Job Listing: Horticulturist II (Norfolk Botanical Garden)

Horticulturist II

Position type: Full-time employment with an average of 40 hours per week. Non-exempt under Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). 

Compensation: $20 per hour

Description: The Horticulturist II position is responsible for performing all aspects of display bed maintenance in the assigned area to set a standard of horticultural excellence. The ideal candidate must have the ability to work in a team environment and must also obtain a VA Registered Pesticide Applicator’s license within 6 months of hiring. The schedule for this position may require some evening, weekend, and holiday work.

 Essential Functions:

• Care and maintain all aspects of assigned gardens (excluding turf and irrigation) at the highest level of horticultural technique under the direction of the Curator through weeding, watering, pruning, dead-heading, mulching, edging, raking, and fertilization, and any other techniques necessary.
• Supervise assigned horticulturists and volunteers and work alongside other members of the Horticulture Department on team projects.
• Complete accurate and timely accession records for all plants associated with the garden under their care and ensure that all plants are labeled appropriately.
• Further the Garden’s mission through teaching classes, leading tours, writing articles, giving garden club talks, or through participating in regional outreach events.
• Safely operate heavy equipment and small engine equipment as needed, including dump truck, bobcat, fork lift, front-end loader, golf cart, weed-eater, blower, edger, etc. (training provided). Clean and use hand tools & equipment responsibly.
• Perform the appropriate soil preparation and planting of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees.
• Develop and expand an in-depth knowledge of plants under their care, make plant selection suggestions, and assist the Curator in locating desirable additions to the botanical collection.
• Utilize existing Excel spreadsheets to manage garden inventories and PowerPoint for presentations.
• Have a basic skill level for 2-cycle or electric horticultural equipment (training provided)
• Assist with Garden-wide special events and other duties as assigned.

 Essential Physical Functions:

• Must be able to safely operate a golf cart.
• Must be able to work indoors or outdoors for up to 8 hours, regardless of varying weather conditions such as heat, cold, or light rain.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. to carry equipment or supplies.
• Must be able to continuously walk, stand, bend, twist, and stoop.
• Must be capable of performing physically demanding activities, including pushing, pulling, and handling manual labor tasks for extended periods.
• Must be able to safely climb up and down ladders.
• Must be capable of operating heavy machinery and small power equipment safely and responsibly.

 Qualifications:

• Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to commute to the Garden daily.
• Must obtain a VA Registered Pesticide Applicator’s license within 6 months of hiring.
• Must have a basic working knowledge of botanical nomenclature.
• Associate’s degree in Horticulture or a related field and 2 years hands-on experience or Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture and one year of hands-on experience preferred.
• Preferred candidates should have knowledge of and experience working with plants
• native to Coastal Virginia, as well as common exotics that thrive in the same climate.
• VNLA certification a plus.
• Availability to work occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed.

 Benefits:

• Health insurance including an HSA or copay option (NBG pays 70% of individual premium and 65% of dependent/family premium)
• 403(b) retirement plan with discretionary 4% match
• Company sponsored life-insurance coverage.
• Group rates on voluntary benefits such as dental, supplemental medical expense insurance, FSA, DCA, vision, STD, LTD, accident and critical illness.
• Paid vacation, sick leave and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Staff discounts on programming & giftshop.
• NBG logo wear for work provided.
• EAP services for all employees.

Reports to: Curator

Equal Employer Opportunity (EEO) statement: NBG is committed to the principles and ideals of equal employment opportunity. It is, and shall continue to be, the policy and practice throughout NBG to foster equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for applicants, employees, and volunteers without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, status as a veteran, or other protected status, if qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.