Horticulturalist

Rogers Memorial Hospital•Oconomowoc, WI

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The horticulturist is responsible for the maintenance and care of assigned gardens, greenhouses, and grounds on the Hospital property. This role involves maintaining gardens for aesthetic appeal and safety, designing and planting seasonal flower beds, selecting and planting appropriate plants, improving perennial beds, identifying and removing invasive species, utilizing environmentally friendly pest control measures, and managing irrigation systems. The horticulturist will also perform minor repairs on irrigation systems and fountains, trim greenery, remove weeds and debris, and make recommendations for campus appearance. This position requires knowledge of regulatory compliance, safe handling of chemicals, and operation of power tools. The horticulturist will work with the Experiential Therapy Team to assist with horticultural programs for residents and provide educational information. Off-season work may include refinishing outdoor furniture, performing unskilled maintenance projects, and assisting with snow removal. The role also emphasizes promoting department goals, adhering to policies and procedures, participating in team meetings and performance improvement projects, and maintaining a professional demeanor.

Requirements

Five (5) or more years horticultural experience with in-depth knowledge of plant culture, maintenance and identification.
Degree/Certification in horticulture or related field.
Ability to work alone or in groups, in all weather conditions.
Ability to perform self-directed work, prioritize projects, and manage time wisely.
Flexibility to work long hours, holidays and weekends, as necessary.
Computer proficiency.
Valid Wisconsin driver license required.
Must have good hand-eye coordination to use hand tools.
Ability to perform all gardening duties and possess judgment to work within the limits of abilities.
Ability to adapt readily to change in assignments.
Possess judgment to work out problems within specified boundaries related to gardening.
Ability to lift and carry tools and push a garden cart or wheelbarrow.
Ability to handle electrical equipment / power tools.
Ability to use and climb ladders.
Ability to lift a minimum of fifty (50) pounds.
Verbal and hearing ability required to interact with patients and employees.
Numerical ability required to maintain records.
Ability to plan, control and direct all aspects of employee relations.
Tact required to interact effectively with employees and professional staff.
Logical thinking and discretion required to make decisions in initiating and implementing policies and procedures and standards.
Must be able to read and communicate through written, verbal and auditory skills and abilities; operate a computer.
Must be a team-player, willing to collaborate on any and all tasks required for maintaining the highest standards of landscape management and operations.
Physically/Mentally able to perform job duties as verified by a physical exam by a licensed physician, per postemployment physical.

Nice To Haves

Applicant may be required to pass a written and practical exam.

Responsibilities

Maintain the gardens to provide aesthetic appeal while remaining a safe place for patients and residents.
Design and plant annual flower beds and seasonal planters to enhance color throughout the season while creating safe and inspirational gardens for patients, visitors and staff.
Select, purchase, and plant green and flowering plants as needed, with consideration to bed conditions (pH, shade status, adjoining plants) and patient safety.
Improve perennial beds by splitting and replanting.
Maintain planters and assigned garden areas.
Identify and remove invasive plants and noxious weeds for garden aesthetics and ecosystem health.
Utilize environmentally friendly pest control measures, including plant selection, for deer / pest management.
Mulch areas as deemed necessary for appearance and weed reduction.
Perform limited application of herbicides when organic management is insufficient.
Adhere to OSHA guidelines and standards for proper handling of hazardous chemicals and pesticides.
Use, monitor and program greenhouse control systems and decorative fountains.
Use, monitor and program irrigation and sprinkler systems.
Perform minor repairs on irrigation system and fountains.
Work with irrigation contractor on larger system repair and maintenance.
Trim greenery, shrubs, and hedges to maintain uniform appearance.
Remove weeds, litter, hazards, and debris from common pathways and gardens to improve usability.
Blow leaves, grass clippings, and other plant debris off walkways.
Properly dispose of dead or dying plant materials and litter.
Make recommendations regarding overall campus appearance.
Determine when trees should be removed, trimmed, or replaced and ensure that only native species are introduced to the site.
Use CAD or other software to document plantings and areas of work such as buckthorn removal.
Demonstrate understanding of DNR, Joint Commission, and other regulatory agency compliance regulations.
Involve self in the learning and application of standards relevant to garden development and care.
Educate others on standards as required.
Maintain a safe physical environment for hospital residents and visitors by retaining physical control of tools at all times.
Operate power tools and equipment as required, including hedge trimmers, backpack leaf blowers, bed edgers, chainsaws, mowers, golf carts and utility vehicles.
Have professional, positive, friendly interactions with patients that initiate conversation.
Work under the direction of the Experiential Therapy Team.
Assist ET staff with design, implementation, and maintenance of horticultural programs and projects for residents.
Provide educational information regarding horticulture and plant identification to Experiential Therapists and residents.
Perform off season work under the direction of the Environmental Services Director.
Refinish, repaint, and maintain outdoor furniture or features as required.
Perform unskilled maintenance projects, such as painting, inside the facility.
Assist with snow removal. Snow removal will consist of shoveling sidewalks with a shovel, using a snowblower, and applying salt or sand.
Promote department goals and the mission of the Hospital.
Communicate goals to fellow staff members and demonstrate measurable goal achievement.
Maintain department policies and procedures.
Participate in Hospital and Department team meetings projects, as directed.
Demonstrate punctuality and preparedness.
Demonstrate effective communication skills, if applicable.
Demonstrate good organizational skills.
Contribute in a positive, solution-focused manner.
Participate in Rogers Operating System projects.
Gain understanding of the performance improvement process.
Apply the ROS model to your department’s activities.
Participate in and/or create RIS teams that lead to improvement in other Hospital areas.
Educate and involve self in the Hospital’s performance improvement plans.
Conduct self in a professional manner.
Demonstrate organizational skills that promote timely response to inquiries and task completion.
Communicate with all individuals in a positive and professional manner.
Attempt to resolve individual issues with peers in a positive, calm manner with a focus on solution.
Communicate concerns and provide solutions for same.
Attend outside seminars to promote professional growth.
Demonstrate a positive and professional attitude toward parties outside the hospital (patients’ families, visitors, vendors, etc.).
Comply with the Hospital’s policies and procedures, including Human Resources, Infection Control, and Employee Health policies and programs.
Project a professional image by wearing appropriate, professional attire.
All other duties as assigned.