Plant Health Care Specialist at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens – Boothbay, Maine

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is hiring a Plant Health Care Specialist!

Are you a plant professional who has an ecologically-forward approach to plant health care and integrated pest management, is excited about inspiring meaningful connections among people and nature in one of the most beautiful settings in Maine, and committed to supporting the Gardens’ Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility goals?

This is a Year-round, Full-time, benefits-eligible position. Year-round employees receive personal and sick paid time off, health and retirement benefits, discounts in our culinary programs and Gardenshop, and a Gardens membership.

$27.00 - 29.00 hourly, non-exempt

The Plant Health Care Specialist will be responsible for ensuring the health of the living collections, developing and maintaining an effective integrated pest management (IPM) program and overseeing its use throughout all cultivated gardens and growing spaces.

This position has a typical work schedule of five days per week. Employee must be prepared to work in inclement weather. Weekends and holidays will be required on occasion, in addition to evening hours during Gardens Aglow light show.

Primary Functions:

• Uphold institutional IPM Policy, which mandates an integrated pest management program that will reduce insect pests and diseases to acceptable thresholds, while prioritizing non-chemical controls.
• Scout for, identify, and understand the life cycles of insect pests, diseases, and weeds.
• Oversee the Gardens’ plant quarantine program, including inspecting all arriving plant material for pests and diseases.
• Provide assistance and training to staff about plant health, including strategies to prevent, reduce, and control pests.
• Support horticulture staff in pest control in gardens, including mechanical removal of insect pests, weeds, and diseased plant material.
• Collaborate with Tree Risk and Natural Lands Specialist on the management of invasive plants and insects in natural areas.
• Consult and collaborate with Tree Risk and Natural Lands Specialist on tree health.
• Maintain accurate chemical inventories and ensure all labels and material data safety sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals used are up-to-date and compliance with Federal, State, and local policies
• Teach 1-2 classes a year focused on plant health, pest/disease identification, or weed management.
• Serve on cross-departmental ecological horticulture working group and invasive and non-native species committee.
• Conduct spray applications as needed throughout the property.
• Ensure all spray equipment is maintained in excellent operating condition and all personal protective equipment (PPE) is in excellent condition.
• Ensure all chemical applications are in compliance with Federal, State, and local policies and are communicated to the Curator of Living Collections for recording in the collection’s database.
• Participate in Gardens-wide initiatives including Gardens Aglow assignments.

Physical Requirements:

Approximate percentages of time tasks are performed in carrying out the essential functions of this position:

• 70% of time bending/stooping, squatting, reaching above shoulder level, kneeling, hand/fingers used for repetitive motion, hands/fingers used for fine manipulation, hands/fingers used for firm grasping, head/neck in rotational movements, head/neck in extension movements, head/neck in flexing movements.
• 30% of time in sitting position.
• Maximum load employee will be required to lift/carry is up to 50 lbs.

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

Interview process:

Virtual interview with VP of Plants and Science and Curator of Living Collections

Additional interviews as needed

• Minimum of an associate’s degree, bachelors preferred, in entomology, plant pathology, horticulture, or plant science and a minimum of two years working experience on a diversity of plant genera
• OR seven+ years of experience in plant health care, horticulture, or IPM and a track record of holding a Master Pesticide Applicator license.
• Ecologically-forward approach to plant health care and IPM.
• Valid Maine Master Applicator’s license within 60 days of start date– including the following categories (landscape and ornamental), (aquatics), (right of way/weeds).
• Knowledge of common Maine invasive insects, pathogens and plants, and their management.
• Knowledge of and experience with a variety of cultural and mechanical pest controls.
• NOFA Accredited Organic Landcare Professional, MELNA certification, or other sustainable Horticulture certifications desired.
• Experience maintaining and operating spray equipment.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently, demonstrating strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Efficient use of computer systems, with proficiency using Microsoft Office 365 products to maintain electronic database/records. Experience with GIS preferred but not required.
• Must be comfortable interacting with guests, staff, board members, and the community.
• Enthusiasm for plants and the natural world and a commitment to advancing the mission of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.
• Commitment to working across the organization to support the integration of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility principles into the Gardens' internal operations and its relationships with visitors and guests.