Native Plant Horticulturalist I, Shaw Nature Reserve

Summary: Performs all duties associated with design, maintenance and care of the outdoor displays and collections for the Shaw Nature Reserve. Duties are directly related to planning, design, installation and maintenance of outdoor displays, SNR (Shaw Nature Reserve) horticulture studies, seed collection, processing and inventories and careful attention to accession record keeping and plant labeling are critical components of this position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs a wide range of landscape maintenance tasks important to the preservation, protection and transplanting of existing plants; including but not limited to soil preparation, planting, mulching, weeding, watering, fertilization, irrigation and herbicide application.

• May assist the horticulture staff to perform landscape installation and maintenance responsibilities as needed.

• Oversees the day-to-day responsibilities of maintaining the landscape and volunteer assignments. Performs "off-season" tasks including invasive plant removal, tree pruning, leaf pick-up, storm damage cleanup, tree removal and snow/ice removal.

• Responsible for watering duties in greenhouse and garden.

• Collects, cleans and stores native seeds from wild and garden origin. Maintains detailed records in field notebooks.

• Maintains accurate records of plants in the permanent collection (i.e., Wildflower Garden).

• Maintains horticultural tools and equipment. Problem solves most issues independently and refers more serious problems to supervisor.

• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed; informs employees/students/volunteers of safety guidelines and safe working practices and routinely monitors to enforce them. Adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards. Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents.

• Responsible for supervising and maintaining accurate records for volunteers in the garden and in seed collecting operations.

• Meets expected attendance guidelines.

• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.

• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and employees.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervises volunteers who install and maintain outdoor displays and collect and clean seeds.

Core Competencies

• Communication - Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations.

• Collaboration - Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences.

• Accountability - Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; Effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues' concerns.

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision making process; Includes appropriate people in making decisions.

• Stewardship - Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes contributions during work hours.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Minimum of one to three (1-3) years of hands-on, relevant horticulture work experience required.

• Strong knowledge of native plant materials and landscape maintenance techniques; proficient in operating various landscaping tools and equipment including but not limited to hand tools, string trimmers, lawn mowers, backpack sprayers, blowers, etc.

• Must enjoy and feel comfortable interacting and working in close proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions regarding horticulture collection.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels.

• Proven ability to perform simple tasks independently after being given assignments.

• Ability to work outside, often in variable environments, weather conditions.

• Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

• Ability to perform some climbing and heavy lifting up to 50 lbs.

• Adherence to all health and safety guidelines.

• Demonstrates highest level of professional and ethical conduct.

• Scheduling flexibility that allows working occasional weekends at annual spring and fall plant sale and prairie day (every other year).

• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.

• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:

• Associate's or B.S. degree in Horticulture, Biology, Botany, and/or related field required.

• An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Word, Excel and Outlook Email).

• Solid Internet research skills.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Operation of small garden equipment including string trimmers, mowers, trimmers, and hand tools.

Language Ability:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written).

• Ability to read and understand pesticide labels.

Mathematical Skills:

• Requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals.

Reasoning Ability:

• Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Ability to possess and maintain valid driver's and pesticide applicator's licenses.

• Must have the ability to pass a background screening and motor vehicle report (MVR) to meet minimum insurance underwriting criteria.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. (i.e., load, unload and move gardening supplies, medium to heavy weight tools and equipment).

• Must be able to work in bright sunshine with probable high UV levels. Must be able to work outdoors year-round.

• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb ladders, etc.).

• Requires standing, walking, bending, stooping and reaching for extended periods of time-- 80% or more of the workday is standing on feet.

• Ability to wear Garden issued Personal Protective Equipment.

• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing).

Work Environment:

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (i.e., in temperatures over 100F as well as temperatures below 0F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed).

• Actively works hands-on with horticulture crew to complete landscape maintenance tasks.

• Comfortable working in immediate proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:

• Garden Employees, Volunteers, Guests, Green Industry vendors, and Contractors.

Supervisor: Manager, Native Plant Horticulture (SNR)