Horticulture Research Associate, Seasonal

DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS INC•Denver, CO

17h•Onsite

About The Position

Under direct supervision, the Horticulture Research Associate provides support to the Horticulture Department research team by assisting with data collection, field trial preparation, and research site maintenance. The position applies appropriate horticultural techniques to a wide variety of plant materials to ensure research sites and gardens meet the highest horticulture and research standards. Addresses issues/problems by applying prescribed rules, policies, or procedures.

Requirements

Knowledge of correct horticultural practices.
Knowledge in all aspects of routine garden maintenance, including but not limited to: planting, weed identification and control, cultural requirements of herbaceous and woody plants, and plant identification.
Knowledge in pest management when dealing with plant disease, nutrition, and insect problems.
Must have proven excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills in dealing with the public.
Ability to maintain stability under pressure and able to deal well with stressful situations.
Ability to be flexible and willing to modify plans when necessary, throughout the day.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
Knowledge of Microsoft Suite products, specifically Word, Excel and Outlook and Teams.
Ability to work overtime as necessary.
Must be a positive representative of the Gardens both internally and externally at all times.
Must work with respect and cooperation at all times with fellow employees and the public.
Must be committed to working safely at all times.
Associates’ degree and/or combination of education and equivalent experience in Horticulture is required.
Experience with all horticultural tools and machinery is essential.

Responsibilities

Research site preparation, experimental setup, and horticultural maintenance duties (planting, weeding, irrigation, etc.) related to green roof research experiments occurring at Denver Botanic Gardens York Street and Chatfield Farms locations and other offsite locations.
Assists with data collection including plant size measurements, plant identification, phenology observations, and other field data. Compiles and inputs data using Microsoft Excel or other data management software.
Uses appropriate horticultural techniques and has an understanding of plant cultural requirements.
Completes assigned daily/weekly/monthly tasks including weeding, mulching, watering, planting, pruning, deadheading, and seed collection on a regular basis including weekends as scheduled or required.
Practices integrated pest management when dealing with plant disease, nutrition, and insect problems.
Maintains assigned garden and research areas free of weeds, debris, and litter.
Provides courteous, accurate responses to all inquiries.
Maintains satisfactory working relationships with managers, co-workers, volunteers and others.
Maintains a positive, helpful and solution-oriented demeanor when responding to or serving members and visitors.
Uses appropriate safety procedures.
Performs snow removal in the winter.
Regular attendance at the worksite may be required. As with all positions at Denver Botanic Gardens, the incumbent must be in good performance standing to be eligible for remote work. Remote work is at the discretion of management at all times.
All Gardens employees must be committed to the mission of connecting people with plants, especially plants from the Rocky Mountain region and similar regions around the world, providing delight and enlightenment to everyone.