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
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