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Conservatory Horticulturist in SAN ANTONIO, Texas at San Antonio Botanical Garden

Recently UpdatedJob Function: ScienceEmployment Type: Full-TimeMinimum Education: BA/BS/Undergraduate
San Antonio Botanical Garden
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, 78201, United States
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Job Description

Position Description:

San Antonio Botanical Garden | San Antonio, TX

Full-Time | Exempt


For nearly 45 years, the San Antonio Botanical Garden (SABG) has been enriching lives through plants and nature. The Garden is a world class garden recognized for outstanding horticulture displays, botanical diversity, education, conservation, and experiences that connect people to the natural world. The San Antonio Botanical Garden embraces the sense of place that makes San Antonio unique and features over thirty-nine acres of nature space located deep in the heart of San Antonio, has welcomed more than 400,000 visitors, and has over 13,000 member households. For more information, visit www.sabot.org


GENERAL SUMMARY

The San Antonio Botanical Garden is seeking a passionate and detail-oriented Horticulturist to lead the care and display of the Lucile Halsell Conservatory, a world-class facility designed by renowned architect Emilio Ambasz. This role oversees the Gretchen Northrup Tropical Conservatory, Robert and Helen Kleberg Desert Pavilion, Palm and Cycad Pavilion, Fern Grotto, outdoor Courtyard & Orangerie, and our signature orchid collection, soon to be showcased in a brand-new Orchid Pavilion formally Exhibit Room.
As the Conservatory Horticulturist, you will manage a team of gardeners and volunteers, maintain living collections, and implement best practices in tropical, temperate and desert plant care. Experience with orchids, tropical plants, and conservatory or greenhouse cultivation is highly desirable.
Join a team dedicated to connecting people with nature through vibrant plant displays, innovative environmental systems, and a passion for horticultural excellence.

Under the direct supervision of a Director of Horticulture, the Horticulturist serves as a garden area horticulture manager instilling best horticultural practices among area garden staff. As a working supervisor, this position, specifically, will be focused on coordinating and managing a crew of gardeners and volunteers responsible for installation and maintenance of garden area landscapes, and assuring optimal health of living collections. Knowledge of landscape practices adaptable to South Texas, and knowledge of Texas native plants will be helpful. This position will require good communication, teamwork and organizational skills. Furthermore, the successful Horticulturist candidate will have a sincere appreciation for the importance of plant-based experiences for children, families, adults, and seniors who visit the Garden.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Specifically, the Horticulturist will have responsibility for the following activities:

• Management and supervision of staff, volunteers and vendors to meet the standards of horticultural excellence set for the Garden.
• Interact in a professional manner to provide appropriate customer service to visitors, volunteers and staff.
• Planning, demonstrating and executing all horticultural care practices (i.e. design, planting, watering, fertilizing, and integrated pest management).
• Provide appropriate horticultural training to staff and volunteers.
• Lead staff and volunteer groups hands-on.
• Identify volunteer needs to assist staff with assigned projects.
• Assist in maintaining accurate records per the Living Collections Policy.
• May assist with monitoring budget in specific area of responsibility.
• Installation and maintenance of horticultural displays.
• Assist with design of horticultural displays.
• May help promote the garden through media; such as press releases, eblasts, social media posts, and radio or television interviews

Job descriptions are guidelines that attempt to characterize major duties and responsibilities of employees, and are subject to change as needs and programs change. At the San Antonio Botanical Garden, they are considered neither inclusive nor exclusive.
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in horticulture, botany, or related field (or 8 years of experience)
  • At least 2 years in the field; 1+ year of supervisory experience preferred
  • Knowledge of South Texas-adapted and native plants, orchids, tropical plants
  • Texas driver's license and ability to obtain pesticide license within 90 days
  • Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and special events required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of horticulture, botany, plant propagation or closely related fields

• Knowledge of the care and maintenance for orchids, tropical plants, cycads and palms

• Ability to perform and lead horticultural practices and skills

• Ability to work with staff, volunteers, vendors and the general public

• Computer efficiency (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)

• Written and verbal communication skills

• Eye and appreciation for detail and design

• Ability to work closely with staff from all departments to plan and implement programs and events for specialized audiences such as children's groups, families, adults, and seniors in addition to general visitation.

• Experience working with volunteers and the ability to train and serve as a team leader for volunteers is preferred.

• Initiative and follow through as well as the ability to multi-task, set priorities, and maintain a positive attitude at times of increased workload are crucial

• Good organizational skills are required, with strong attention to details in all tasks.

• Successful candidates will also have the ability to work productively and positively in a team oriented environment and to provide quality customer service in a professional manner. Flexibility to work occasional long hours including weekend and evenings is needed

CONFIDENTIALITY

The Horticulturist may occasionally be privy to confidential information, and must ensure that information is dealt with in the strictest of confidence and discretion.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, climb a ladder, bend, kneel, and squat. Position requires stamina for horticultural projects and occasional extended days for special events.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Position requires the ability to work under pressure and maintain a positive and professional manner while providing excellent customer service and managing staff and volunteers.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions

2. Work is typically performed in an outdoor setting though may be performed in an office setting, greenhouse, or maintenance facilities.

3. Expected to perform under minimum supervision and act independently within the scope of normal duties and responsibilities. Difficult or unique situations are referred to the supervisor.

4. Work will be performed in areas with frequent high levels of visitation, requiring excellent customer service and professionalism at all times while balancing the need for productivity.

5. On occasion, required to work extended hours as well as be on-call on a rotating schedule

6. Minimal travel may be required.

EQUIPMENT

Computer/printer and related software (PowerPoint, Word, Excel), fax, office telephone. Including, but not limited to: hand tools, weed eater, blower, hedger, rototiller, chainsaw, bobcat, truck and trailer, etc.

COMPENSATION

Compensation will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the individual.

Job Location

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, 78201, United States

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