Horticulturist I - Outdoor Turf Maintenance

Summary:

Performs all duties associated with the maintenance and care of turf and outdoor landscaping. Duties are directly related to the installation and care of the turf and landscaping in all areas of the garden, including off-site Garden-owned properties. Installation and maintenance of landscapes and individual plants must be conducted to the highest standards. Accurate and detailed record keeping and plant labeling is critical.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs a wide range of landscape/maintenance tasks important to the preservation, protection and transplanting of existing turf and landscape features; including but not limited to mowing, edging, line-trimming, blowing, soil preparation, planting, seeding or sodding, mulching, grading, irrigation, fertilization and pesticide application and soil testing as needed.

• Identifies low areas, potholes, and other trip hazards present in turf and mitigates filling and reseeding as appropriate.

• Assist with contractor coordination for turf repair required following annual events.

• Maintains meadow areas and naturalized bulb collections and adds to these through selection and acquisition of plant material in line with MBGs plant collections development activities.

• Perform and assists with irrigation auditing as required.

• Oversees and is responsible for specific areas in the assigned mowing schedule in day-to-day operations.

• Performs seasonal tasks as assigned including leaf mulching, tree maintenance, weeding, flower show set-up and maintenance, and snow/ice removal.

• Assists with the maintenance of main site plantings including but not limited to; planting, pruning, weeding and mulching.

• Helps with installation and maintenance of the floral display shows.

• Performs plant record keeping at the highest level ensuring that all plants in the collection have accession labels at all times and all maintenance information regarding the collection (i.e. new plantings, divisions, moves, deaths, etc.) is up to date at all times

• Exhibits the highest level of ethical conduct in obtaining and sharing plant material and ensures compliance with MBG policies

• Understands, consistently monitors, and implements appropriate irrigation requirements for a variety of plant material and utilizes technology to tailor irrigation schedules to assigned collections

• Maintains general care of mowers and landscaping tools, horticultural tools, and technical equipment, including lubricating and general cleaning. Refers more serious problems to Supervisor.

• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed. Adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards. Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.

• Answers questions from visitors and directs them to further assistance, as needed.

• Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.

• Meets expected attendance guidelines.

• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.

• Behaves & communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies:

• Communication - Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations.
• Collaboration - Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences.
• Accountability - Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; Effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues' concerns.

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision making process; Includes appropriate people in making decisions.

• Stewardship - Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes contributions during work hours.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Minimum of (3-4) years hands-on, relevant horticulture work experience required

• Knowledge of plant material and landscape maintenance techniques with an emphasis in Turf, herbaceous perennials, bulbs, shrubs, trees and vines

• Knowledgeable in safe operating procedures of various landscaping tools and equipment and proficient in their maintenance

• knowledge of appropriate and effective watering practices for a wide range of plant material

• Proficient ability to identify various plant fungus, pests and pathogens and apply sound, appropriate controls

• Proven ability to convey technical concepts to other Garden staff and volunteers

• Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively at all levels; must enjoy and feel comfortable interacting and working in close proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner answering questions about the living collections

• Scheduling flexibility that allows working weekends and holidays for annual watering schedule and occasional snow and ice removal

• Knowledge of living collections, curation and plant recording

• Knowledge of and adherence to all health and safety guidelines

• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.

• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required

Education:

• Associate's or B.S. degree in Horticulture, Biology, Botany and/or related field required

• An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Word, Excel and Outlook Email)

• Ability to enter data into spreadsheets and databases

• Solid internet research skills required

Mathematical Skills:

• Requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and to calculate percentages and decimals

Reasoning Ability:

• Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Ability to possess and maintain valid driver's and pesticide applicator's licenses.
• Must have the ability to pass a background screening and motor vehicle report (MVR) to meet minimum insurance underwriting criteria.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. (i.e., load, unload and move gardening supplies, medium to heavy weight tools and equipment)

• Must be able to work in bright sunshine with probable high UV levels and must be able to work outdoors year-round

• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb ladders, lift operation, etc.).

• Requires standing, walking, bending, stooping and reaching for extended periods of time-- 80% or more of the workday is standing on feet

• Ability to wear Garden issued Personal Protective Equipment

• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing)

Work Environment:

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (i.e., in temperatures over 100F as well as temperatures below 0F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed)

• Actively works hands-on to complete landscape maintenance tasks.

• Comfortable working in immediate proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:

• Garden employees, volunteers, guests, Green Industry vendors and contractors

• National and international botanical institutions, government agencies, and conservation divisions

Supervisor: Supervisor, Horticulture - Turf