Horticulturist

SC AQUARIUM•Charleston, SC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Develops, implements and manages the South Carolina Aquarium’s horticultural projects including internal exhibits, external exhibits, off-site nursery and other plant displays. This role involves overseeing the daily care and aesthetics of all plant displays, managing plant culture, rotation of plant material, and interaction with animal exhibits. The Horticulturist will also participate in research, design, and development of new exhibits and systems, establish relationships with plant resources, and acquire/propagate plant material. A key responsibility is managing the off-site nursery facilities and developing propagation areas. The position also involves developing and executing field projects for habitat reclamation and enhancement, liaising with the City of Charleston for horticultural activities on adjacent National Park Service property, and assisting with budget development for horticultural needs. The role includes managing the pest management program, assisting with special projects, and providing coverage for other animal care positions as required. Flexibility with work schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evenings, is essential, as is the ability to work unsupervised and make decisions. The Horticulturist will train and supervise horticulture volunteers and interns, providing mentorship. Additionally, they will assist aquarium staff and visitors in a professional manner, support the aquarium's mission through participation in programs and events, maintain inventory, cross-train in other animal care areas, respond to inquiries, stay updated on relevant literature, attend and present at conferences, and participate in cross-functional activities. Working with and supervising outside contractors and liaising with nursery owners are also part of the duties.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Botany or related field, or the equivalent to a degree in experience
Minimum of three years' experience in a related field
Valid Driver’s License
South Carolina pesticide license (or ability to acquire)
Strong knowledge of the practices and principles of horticulture in a botanical garden setting and in botanical/zoological mixed species exhibits.
Knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Southeastern U.S., especially as it pertains to South Carolina native plant communities.
Skilled in all aspects of plant culture including watering, fertilization, pruning, pest management, plant propagation, etc.
Good organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of organic/natural pesticide and fungicide control.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrate a love of working with South Carolina native plants.
Assist Curator in developing the horticulture program for the South Carolina Aquarium.
Be flexible with work schedule, being able to work weekends, holidays and evenings.
Work unsupervised and make decisions consistent with the team philosophy.
Requires average walking, standing, bending, stooping, and crouching, climbing ladders, sitting, kneeling, balancing, pushing and pulling, crawling, working with tools, computer tasks and phone usage; should be able to lift/carry at least 50 lbs.; requires driving Aquarium vehicles.
Average exposure to minor or severe cuts; falls; falling objects; hazards to eyesight, hearing and sense of smell; and tight spaces.
Often requires use of personal protective equipment due to exposure to chemicals, hazardous materials, ozone, and handling of animals.
This position requires works in both an office environment and outdoors, sometimes in extreme weather including both hot and cold; requires weekend and late-night work as needed; requires contact with customers, the general public, and outside vendors; requires carrying a cell phone and radio; requires occasional travel.

Responsibilities

Develops, implements and manages the South Carolina Aquarium’s horticultural projects including internal exhibits, external exhibits, off-site nursery and other plant displays.
Oversee the daily care and aesthetics of all plant displays including all aspects of plant culture, rotation of plant material, management of animal interaction with plant material, etc.
Participate in research, design, modification and development of new exhibits/systems at the SCA and nursery.
Establish and cultivate relationships with local and regional plant resources.
Acquires and/or propagates all Aquarium plant material.
Manage off-site nursery facilities.
Develop and maintain off exhibit plant propagation and holding area (nursery) through normal nursery practices.
Maintain accurate records and reports.
Develop, execute and provide knowledge and expertise for field projects involving the use of existing or installed native plant material for habitat reclamation and enhancement.
Liaison with the City of Charleston for horticultural activities on National Park Service property adjacent to the Aquarium.
Helps develop and maintain budget for horticultural needs.
Manage the pest management program for SCA.
Assist with special projects as requested by the Curator.
Provide coverage for other animal care positions as required.
Train and supervise horticulture volunteers and interns, providing mentorship and support for the Aquarium’s internship program.
Assist aquarium staff and visitors as needed in a pleasant, professional and courteous manner.
Support the mission by participating in Aquarium sponsored programs and events on a regular basis.
Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment used in horticultural operations.
Cross-train in other areas of animal care.
Respond to visitor and telephone inquiries.
Keep abreast with current related literature.
Attend and makes presentations to professional conferences and meetings.
Participate in cross-functional activities like conducting tours, educational programs, member programs, committees, etc.
Work with and supervise outside contractors.
Liaison with the owners of nursery location.