Horticulturist; PT Floating position in Atlanta, Georgia at Atlanta History Center

The primary responsibility of this position is to provide horticultural and operational support throughout Goizueta Gardens as a key team member throughout the 33-acre campus. This position is a role for a self-starter – observant, industrious, with a proactive approach to solving problems as they arise, in support of the Director of Horticulture. This position requires flexibility and willingness to adapt to changes in staffing levels throughout the gardens over time. The role will offer opportunities in gardens that are temporarily understaffed, being renovated, and undergoing project work. The broad nature of the role allows for education and growth in areas of ornamental, native, and specific collections, as well as agricultural spaces. This is a critical role in supporting all areas of Goizueta Gardens where most needed.

This position joins a highly motivated, diligent and collaborative team of Goizueta Gardens staff. This team is raising the bar in horticultural excellence, historic garden management, and sustainability. Enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work alone and as a team are necessary.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support teammates in their respective gardens and in group projects as assigned by the Director of Horticulture. These may include:

• Assist with seasonal change-outs in Olguita’s Garden.
• Plant, weed, water and harvest crops at Smith Farm.
• Prepare gardens for private event rentals.
• Weed, plant bulbs and other wise provide assistance in the Entrance Gardens.

• Serve as Campus Check lister once a week – ensure all gardens and collections are as they should be, and notify respective teammates as needed over concerns.
• Provide a positive visitor and volunteer experience; be prepared to give directions, lead tours and answer questions about the AHC and all its components.

GENERAL HORTICULTURAL

• Provide all necessary horticultural care of established and new plantings, including watering, weeding, mulching, dividing, cutting back, soil improvement practices, pruning, leaf removal and other gardening tasks.
• Proficiency with Baseline Irrigation Management and all zones throughout the gardens; training will be provided.
• Follow garden design and curation guidelines.
• Learn all plants in assigned area, their names and specific cultural needs.
• Keep records of any approved changes to plant material (plantings, removals, etc.).
• Collaborate on inventories, and ensuring all plants have accession and display labels; ensure display labels follow the theme of the garden.
• Assist with team efforts in our Integrated Pest Management program. This includes scouting for pests and diseases, identification, understanding life cycles, recommending and applying the most ecologically sensitive control option.
• Practice proper tool usage and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure that volunteers and interns also use proper safety techniques.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with routine care of livestock on Smith Farm.
• Be observant and report back any horticultural, technical, animal, safety, or other concerns promptly.
• Work and communicate in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, flexibility, and tact within our division and throughout the AHC, with co-workers, management, donors, volunteers, guests, and employees.
• Collaborate across departments to prepare for institutional events.
• Assist with compost operation.
• Perform other maintenance tasks as necessary, including path maintenance, general fountain maintenance, leaf and snow removal, and removal of litter and debris.
• Support general operations and promotion by performing tasks with methods of best practice.
• Exhibit familiarity with and willingness to receive training and work with common landscape hand-held and power equipment, including blowers, mowers, tillers, weed-eaters, saws, pruners, sprayers, etc.
• Operate heavy equipment as needed.
• Keep records of any chemical applications (fungicides, pesticides, fertilizations, etc.).
• Assist with propagation, watering, organization and otherwise care for plants in the greenhouse and nursery.
• Assist with other duties as assigned.

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related field from an accredited college or university or demonstrable equivalent in training and experience.
• Minimum two-year hands-on professional experience; public garden experience preferred.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills, both speaking and writing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Teams, Word, Power Point and Excel; Google Docs, Slides and Sheets.
• Must demonstrate a history of working independently and in a group setting.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Fluency in English, conversational Spanish skills helpful.
• Must be able to sustain moderate physical exertion with full range of body motion for lifting up to fifty pounds.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to work occasional weekends, required.

• Satisfactory criminal background check required.
• Satisfactory MVR background check required to drive company truck.

Benefits and Perks

At the Atlanta History Center, we value your hard work and commitment. Here’s what we offer to ensure you feel appreciated and supported.

• Traditional 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan (pre-tax contributions), Roth 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan (after-tax contributions), Employer Non-Elective Contribution following two consecutive years of service and hours requirement (100% vested)
• We offer free family membership, discounts on AHC events and programs, including summer camps, as well as discounts at the AHC Museum Shop, the on-site Souper Jenny, and Brash Coffee.