Greenhouse Horticulturist

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Job Summary

With guidance from the Conservatory Curator, apply horticultural knowledge, interpersonal skills, and passion for connecting people to plants to facilitate object-based teaching and learning by caring for living plant collections. Perform a broad range of horticultural, curatorial, and operational responsibilities essential to maintaining the Botanic Garden of Smith College's tropical and temperate plant collections for visitors, educators, and learners. Actively support the botanic garden-wide efforts to foster environmental and social justice through teaching and learning about plants, people and place, paying particular attention to meeting the unique needs of students who are historically underrepresented in public horticulture and higher education.

Essential Functions

Plant Cultivation

Apply horticultural expertise to the care and management of a geographically and taxonomically diverse collection of plants in order to produce healthy specimens. Propagate plants from seed, cuttings, divisions, and other clonal techniques. Fertilize and irrigate collections. Prune, support, and stake plants in ways that are appropriate for the specimen. Detect, identify, and treat plant diseases and pests. Plant and repot plants as needed. Monitor and adjust environmental conditions and automated systems to optimize plant growth. Support landscape curators and gardeners by caring for plants in Capen Garden Greenhouse on weekends, holidays, and on weekdays with advance warning.

Curation, Display, Education, and Experiential Learning

Ensure collections are displayed and maintained in ways that maximize their use in teaching and learning. Work with the Conservatory Curator to conceptualize, plan, produce, install, and maintain annual plant shows. Inventory, identify, and label specimens. Maintain accurate database records. Contribute to the development and delivery of interpretation, tours, and educational materials. Mentor student workers, interns, and other workers assigned to the conservatory.

Facilities Management

Ensure plants and conservatory spaces are clean and safe for visitors by weeding; removing dead plant matter, dirt, and debris; monitoring, repairing, and reporting building and equipment conditions and safety issues. Apply and remove greenhouse whitewash. Maintain greenhouse gutters. Monitor and maintain conservatory hardscapes, paths, seating areas, and display benches so they are safe and structurally sound. Receive, inventory, and warehouse horticultural supplies. Report significant issues to the appropriate person through the college's work order system and ensure work is completed satisfactorily and in a timely manner.

Institutional Service

Participate in planning, strategic priorities, interdepartmental initiatives, and staff development that enhances the Botanic Garden's overall impact. Serve as a resource to Botanic Garden colleagues. Perform duties as is operationally required for the Botanic Garden to function efficiently, which infrequently may mean supporting gardeners and curator in the greenhouses or in the outdoor gardens and arboretum.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

Associate's Degree in horticulture, biology, ecology, or a related field plus a minimum of three years of experience with conservatory horticulture. or an equivalent combination of experience and education. Broad knowledge in tropical and temperate plant identification and the cultural needs of diverse groups of greenhouse plants as demonstrated by examination. Ability to gain knowledge of the specific horticultural needs of taxa through literature review, networking, and firsthand observation of plants.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree preferred.

Skills

• Capacity to see and meet the unique needs of individuals who are under-represented in the field of public horticulture and in higher education.

• Valid driver's license required. Must complete and comply with all College driving credentialing requirements. Upon award of this position, a Division of Motor Vehicles background check will be completed.

• Massachusetts Private Pesticide Applicator's license or ability to receive a core certification within 6 months and a private license within 12 months of starting position.

• Ability to understand written and verbal instructions.

• Ability to use horticultural chemicals, hand tools, and general horticultural equipment safely and effectively.

• Ability and willingness to apply organic and non-organic pesticides and other horticultural chemicals safely, effectively, and in compliance with labels and state/federal regulations.

• Ability to independently make sound and correct decisions on the care of conservatory plants.

• Ability to accurately identify and label accessions.

• Ability to send and receive digital communications in a timely manner.

• Ability and desire to interact courteously and professionally with visitors of all ages, backgrounds and identities, cognitive abilities, and levels of knowledge.

• Ability and willingness to use appropriate technology (including Google suite, IrisBG, Microsoft suite, social media apps, spatial analysis software, label printing software, and environmental control software), horticultural methodologies, and updates in the scientific literature.

• Ability to work with others as a team to accomplish high priority jobs as they arise.

• Ability to supervise student workers, interns, and other labor.

• Ability to lift 40 pounds alone and 80 pounds with the assistance of others.

• Ability to climb a ladder to 25 feet.

• Ability to stand, kneel, sit, and move for extended periods of time.

Additional Information

Schedule: Tuesday through Saturday, 8am-4pm; Required to be on duty every third holiday.

Review of applications will begin

Position Type:

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women's colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.