Horticulture Research Associate

Description

About Denver Botanic Gardens: Green inside and out, Denver Botanic Gardens was founded in 1951 and is considered one of the top botanical gardens in the United States and a pioneer in water conservation. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, The Gardens has a robust living plant collection, natural history collection and art collection along with temporary art exhibitions. The Gardens is a dynamic, 24-acre urban oasis in the heart of the city, offering unforgettable opportunities to flourish with unique garden experiences for the whole family – as well as world-class exhibitions, education, and plant conservation research programs.

For more information, visit us online at www.botanicgardens.org.

Position Summary

Denver Botanic Gardens is currently seeking a Seasonal Horticulture Research Associate in our Horticulture Department! Read below to see if the requirements might be a good fit for you:

Under direct supervision, the Horticulture Research Associate provides support to the Horticulture Department research team by assisting with data collection, field trial preparation, and research site maintenance. The position applies appropriate horticultural techniques to a wide variety of plant materials to ensure research sites and gardens meet the highest horticulture and research standards. Addresses issues/problems by applying prescribed rules, policies, or procedures.

Requirements

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Research site preparation, experimental setup, and horticultural maintenance duties (planting, weeding, irrigation, etc.) related to green roof research experiments occurring at Denver Botanic Gardens York Street and Chatfield Farms locations and other offsite locations.
• Assists with data collection including plant size measurements, plant identification, phenology observations, and other field data. Compiles and inputs data using Microsoft Excel or other data management software.
• Uses appropriate horticultural techniques and has an understanding of plant cultural requirements.
• Completes assigned daily/weekly/monthly tasks including weeding, mulching, watering, planting, pruning, deadheading, and seed collection on a regular basis including weekends as scheduled or required.
• Practices integrated pest management when dealing with plant disease, nutrition, and insect problems.
• Maintains assigned garden and research areas free of weeds, debris, and litter.
• Provides courteous, accurate responses to all inquiries.
• Maintains satisfactory working relationships with managers, co-workers, volunteers and others.
• Maintains a positive, helpful and solution-oriented demeanor when responding to or serving members and visitors.
• Uses appropriate safety procedures.
• Performs snow removal in the winter.
• Regular attendance at the worksite may be required. As with all positions at Denver Botanic Gardens, the incumbent must be in good performance standing to be eligible for remote work. Remote work is at the discretion of management at all times.
• All Gardens employees must be committed to the mission of connecting people with plants, especially plants from the Rocky Mountain region and similar regions around the world, providing delight and enlightenment to everyone.
  
  

Position Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of correct horticultural practices.
• Knowledge in all aspects of routine garden maintenance, including but not limited to: planting, weed identification and control, cultural requirements of herbaceous and woody plants, and plant identification.
• Knowledge in pest management when dealing with plant disease, nutrition, and insect problems.
• Must have proven excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills in dealing with the public.
• Ability to maintain stability under pressure and able to deal well with stressful situations.
• Ability to be flexible and willing to modify plans when necessary, throughout the day.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Suite products, specifically Word, Excel and Outlook and Teams.
• Ability to work overtime as necessary.
• Must be a positive representative of the Gardens both internally and externally at all times.
• Must work with respect and cooperation at all times with fellow employees and the public.
• Must be committed to working safely at all times.
  
  

Experience/Education

• Associates’ degree and/or combination of education and equivalent experience in Horticulture is required.
• Experience with all horticultural tools and machinery is essential.
  
  

Travel

Up to 10% travel required. Requires the ability to travel to remote locations (or other Garden locations) where environment may vary significantly.

Come work for a place that offers you SO much more than just a paycheck!