Conservation Seed Increase Plot Horticulturist

Description

The Atlanta Botanical Garden seeks a highly motivated Conservation Seed Increase Plot Horticulturist to assist in managing and curating the Conservation Seed Increase Plots (SIP) in Gainesville, GA. This position focuses on propagating, maintaining, and curating rare and associated common wetland species from southeastern Appalachia and Florida panhandle wet prairies. Reporting to the Conservation Safeguarding Nursery Manager, the successful candidate will support horticultural operations, plant collections management, and fieldwork initiatives while ensuring the nursery infrastructure functions effectively. This position is based full-time in Gainesville, GA, with occasional travel to the Midtown Atlanta location and field sites.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Seed Increase Plot Maintenance and Horticulture:

• Perform daily horticultural tasks, including watering, weeding, planting, harvesting, and maintenance of SIP plots.
• Construct and repair irrigation systems using hand and power tools.
• Support greenhouse production tasks, including pest and weed management, propagation, and plant organization.
• Serve as a backup for the Conservation Safeguarding Nursery Manager by adhering to established protocols for plant care.
• Assist Midtown Conservation staff during absences or large-scale projects.

Collections Management and Plant Curation:

• Track and manage SIP seed collections, propagation activities, and bed management.
• Coordinate with the Conservation Safeguarding Nursery Manager and Conservation Database Coordinator to maintain accurate inventory and plant accession records.
• Support plant accessioning, labeling, and GIS-based mapping as needed.

Collection Development and Fieldwork:

• Collaborate with Conservation Field Program Managers and the Conservation Seedbank Manager to coordinate seed inputs and outputs for the SIP program.
• Conduct occasional fieldwork (~1 day/month) during the field season, including habitat assessments, seed collection, and plant reintroductions.
• Participate in bog workdays and habitat restoration efforts as required.

Volunteer and Intern Leadership:

• Train, supervise, and schedule SIP program volunteers and seasonal interns.
• Provide guidance and support for undergraduate research projects and conservation-focused internships.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Plant Biology, or a related field required; 1-3 years of experience in botanical garden plant collections management is highly desirable.

Technical Expertise:

Seed and Cutting Propagation:

• 1-2 years of experience in seed propagation and cutting techniques in a greenhouse setting is preferred.
• Familiarity with seed dormancy, pre-treatments (e.g., stratification and scarification), and rooting of diverse cutting types.

Collections Management:

• Experience with plant collection data management, labeling, and GIS mapping.

Plant Health:

• Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), plant diseases, and plant nutrition.

Plant Knowledge:

• Proficiency in identifying southeastern U.S. native plants, including rare species, using dichotomous keys.

Ecology:

• Understanding of native wetlands and wetland ecology.

Additional Skills:

• Self-motivated and able to complete daily tasks independently.
• Proficiency or willingness to learn the use of power tools for building and repair tasks.
• Valid Georgia driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Willingness to travel between Atlanta and Gainesville (~1 time/month).
• Flexibility to work weekends and holidays during the growing season to maintain plant health.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work outdoors year-round in extreme weather conditions, including heat, cold, and wet environments.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs and work under strenuous physical conditions.
• Capability to work independently and alone for extended periods, supported by part-time staff, interns, and volunteers.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize and respond to multiple, changing, and often conflicting tasks.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact with volunteers, interns, staff, and the general public effectively.
• Flexibility and innovative problem-solving abilities to address challenges related to plant care, design, and nursery operations.

The above job duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work for employees in this position, but this is not intended as an exclusive or all-inclusive inventory of all duties required of employees in this job.

It is the policy of the Atlanta Botanical Garden to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.