Collections and Education Specialist

General Purpose

Responsible for professional, technical, and research work in the progressive identification, inventorying, and locational mapping of plants for collections, public display, and botanical education programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.

• Identifies, inventories, and maps Garden plants to compile botanical and horticultural records for collections development and to assist in the compilation of educational curricula and materials.
• Data collection: data entry, spreadsheet maintenance, and photography using a dedicated digital camera.
• Plant identification and nomenclatural verification.
• Manages and uses the plant collections database.
• Manages and uses GIS mapping devices.
• Manages and uses the plant labeling machine.
• Generates and maintains accurate plant collection and display labels and signage.
• Supports education and horticultural staff with information used in garden development and maintenance.
• Prepares and submits applications for botanical designations and awards.
• Supports, trains and supervises the activities of horticultural and educational volunteers.
• Supports and monitors the work of contractors.
• Supports and monitors local, state, and federal entities in conservation and exotic species identification and eradication efforts.
• Researches, write and aggregates content for botanical and interpretive signs.
• Maintains inventory of educational signage and initiates updates and maintenance as needed.
• Liaises with professional organizations and database developers on regular basis.
• Assists in post-hurricane landscape recovery efforts, especially data collection and documentation.
• Assists the Curator, Horticulture Assistants, and other Gardens’ staff, as assigned.
• Leads and assists Garden educational programming, including events.
• Supports writing educational curriculum and lessons.
• Maintains and updates educational materials.
• Supports educational and private tour bookings and logistics.
• Leads and organizes guided garden tours and educations adult programs.
• Operates ticketing, customer information and data collection software.
• Staffs programs and events during high season.
• Attends collections and education related meetings and takes minutes when appropriate.
• Performs upkeep and general maintenance of seasonal plant displays in the Learning Garden.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education and Experience:
  • A University degree from an accredited institution at the bachelor’s level or higher.
  • Familiarity with plant collections records and databases used in public and botanical gardens.
  • Broad and deep working knowledge of plants encountered in tropical gardens, i.e., the ability to identify living specimens and to recognize species that are common or uncommon in horticulture.

• Knowledge of other public garden tropical plant collections, plant lists, nomenclatural sources, and professionals to be used to aid plant identification.
• Good research skills.
• Experience or interest leading programs and dealing with the public including youth.
• Teaching or programmatic experience is desirable.
• Previous public garden experience is desirable.
• Familiarity with South Florida botanical and display gardens, nurseries, and the local horticultural community is desirable.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with use of a dedicated digital camera.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to perform several tasks at one time.
• Ability to maintain a high level of organization.
• Ability to prioritize duties and meet department goals and deadlines.
• Ability to deal with sensitive matters and exercise discretion.
• Ability to effectively work independently, exercise independent judgment, and maintain confidentiality and professionalism in the execution of duties.
• Ability to get along with others and work effectively and courteously with fellow workers, officials, other agencies, and the public.

Application Process & Documentation

Applications shall be considered on a first come, first served basis. Please review the Documentation Requirements at the bottom of the job posting before submitting your application. Please note that incomplete applications will not receive consideration.

Instructions: Please read carefully. Failure to follow instructions may disqualify you from the selection process.

Attach all required documents to your application each time you apply for a position with the Village of Pinecrest. Documents which you may have previously uploaded remain in your profile but will not attach automatically and you will be deemed ineligible without the proper documentation.

The following documents are required to be uploaded with your application:

• Proof of education must be submitted with application. If submitting transcripts, it must indicate that a degree was conferred.
• Complete the Disclosure and Authorization Form and attach to your employment application in pdf format.
• Resumes are Optional and may be attached, but are not required and shall not be reviewed in place of the employment application.

Additionally, applicants must completely detail their work experience on the application, including but not limited to, dates of employment and reasons for leaving prior employment or risk being disqualified.

Veterans Preference: Veterans Preference is awarded in accordance with Florida State Statute 295.07. If veteran's preference is being claimed, it must be indicated on the application form and proper documentation, including all forms DD-214 must be submitted with the application.

Prior to employment, successful completion of a background investigation will be required. Depending upon the position, a medical examination and/or drug screen may be required. Additionally, appointment to certain positions (including promotions or transfers) may be contingent upon submission of official transcripts.