Horticulturist I - Outdoor Turf Maintenance

Missouri Botanical Garden•Saint Louis, MO

52d

About The Position

Performs all duties associated with the maintenance and care of turf and outdoor landscaping. Duties are directly related to the installation and care of the turf and landscaping in all areas of the garden, including off-site Garden-owned properties. Installation and maintenance of landscapes and individual plants must be conducted to the highest standards. Accurate and detailed record keeping and plant labeling is critical.

Requirements

Minimum of (3-4) years hands-on, relevant horticulture work experience required
Knowledge of plant material and landscape maintenance techniques with an emphasis in Turf, herbaceous perennials, bulbs, shrubs, trees and vines
Knowledgeable in safe operating procedures of various landscaping tools and equipment and proficient in their maintenance
knowledge of appropriate and effective watering practices for a wide range of plant material
Proficient ability to identify various plant fungus, pests and pathogens and apply sound, appropriate controls
Proven ability to convey technical concepts to other Garden staff and volunteers
Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively at all levels; must enjoy and feel comfortable interacting and working in close proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner answering questions about the living collections
Scheduling flexibility that allows working weekends and holidays for annual watering schedule and occasional snow and ice removal
Knowledge of living collections, curation and plant recording
Knowledge of and adherence to all health and safety guidelines
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
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Word, Excel and Outlook Email)
Ability to enter data into spreadsheets and databases
Solid internet research skills required
Requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and to calculate percentages and decimals
Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution
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.
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 and must be able to work outdoors year-round
May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb ladders, lift operation, 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)
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (i.e., in temperatures over 100°F as well as temperatures below 0°F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed)
Actively works hands-on to complete landscape maintenance tasks.
Comfortable working in immediate proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions

Responsibilities

Performs a wide range of landscape/maintenance tasks important to the preservation, protection and transplanting of existing turf and landscape features; including but not limited to mowing, edging, line-trimming, blowing, soil preparation, planting, seeding or sodding, mulching, grading, irrigation, fertilization and pesticide application and soil testing as needed.
Identifies low areas, potholes, and other trip hazards present in turf and mitigates filling and reseeding as appropriate.
Assist with contractor coordination for turf repair required following annual events.
Maintains meadow areas and naturalized bulb collections and adds to these through selection and acquisition of plant material in line with MBGs plant collections development activities.
Perform and assists with irrigation auditing as required.
Oversees and is responsible for specific areas in the assigned mowing schedule in day-to-day operations.
Performs seasonal tasks as assigned including leaf mulching, tree maintenance, weeding, flower show set-up and maintenance, and snow/ice removal.
Assists with the maintenance of main site plantings including but not limited to; planting, pruning, weeding and mulching.
Helps with installation and maintenance of the floral display shows.
Performs plant record keeping at the highest level ensuring that all plants in the collection have accession labels at all times and all maintenance information regarding the collection (i.e. new plantings, divisions, moves, deaths, etc.) is up to date at all times
Exhibits the highest level of ethical conduct in obtaining and sharing plant material and ensures compliance with MBG policies
Understands, consistently monitors, and implements appropriate irrigation requirements for a variety of plant material and utilizes technology to tailor irrigation schedules to assigned collections
Maintains general care of mowers and landscaping tools, horticultural tools, and technical equipment, including lubricating and general cleaning. Refers more serious problems to Supervisor.
Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed. Adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards. Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.
Answers questions from visitors and directs them to further assistance, as needed.
Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.
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 & communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others.
Performs other duties as assigned.