Associate Director of Horticulture Operations

ABOUT US

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers world-class horticulture, art & nature-based exhibitions and educational programs. The 13-acre indoor and outdoor facility—situated two miles from downtown Columbus—features glasshouses including the historic John F. Wolfe Palm House; botanical gardens including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden and Scotts Miracle Gro-Foundation Community Garden Campus; and event venues. The Conservatory is home to the largest collection of Chihuly glass in a botanical garden and Light Raiment II by internationally renowned artist James Turrell. Committed to the community, the Conservatory strives to provide an accessible and welcoming experience to all.

MISSION

As a premier botanical garden destination, we connect people to nature and create life enhancing experiences.

VISION

Envision a world that celebrates nature as essential to the human experience.

JOB SUMMARY
The Associate Director of Horticulture Operations is a key member of the Horticulture and Exhibitions team
responsible for overseeing the operational functions of the Horticulture department, ensuring efficient daily
operations, staff development, and the implementation of horticultural exhibitions and programming calendars. This role is also responsible for oversight of the documentation and maintenance of plant collections while upholding the plant collections policies and inventory, plant signage program, and ensuring that all horticultural spaces meet the highest standards of excellence.
The Associate Director of Horticulture Operations works closely with the Director of Horticulture and Exhibitions to oversee human resource planning, budgeting, and departmental strategy while directly managing the Botanical Gardens Manager, Horticulture Manager and the interior conservatory team. The Associate Director can play numerous roles and specializes in various aspects of planning at the Conservatory while serving as mentor and leader. This position serves as backup and assumes the department Director’s responsibilities when he or she is unavailable. This role supports departmental and facility goals, mission, and values with a strong emphasis on customer service while being an ambassador for the organization.

Additional Information: This is a full-time exempt position. This position is eligible for the Conservatory's benefit package offered to full-time employees, which includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid Life/AD&D/Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance, participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement Program (OPERS), optional 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), and complimentary membership to the Conservatory.

Compensation: $70,000 annual salary.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works with the Director of Horticulture and Exhibitions as well as other department leaders on
• department vision, planning, department structure, budget forecasting/implementation and quality control.
• Provides leadership, mentorship, and strategic guidance to the Botanical Gardens Manager, Horticulture Manager and team members to ensure effective management of daily horticulture operations.
• Fosters an environment where teamwork is encouraged and collaboration is valued.
• Collaborates with the Director of Horticulture and Exhibitions to develop then implement comprehensive training programs that meet the needs of each individual team member.
• Works in conjunction with other departments to collaborate on operations and program development that may affect the guest experience.
• Oversees the planning and execution of seasonal flower displays, exhibitions, and permanent horticultural installations.
• Develops and administers the horticulture budget and maintains clear records of all costs and spending to obtain a balanced budget.
• Assists with the project planning and implementation of the Conservatory’s exhibitions and programming calendars.
• Ensures plant collections are displayed at a level of excellence in accordance with design intent and organizational standards.
• Coordinates Argus biome climate control system operation with the Engineering department.
• Works with outside contractors, vendors, and artists when necessary to support horticultural installations and operations.
• Implements approved plant collection policies and horticultural interpretation.
• Supports horticulture fundraising efforts by providing horticulture statements and other pertinent information to inform grant applications and final donor reports.
• Supports marketing and electronic media programming including developing and facilitating informational topics as well as highlights of plant collections to share with the public including performing media interviews.
• Participates on operations, planning and board committees as assigned.
• Ensures proper use and care of equipment and follows state and federal laws that address the safe use of equipment and the application, storage and disposal of pesticides. This includes the proper use and wear of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Promptly observes and reports concerns regarding horticultural displays or safety issues, or addresses situations when appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned and demonstrates a focus on serving visitors and guests of the Conservatory.

REQUIREMENTS (Education/ Experience)

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, botany or a related field OR minimum 5 years of leadership experience in a professional landscape/horticulture environment with exceptional knowledge in program development, curation and design of diverse plant collections and seasonal displays, budgeting, and administration.
• Demonstrated experience with leading the development of programs.
• Valid Driver’s License with the ability to provide own transportation to and from work sites if needed.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays and special events as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (Requirements and Abilities)

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient use of basic software programs (Word, Excel and Microsoft).
• Proven ability to develop and communicate effective plant collections and maintenance strategies at an exceptional level.
• Self motivated, organized, and attentive to details.
• Effective time management skills with the ability to multitask, manage projects, problem solve, meet deadlines and delegate duties.
• Ability to cultivate professional, service oriented relationships with staff, volunteers, vendors, donors, and board members.
• Ability to motivate others and foster an environment where teamwork is encouraged and collaboration is valued.
• Proven ability to convey technical concepts to other team members.
• Ability to manage budgets and support revenue goals.
• Ability to collaborate with reporting staff members with an emphasis on career path development.
• Frequently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves materials weighing up to 50lbs to accomplish installations and maintenance with or without accommodation.
• Ability and willingness to perform hands-on gardening and other duties in all types of weather, indoors and outdoors: heat and humidity, freezing temperatures, wind and rain.
• Ability to support the mission and values of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

EEO Statement:

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Conservatory does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, lactation status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other protected status. The Conservatory values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.