living collection includes herbaceous perennials, bulbs, shrubs, trees, and vines, and a critical component of this position is the expansion of assigned collections according to MBG policies and guidelines. Design, installation and maintenance of landscapes and individual plants must be conducted to the highest standards. Researching and recording cultivation information is essential, as is using this information to modify the growing environment as necessary to ensure plant health. Accurate and detailed record keeping and plant labeling is critical. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works with Supervisor to target and develop plant collections and landscapes according to Garden policy and area descriptions
• Utilizes Index Seminum, as well as, the Garden's Targeting Database to build collections
• During species selection, conducts research entering information on plant habit and cultivation into the Targeting Database
• Observes plants when growing in the Garden, collects and enters cultivation information into the Living Collections Management System and modifies growing environments based on observations to support optimum plant health
• Utilizes internal data sources such as the Living Collections Management System, Targeting Database and external data sources to aid in individual plant cultivation and landscape maintenance decisions
• 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
• Exhibits the highest level of ethical conduct in obtaining and sharing plant material and ensures compliance with MBG policies
• Performs a wide range of landscape/maintenance tasks important to the cultivation, preservation, protection and transplanting of existing plants; including but not limited to soil preparation, planting, staking, mulching, weeding, watering, fertilization, irrigation, pruning, training, IPM and pesticide application as needed
• Understands, consistently monitors, and implements appropriate irrigation requirements for a variety of plant material and utilizes technology to tailor irrigation schedules to assigned collections
• Plants and maintains displays in a manner that enables plant genetics and accessions data to be preserved and allows the public to easily distinguish plants when reading plant labels
• Requests propagation of plants in the collections to ensure survival, paying particular attention to rare and threatened species and those of wild origin
• Completes landscape designs and oversees the layout and installation of plant material
• Plans, in advance, for minor and major landscape changes and requests plant material in time for it to be propagated and grown to size by nursery staff
• 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
• Participates in field work locally, nationally and internationally for plant collecting expeditions, as well as, horticulture capacity building
• Assigns, leads and directs the work of volunteers to deliver and complete projects
• Completes assigned tasks as needed in support of seasonal displays and annual flower shows
• Ensures that all tool storage areas and work areas are kept clean and tidy
• Performs assigned weekend watering rotation duties
• Performs snow removal on Garden grounds, when called upon, to maintain a safe environment for staff and visitors
• Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately to supervisor
• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed and adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards
• Performs other duties as assigned Supervisory Responsibilities: None. Competencies:
  • Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments prepared and on time.
  • Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
  • Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
  • Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates strong presentation and public speaking skills; Participates in meetings, as required.
  • Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively, using correct spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
  • Interpersonal - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
  • Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
  • Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
  • Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
  • Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
  • Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
  • Team Work - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed; Recognizes accomplishments of other team members.
  • Strong Customer Service Orientation - Presents a professional attitude at all times under scrutiny of the general public. Qualifications/Experience:
    • Minimum of (3-4) years hands-on, relevant horticulture work experience required
    • knowledge of plant material and landscape maintenance techniques with an emphasis in herbaceous perennials, bulbs, shrubs, trees and vines
    • Knowledgeable in safe operating procedures of various landscaping tools and equipment and proficient in their maintenance
    • knowledge of appropriate and effective watering practices for a wide range of plant material
    • Proficient ability to identify various plant fungus, pests and pathogens and apply sound, appropriate controls
    • Proven ability to convey technical concepts to other Garden staff and volunteers
    • 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 about the living collections
    • Scheduling flexibility that allows working weekends and holidays for annual watering schedule and occasional snow and ice removal
    • Knowledge of living collections, curation and plant recording
    • 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 required
      • An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered Computer Skills:
        • Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Word, Excel and Outlook Email)
        • Ability to enter data into spreadsheets and databases
        • Solid internet research skills required Mathematical Skills:
          • Requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and to calculate percentages and decimals 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 driver's 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)
                • Must be able to work in bright sunshine with probable high UV levels and must be able to work outdoors year-round
                • May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb ladders, lift operation, etc.).
                • Requires standing, walking, bending, stooping and reaching for extended periods of time-- 80% or more of the workday is standing on feet
                • 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 100F as well as temperatures below 0F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed)
                  • Actively works hands-on to complete landscape maintenance tasks.
                  • Comfortable working in immediate proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:
                    • Garden employees, volunteers, guests, Green Industry vendors and contractors
                    • National and international botanical institutions, government agencies, and conservation divisions Other details
                      • Pay Type Hourly Apply Now
                        • Missouri Botanical Garden, 2345 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America

Keywords: Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis , Horticulturist I - Hardy Living Collections, Accounting, Auditing , Saint Louis, Missouri