Supervisor of Horticulture

Description

The Ark Supervisor of Horticulture (SOH) directly supervises and coordinates activities of the Ark Horticulture Team and works closely with the Director of Horticulture & Grounds (DHG). The Supervisor trains and assigns duties, such as cultivation, irrigation, or planting and propagation of crops or plants, including equipment/tool and greenhouse maintenance used in growing and maintaining the plants for the landscape. They must possess the ability to interact with staff (at all levels) in a fast-paced environment, sometimes under pressure, remaining pleasant, flexible, proactive, resourceful and efficient, with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality. Expert level written and verbal communication skills, strong decision-making ability and attention to detail are equally important, and they must work independently with little or no supervision.

This position will allow one to impact others through a service mindset centered on making an eternal difference. This position should display our Core Values of SERVE (Serve, Equip, Relate, Value, Engage) when interfacing with both internal and external customers to ensure that the message and mission of Answers in Genesis is portrayed in an effective and God-honoring fashion. This position provides opportunities for spiritual, personal, and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Promote the mission and standards of Answers in Genesis.
• Create a SERVE culture environment in all work done.
• Approach all tasks with a second mile mindset.
• Prioritize personal integrity in all interactions and assignments.
• Oversee and promote the spiritual, personal, and professional development of all team members being led.
• Train employees and volunteers in techniques such as planting, irrigating, harvesting, weeding, or insect identification and in the use of safety measures.
• Plan and review regular safety meetings with the team. Giving instructions on how to wear protective gear like dust masks, safety glasses and protective clothing is essential to the horticultural jobs, as well as the use of fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals used by the horticulture team.
• Maintain, repair and coordinate planning of irrigation beds throughout the Ark Encounter site.
• Train employees or volunteers in the proper use of gardening tools and equipment along with cleaning and care to keep them in good condition.
• Train employees how to prepare potting material, along with the proper watering and airflow techniques used in greenhouse production.
• Train employees how to transfer plants to containers, move container plants around the work site, till the soil and unload shipments of packaged soil and other gardening products.
• Train employees how to propagate new plants through grafting and other measures, as well as prune plants and trees.
• Inspect landscape, or plant stock to determine conditions and need for cultivating, irrigation, spraying, weeding, or harvesting.
• Analyze plants to determine whether they are nutrient deficient, infected with disease or infested with pests. Then determine the best measures to remedy the problems.
• Review employees’ work to evaluate quality and quantity.
• Observe employees to detect inefficient or unsafe work procedures or to identify problems, initiating corrective action as necessary.
• Drive or operate machinery, such as needed for Horticulture activities.
• Provide training to keep the landscape around the site well maintained by pruning and weeding areas to keep plants healthy, vigorous and well maintained.
• Coordinate with Site Development and Grounds Maintenance for training in Christmas light set up and removal procedures.
• Assist Grounds Maintenance and Site Development divisions when needed, such as snow removal.
• All other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Qualifications

Requirements

• Must agree with and be able to sign our Statement of Faith.
• Maintains a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Regularly attends a local Bible-believing church.
• Strong initiative with ability to work with limited direct supervision.
• Able to determine priorities and coordinate projects making good, independent decisions.
• React to project adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently.
• Able to work well under pressure, determine priorities and produce results.
• Able to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Able to perform the essential physical job functions/responsibilities of the position.
• Must have a working knowledge of the horticultural industry and a willingness to be trained in any category where additional instruction may be needed.
• Must be able to delegate work, motivate employees and lead by example.
• Must be able to effectively interpret and relay information through both verbal and written means of communication.
• Acquire and maintain commercial pesticide applicator’s license in several categories
• Must be able to acquire a DOT medical card and MVR screening
• Must be able to learn, understand and apply new technologies
• Able to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Excellent time management skills
• Able to direct, manage and oversee multiple projects at one time, supervise team members and communicate progress
• Required to lift 50–80-pound objects, frequent bending, walking and standing. The person must be able to perform heavy manual labor and deal with exposure to a variety of weather conditions. The person must safely and effectively utilize chemicals which may present health hazards if not handled properly. They must have the ability to safely utilize dangerous power and hand equipment including heavy excavation equipment.
• Reliable transportation, current driver’s license with good driving record.
• Have basic skills with computers with a basic understanding of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Availability to work any combination of days and shifts during park operations including Saturdays and Sundays, being able to be called in after hours with an emergency.
• Strong initiative with ability to work with limited direct supervision
• An ability to determine priorities and coordinate projects by making good, independent decisions.

Education & Experience

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a BS in an appropriate curriculum and/or extensive, responsible experience in greenhouse/landscape management including personnel supervision or any equivalent combination of training and experience, preferred.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in the horticulture industry
• Knowledge of aquatics and large pond maintenance is preferred
• Some construction, masonry, natural stone and hardscape experience preferred
• Experience in staff supervision
• Extensive plant knowledge
• Must be capable of passing the Environmental Protection Agency Pesticide Application Examination.
• Valid driver’s license

Items Needed for Possible Employment

• Completion of on-line application, https://answersingenesis.org   
• Salary Requirements 
• Salvation Testimony  
• Creation Belief Statement 
• Confirmation of your agreement with the AiG Statement of Faith (AiG Statement of Faith can be found on the website).  https://answersingenesis.org/about/faith/
• Completion of a Background Check and Pre-Employment Drug Screen  
• Completion of a Motor Vehicle Report