Garden Manager / Horticulturist

Job Overview

The Garden Manager works to maintain and preserve the vision and qualities that make the 23-acre Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Heritage Center (SCBG) unique. The Manager will oversee staff, volunteers, facilities management, preventive maintenance, and security procedures to ensure a safe and secure environment.

Reports To

The President of the Soos Creek Botanical Garden Foundation’s Board of Directors

Responsibilities and Duties

• Direct management and leadership of staff, including proper garden maintenance scheduling and daily workflows ensuring productivity.
• Motivates, trains, and supervises staff to adhere to high safety standards and assesses each individual’s performance through routine mentoring sessions and evaluations.
• Ability to interact in an appropriate and professional manner with visitors, staff, and volunteers.
• Foster an appreciation and understanding of the Garden for visitors; able to interpret botanical and horticultural subjects.
• Ensure accurate accession records of the collections within the Garden.
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of small engines, irrigation, and pump equipment, plus garden equipment: tractor, chainsaw, weed eater, and lawn mowers.
• Supervise the selection and application of herbicides and insecticides, adhering to sustainable and environmentally conscious practices.
• Lead garden volunteers, ensuring they have the necessary tools, skills, and information and create a collaborative and supportive environment where teams work well together.
• Manages the annual operating budget.
• Report to the Board of Directors quarterly or as needed.
• Contribute content for social media, blogs, and print.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A degree in Horticulture or related field, with a track record of proven management experience.
• A minimum of four years in a leadership role of a major public garden, showcasing a proven track record of strategic planning and operational management.
• Plant identification skills and knowledge of local maintenance practices for perennials, shrubs and trees.
• Skilled in management/best practices in an environmentally friendly garden.
• The position involves physical labor. You must be in good condition and able to bend, squat, dig and kneel as well as stand and walk for extended periods of time. You must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Good communication skills and strong interpersonal skills; must be a team player able to work effectively with a diverse group of individuals.
• Have your own cell phone that can be reliably used for garden-related communication.

About Us

SCBG is dedicated to promoting the enjoyment, understanding and conservation of plants and the natural world along with our community’s local history through education, research, and stewardship. Located on 23 picturesque acres, the gardens include rare perennials, nature paths, meadows, native woodlands and a pond garden. The Master Gardener Demonstration Vegetable Garden supplies fruits and vegetables for several local food banks. Our Heritage Center preserves the history of the Soos Creek Plateau through a collection of early photos, historical maps and artifacts. The Garden aspires to be a community asset, a place to relax and a place where everyone can be inspired by nature.

SCBG is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff and will honor your experiences, perspectives, and unique identity. Together, we strive to create and maintain a working environment that is inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Commute:

• Auburn, WA (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $30