Summary : Performs all responsible duties associated with production and maintenance of plants at consistent levels of high quality amongst nursery site(s) and greenhouses.

Duties are directly related to production of woody and herbaceous plant material, annual display crops, and plants for the Garden flower shows.

Ensures living collections development is to be implemented through legal and ethical plant acquisitions, appropriate plant production, and accurate plant recording.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

• Care and maintenance of all types of plant materials and seasonal crops (including but not limited to; watering, weeding, mulching, applying Integrated Pest Management (IPM), monitoring and scouting crops, growth regulator applications, achieving necessary plant nutrient levels, sowing seeds, sticking cuttings, dividing plants, grafting, transplanting, pruning,).
• Identify and correct nutrient deficiencies
• Ensure optimum temperature, light and humidity levels
• Identify and treat pests and diseases
• Adjusts irrigation systems, shade and ventilation
• Maintain proper soil / media fertility
• Sterilize and clean greenhouses and their contents periodically
• 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
• Utilize the Garden's Living Collections Management System to aid in maintaining and developing plant collections
• Update the Living Collections Management Database when a plant status has changed
• Maintain highest standards of plant record keeping; ensure that plants are labeled with accession numbers and / or proper labels at all times
• Complete periodic inventories of the nursery and greenhouses
• May be responsible for timely and accurate data entry of plant orders
• Adheres to MBG's living collections policy, collections acquisitions processes and collections focus
• Follow and be mindful of all appropriate legal and ethical processes when acquiring plants for the Garden; oblige with national and international permits and regulations including patent laws, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
• 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
• As assigned, provides information / text for collections interpretation
• Conduct tours, lead presentations and answer visitor's questions about the Garden's plant collections and displays; participate in media outreach (TV, radio, newspaper, etc.) when required
• Completes assigned tasks as needed in support of seasonal displays and annual flower shows
• Ability to remove snow, ice, leaves, and results of storm damage from work environment
• Ensure that all applicable safety standards are followed; adapt or modify work methods to reduce hazards; report all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately
• Ensures that all tool storage areas and work areas are kept clean and tidy
• Responsible for assigned weekend watering rotation duties
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed; i.e. informs employees, volunteers, students of safety rules and safe working practices and routinely monitor to enforce them.

Adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards. Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.

• Meets expected attendance guidelines.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, mutual support, and cooperation, within the division, department and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors / managers, volunteers, visitors, contractors and employees.

Supervisory Responsibilities : None

Competencies :

Communication - Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately;

Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations.

Collaboration - Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives;

Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences.

Accountability - Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions;

Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues' concerns.

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness;

Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision making process; Includes appropriate people in making decisions.

Stewardship - Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion;

Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes contributions during work hours.

Qualifications / Experience :

• Minimum of (3-4) years of hands on, relevant experience in plant production required
• Thorough understanding of greenhouse and nursery mechanical systems
• Demonstrated experience in producing various greenhouse and nursery crops - annuals, tropicals, holiday crops, woody and herbaceous plant material, etc.
• Strong knowledge of appropriate and effective watering practices for a wide range of plant material
• Foundational understanding of landscape design to assist in planning / scheduling of crops; thus, ensuring timely delivery
• Knowledge of living collections, curation, and plant recording
• Proficient ability to identify various greenhouse pests and pathogens, and apply sound, appropriate remedies; working knowledge regarding the use of biological pest controls is preferred
• Knowledge and application of greenhouse horticultural practices to include plant height control, day length sensitivity, pest management
• Proficient in operating and knowledge of safe operation procedures of various types of landscape maintenance equipment
• 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
• Demonstrated 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 inquiries
• Knowledge of and adherence to all health and safety guidelines
• Scheduling flexibility that allows working weekends and holidays as needed
• 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, 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 and chemical labels

Mathematical Skills :

Requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; 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 drivers, and pesticide applicator 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 high heat and humidity
• Requires standing, walking, bending, stooping and reaching for extended periods of time 80% or more of the workday is standing on feet
• Ability to safely navigate narrow greenhouse aisles
• Ability to operate equipment including tractors, forklifts, utility vehicles, sprayers, cultivators, and mowing machinery
• Ability to wear Garden-issued Personal Protective Equipment
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb ladders, etc.)
• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing)

Work Environment :

• Ability to work in all weather conditions (i.e., humid conditions, temperatures over 100F as well as temperatures below 0F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed)
• Wet conditions much of the time as watering is frequent
• Knowledge of and adherence to all health and safety guidelines.
• Comfortable working in immediate proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering general questions regarding the Garden's operations, events, facilities, etc.

Contacts with Individuals / Organizations inside / outside the Garden :

Garden employees, volunteers, guests, green industry vendors, and contractors

Supervisor (title not person) :

Nursery Supervisor

Last updated : 2024-06-11