03/05/2021
POSITION DESCRIPTION
We are seeking an experienced Nursery Manager/Horticulturist to run our nursery operation and provide horticultural support for the existing garden and future garden expansions. This position has five key responsibilities:
1. Maintain existing garden collection
The garden is under a conservation easement which requires that we maintain the existing garden as John Fairey designed it, in perpetuity. To the extent possible this includes maintaining the existing plant selections. To that end, a pipeline of plant material must be available to replace individuals that are in poor health, are physically damaged or die. The
Nursery Manager/Horticulturist is responsible for establishing a plan for building and maintaining the replacement pipeline of plant material.
2. Prepare new plant material for introduction to garden
Facilities and processes must be available to successfully germinate seeds (in many cases collected in the wild), root cuttings and grow out this plant material to prepare it for introduction into the garden.
3. Propagate & grow plant material for exchange with other botanic institutions
The foundation has established relationships with many botanic institutions and individual horticulturists and plant collectors for the purpose of exchanging knowledge and sharing important plant materials. The Nursery Manager shall maintain sufficient inventory of plant material particularly of the wild collected or otherwise rare plants to support a continued exchange.
4. Propagate & grow plant materials for sale to public
Plant sales are expected to provide an important source of revenue for the foundation. They also provide the opportunity to attract visitors to the garden who might not otherwise choose to join a tour. The Nursery Manager in consultation with the Executive Director and Horticulture Director should develop a plan for plant production that includes a list of taxa, target inventories, labeling/potting approach and marketing strategies. Priority should be given to growing plants that are of limited availability at other nurseries or are particularly representative of the JF Garden design and collections.
5. Preserve special greenhouse collections
The Foundation owns some special collections of plant material that must reside in the greenhouse structures due to special climate needs. Examples include the Aloe and
Haworthia collections. The Nursery manager should provide appropriate care and propagation support to maintain the integrity of the collections identified by the Horticultural director in consultation with the Executive Director.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• Provide horticultural support to the small team of gardeners
• Participation on the Planting and Design Committee
• Maintain nursery plant inventory database and garden collections database
• Prioritize volunteer activities in coordination with the Office Manager
• Contribute content to monthly newsletter and website
• Contribute to public programming
• Stay current on horticultural best practices
• Represent the Garden at symposia and conferences
• Maintain relationships with local nurseries, garden clubs
• Keep greenhouses and other nursery facilities clean, neat, and organized in a way that represents our commitment to beauty and maintains the Garden's aesthetic reputation.
DESIRED ATTRIBUTES
The successful Nursery Manager/Horticulturist should have an in-depth knowledge of horticulture, excellent managerial skills, and should be comfortable interacting with the public.
We are a small operation and an ease with collaboration and respect for fellow Garden employees is critical. The Nursery Manager/Horticulturist will need to become knowledgeable of the history of the Garden, its collections, and horticultural significance, and understand the nursery's role in maintaining and expanding that significance. The Nursery Manager/Horticulturist will ultimately report to the Horticulture Director (position to be filled in Q4 2021), who reports to the Executive Director.
NURSERY MANAGER/HORTICULTURIST QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, related degree or equivalent experience
• 4+ years' experience at public gardens and/or the horticultural trade
• Proficiency in propagation - growing wild collected seeds and cuttings
• Detailed knowledge of plant production, soil, fertilizers, and nursery management
• Excellent communication and managerial skills
• Ability to delegate tasks and manage volunteers
• Professional and friendly demeanor
• Familiarity with plant database systems
• Appreciation of plant merchandising
• Employment is contingent upon testing in several skill areas as well as a background check.
• A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle that may be used for foundation business.
• Candidate should expect to be assigned other duties not specified in this description
WORK SCHEDULE
Tuesday - Saturday 9-5, Some weekday and weekend evenings for special events.
