Display Horticulturist, Bonsai & Japanese Courtyard Garden

TITLE:                          Display Horticulturist, Bonsai & Japanese Courtyard Garden

DEPARTMENT:           Horticulture

REPORTS TO:             Horticultural Collections Manager.  

GENERAL SUMMARY:  This position is responsible for the day-to-day care of the bonsai collection, including tropical and temperate, as well as the care of the Japanese Courtyard Garden, assuring exceptional horticulture and immaculate maintenance at all times. The person will represent and speak about bonsai and Phipps’ collection and the Japanese Courtyard Garden at Phipps and potentially nationally. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 1. Responsible for all horticulture duties within the Japanese Garden and the bonsai collection, as well as assigned rooms, including but not limited to watering, pruning, weeding, fertilizing and integrated pest management, keeping your areas immaculately maintained with particular attention to detail.

2.  Understand and carry out Japanese-style pruning. Maintain and update garden as needed. Responsible for maintaining integrity of design.

3.  Represent Phipps in relation to bonsai.  Respond to inquiries from the public; maintain excellent customer relations.

4.  Develop and present educational programs and classes at Phipps and in the community when appropriate.

5.  Do regular bonsai public programs on the weekend in the Conservatory.

6.  Write articles, give tours, teach classes and assist with special events, as required.

7.  Represent Phipps at and participate in the Pittsburgh Bonsai Society and in Pittsburgh Bonsai Show.

8.  Take an active role in planning and carrying out the annual tropical bonsai exhibit as part of the Orchid & Tropical Bonsai show.

9.   Effectively supervise volunteers, students and staff in the care of the specified areas.

10.  Troubleshoot garden problems and prioritize garden tasks.

11.  Evaluate crops with other staff to determine future feasibility for displays.

12.  Working with IPM specialist, monitor, diagnose and treat insect, disease, physiological and cultural conditions. 

13.  Diagnose problems that are physiologically based and/or stress related; anticipate what will occur under specific conditions (i.e., soil conditions, climate, etc.); identify stresses and proactively implement solutions.

14.  Ensure all equipment is properly operated, maintained and stored.

15.  May assist with installation, maintenance and teardown of flower shows, special exhibits, display rooms, outdoor gardens and special projects as required.

16.  May assist in the Conservatory in assigned areas in the “off season.”

17.  Maintain Pennsylvania pesticide applicators license, through appropriate and timely update training.  Be aware of credits needed.

18.  Perform other duties as requested.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

 1.  Knowledge of horticultural methods and plant maintenance, especially as they relate to bonsai and Japanese gardens.

2.  Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license preferred.

3.  Ability to prioritize and work independently.

4.  Ability to work with the public and co-workers in a pleasant and courteous manner.

5.  Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

6.  Strong attention to details.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SENSORY DIMENSIONS

 1. Physical mobility:  sitting, standing, kneeling, walking, lifting/carrying objects up to 50 pounds, climbing up to 15 feet, manual dexterity to operate keyboard.

2.  Mental effort:  reading, writing, analyzing and visualizing.

3.  Sensory requirement:  ability to communicate and respond to staff in a friendly and fair manner.

4.  Strong work ethic in all areas of job performance.

5.  Ability to communicate and respond both in person and over the phone to the general public, staff, volunteers and board members in a friendly manner.

6.  Able to work under deadlines and stress.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1.  Outdoor gardens, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.

2.  Ability to provide own transportation to perform principal responsibilities.

3.  Will require evening and weekend work.  Must be available for overtime when needed.

4.  Will have occasion to work in or pass through any area of the conservatory or growing houses.

MINIMUM POSITION GUIDELINES (Education, Experience and Certification)

 1. Four-year degree in appropriate field such as horticulture or plant science.

2.  At least five years’ experience taking care of bonsai.

3.  Two years’ experience maintaining an outdoor garden.  Japanese Garden experience preferred.

Revisions, additions or deletions to this job description may be made at any point.

EOE