Horticulturist

The Mariners' Museum•Newport News, VA

About The Position

The Mariners’ Museum and Park is seeking a Horticulturist to care for horticulture across its 550-acre Park, a public space featuring Mariners’ Lake and the Noland Trail. The Horticulturist works collaboratively with the arborist and groundskeepers to create and maintain gardens that are technically excellent, whimsical, and beneficial to people and wildlife. The Park is considered a living collection, and this role focuses on its herbaceous plants. The position supports the Museum and Park’s strategy of conservation, research, access, and value, with particular emphasis on conserving the living collection and creating community value through the gardens. This is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt position paying $21.00 per hour, with a generous benefits package. Hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with a half-hour unpaid lunch at noon. Work weeks are typically Monday through Friday, with holiday or weekend work required in emergencies.

Requirements

Ability to identify and care for Mid-Atlantic ornamental and native plants.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to safely and properly operate vehicles, golf carts, tractors, two-way radio systems, hand pruners, power pruners, and other equipment as needed.
Valid Division of Motor Vehicles vehicle operator’s license with a good DMV record.
Must pass a background check before employment.
Must be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions and extremes.
Must be able to work holidays or weekends in emergencies.

Nice To Haves

Associate or undergraduate degree in Horticulture preferred, but not required.
Two years of experience in public ornamental horticulture preferred, including work at parks open to the public, regardless of admission fee or ownership.

Responsibilities

Weed and water landscape beds and containers.
Prune and clean up herbaceous plants, and selectively prune ornamental shrubs as needed.
Mulch landscape beds.
Propagate herbaceous plants for the Park and keep the nursery neat and orderly.
Plant bed renovations as needed.
Design and install seasonal containers.
Perform minor equipment maintenance, including cleaning, sharpening, and oiling hand tools.
Fill and drain the South Courtyard fountain for events.
Remove invasive species from naturalized areas.
Plant and establish native plants in naturalized areas.
Propagate herbaceous native plants for naturalized areas as needed.
Maintain native meadows in collaboration with the Park Research Coordinator.
Clean the shop on a rotating basis, including the shared bathroom, shop floor, and food area.
Assist with Fall Fest setup, takedown, and event-day activities.
Remove trash and litter as part of daily activities.
Work with volunteers.
Engage with the community and Mariners’ team through occasional presentations or articles.
Perform other duties as assigned.