Display Horticulture Manager

Position Summary: Possessing advanced horticultural knowledge and proven leadership experience, the Display Horticulture Manager coordinates, leads, and works alongside a team of gardeners in maintaining all horticultural plantings and select peripheral acreage at Bellingrath Gardens & Home (BGH). Specifically, the Display Horticulture Manager and their team are responsible for the installation, upkeep and presentation of the seasonal display beds and living collections throughout all visitor-facing areas. The Display Horticulture Manager plays a critical role orchestrating interdependent interactions across the entire BGH Horticulture Department. The Display Horticulture Manager is expected to perform outdoor work subject to climatic conditions typical to Mobile, Alabama.

· Proficiently manage, equip, train, encourage, and inspire a team of gardeners to cultivate and enhance BGH’s 65 acres of visitor-facing Horticultural displays

· Prepare weekly schedule and work with garden staff to accomplish recurrent tasks and singular tasks; and closely monitor progress to ensure goals are completed as defined by the Director of Horticulture

o Recurrent tasks include, but are not limited to: weeding, watering, woody weed management, path maintenance, rejuvenation and renewal pruning, fertilizing, mulching, deadheading, water feature maintenance, and litter removal

o Singular tasks might include planting bed rejuvenation or construction, shrub and tree planting/transplanting, storm cleanup, and other projects as assigned

· Actively foster strong communication with fellow Horticulture Department lead staff to ensure seamless execution of intradepartmental tasks.

o Intradepartmental tasks include but are not limited to: meeting seasonal and cyclical display changeout deadlines, executing nursery plant transfers and returns, management of peripheral vegetation, organizing plant sales, advancing core collection projects

· Work closely with other BGH managers in other divisions to assist with staffing and setup of BGH’s seasonal events, and provide other assistance as directed

o BGH’s growing list of events includes but is not limited to: Magic Christmas in Lights, Beers and Blooms, and The Great Bellingrath Harvest

· Foster a culture of safety, communication, professionalism, and mindfulness

· Teach proper horticultural techniques and equipment selection and usage to all direct reports

· Serve as an example of proper, appropriate, and safe use, maintenance, and storage of landscape equipment including but not limited to: hand tools, electric utility carts, rototiller, small tractor, and chainsaw—and train team to follow your example as it adheres to BGH guidelines

· Ensure that volunteers are effectively stationed throughout the gardens and that gardeners are prepared and equipped to maximize the benefit of available volunteer hours

· Other duties as assigned

· Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or related field, or Associates degree in Horticulture or related field plus 2 years of proven experience in supervisory Horticulture, or seven years of proven and progressive supervisory experience in Horticulture and/or Landscape Management

· Advanced knowledge and experience with concepts and practices pertaining to the broad scope of horticultural actions necessary for the curation of a renowned public garden at the highest level

· Excellent interpersonal communications skills

· Basic computer skills, especially as it pertains to the Microsoft Office Suite

· Strong work ethic and ability to work directly with staff who report to you

· Ability to lift 50 pounds

· Proven ability to delegate tasks effectively and to communicate clear expectations

· Advanced knowledge of and experience with seasonal, tropical, herbaceous, and woody plant materials suitable for growing in south Alabama

· Ability to work for extended periods of time outdoors in climatic conditions typical to Mobile, Alabama

· Adherence to instruction and management

· Alabama pesticide license (or ability to obtain)

· Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record

· Reliable transportation to commute to BGH for a minimum 40-hour work week

To apply for this position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to employment@bellingrath.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Year round work

Ability to Commute:

• Theodore, AL 36582 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Theodore, AL 36582: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $55,000