Gardener and Assistant Curator

Smith College•College Place, WA

4d•$29•Onsite

About The Position

This position involves maintaining the health, aesthetics, safety, maps, and records of various gardens and landscapes within the Botanic Garden, including the RBR Border, Rock Garden, Systematics, Fern Garden, Lanning Fountain landscape, annual border, and Lyman beds. The role requires independent work with guidance from the Landscape Curator and collaboration with other staff. A key aspect is supervising, mentoring, and training interns, work-study students, faculty, and researchers who utilize the collections for research, education, conservation, and recreation. The position also supports efforts to advance inclusion and belonging in horticultural education and public outreach. Assistance with other landscape care projects and events may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in horticulture, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
3 to 5 years of experience working professionally in horticulture with an emphasis on perennial garden design, curation and maintenance.
Minimum of one-year experience in horticultural work with alpine plants, or equivalent formal 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.
Obtain a Massachusetts Core Applicator or Private Applicator License within 6 months of hire. Willingness to upgrade to at private certification if required (within one year of being notified by the college).
Physical ability to lift 40 pounds and bend and stretch with reasonable nimbleness, team lift objects up to 80 pounds, move and plant (with assistance) heavy balled trees and shrubs.
Extensive and broad knowledge of plant identification, cultivation and propagation.
Knowledge of and experience with aesthetic presentation of annuals, perennials and woody plants appropriate for gardens in the local climate. A test will be given to confirm plant identification and horticultural skills.
Demonstrated ability to design garden beds and implement installations.
Ability to understand written and verbal instructions.
Ability to use horticultural chemicals, hand tools, general horticultural equipment, machinery, power tools (including a chainsaw) and materials safely and effectively.
Ability to independently make sound and correct decisions on the care of garden plants and shrubs.
Ability to maintain accurate records, maps, and plant labels using Botanic Garden software, computer equipment, and printing/engraving equipment.
Ability to send and receive email in a timely manner.
Willingness and ability to adapt to modern technology, methodologies, and updates in the scientific literature.
Ability to work with others as a team to complete priority projects as they arise.
Ability to supervise student workers, interns, and other labor.
Ability to correctly identify regionally common perennial, tree, and shrub species, pests and pathogens, and correctly evaluate plant health and safety. A verbal test on campus will be given.
Must demonstrate proficiency in accessing the internet, using the Smith College email and calendar systems, Workday (payroll & HR system) and applicable work order system(s).

Nice To Haves

Experience using IrisBG preferred, or willingness and ability to learn and utilize the system otherwise.
Capacity and willingness to participate in continuing education and on-the-job training.
Experience with and capacity to support inclusive programming designed for teaching and learning about plants, people, and place, including efforts to broaden a sense of belonging, and access to and participation in public horticulture and related educational opportunities.

Responsibilities

Independently maintain the RBR Border, Rock Garden, Systematics, Fern Garden, Lanning Fountain landscape, annual border, Lyman beds, and adjacent lawns and gardens to the highest professional horticultural standards.
Apply horticultural knowledge to maintain healthy plants through plant selection, propagation, soil management, watering, fertilization, plant placement, weeding, mowing, pest/disease treatments, and all other appropriate interventions.
Ensure garden infrastructure, structures, and hardscaping are in good repair and communicate deficiencies to appropriate personnel.
Design, plan, renovate, and install new plantings, consulting college policies, Collection Policy priorities, Collections Management Plan, Botanic Garden educational objectives, and strategic planning goals.
Maintain accurate plant records in the collections database, GIS database, and related record keeping systems. Inventory, install, and replace plant tags in garden spaces. Follow protocols for accessioning, deaccessioning, inventorying, and moving plants.
Coordinate activities and projects with other Botanic Garden staff to ensure efficient and timely completion of work. Create and assess work plans that optimize collection health, campus aesthetics, safety, time management, and efficient use of resources.
Assist other gardeners, horticulturalists, and facilities staff with projects as needed.
Contribute to integrated pest management strategies and solutions. Scout for pests and diseases and maintain plantings in a way that minimizes the need for chemical interventions. Take necessary steps to manage pest and disease issues including applying pesticides in compliance with all state and federal regulations. Stay current on emerging pests and pathogens and their detection, treatments, and prevention.
Enable and support research, education, and student engagement at the Botanic Garden. Provide a supportive experiential learning environment for interns, work-study students, and those using the garden for scholarship or recreation. Supervise, mentor, train, collaborate with, and serve as a resource for students, interns, and work study students. Facilitate access to the collections, gardens, and arboretum for research, education, conservation, and recreation.
Maintain accurate inventories of supplies, tools, work spaces, and materials. Ensure that tools and work spaces are safe, secure, organized and functional. Make service requests or schedule specialist services when needed.
Communicate purchasing needs and budget requests to supervisor. Obtain estimates for products, services, and materials.
Perform duties related to garden and conservatory collection maintenance, collection management, curation, and botanic garden operations as required for the Botanic Garden to thrive.
Drive pick-up truck or utility cart when needed.