Horticulturist

J. Paul Getty Trust, The•Los Angeles, CA
•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for a full range of horticultural tasks at the Getty Center and Getty Villa. The Horticulturist maintains horticulture management guidelines for Getty landscapes and applies fine horticultural techniques to enhance landscape aesthetics. The role engages with colleagues throughout the organization and provides expert guidance on maintaining and managing Getty landscapes and gardens. Under moderate supervision, the Horticulturist develops and maintains Robert Irwin’s Central Garden and other Getty gardens and landscapes. The position applies advanced horticultural and design knowledge, collaborates on acquisitions and care of landscaping materials, researches suitable plants for the Central Garden, and helps assess conservation needs. It also leads complex garden and landscape projects and may provide technical direction and subject-matter expertise.

Requirements

  • BS in Horticulture or a related field, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
  • At least 4 years of experience.
  • Demonstrated experience in horticultural design.
  • Strong knowledge of and previous work experience caring for and presenting a diverse collection of plant materials.
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to solve a wide range of complex horticultural and landscape issues.
  • Willingness to travel.
  • Demonstrated ability to build relationships, collaborate, and direct tasks with teams across disciplines.
  • Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather, including cold, rain, and heat.
  • Ability to communicate and distill information for both specialized audiences and the general public.
  • Ability to adapt written material for a variety of audiences online or in print.
  • Ability to research and write on relevant topics.

Nice To Haves

  • Some proficiency in Spanish.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain Robert Irwin’s Central Garden and other Getty gardens and landscapes under moderate supervision.
  • Provide expertise on the acquisition, maintenance, and management of landscaping materials in collaboration with colleagues.
  • Continue to build knowledge of Getty gardens and work with colleagues to broaden expertise.
  • Apply advanced horticultural and design knowledge to Getty gardens and landscapes.
  • Develop partnerships with suppliers and peer institutions.
  • Assist with assessing conservation needs.
  • Lead data collection and maintain a plant-material database, including maps, plant locations, and care requirements.
  • Maintain horticulture management guidelines for the Central Garden, Villa Herb Garden, Olin landscapes, outdoor sculpture gardens, and other Getty gardens, landscapes, and natural areas.
  • Conduct and collaborate on research to identify plants suited to the Central Garden’s design context and present ideas and recommendations to the Steering Committee.
  • Work with Grounds Department staff at all levels to maintain gardens and landscapes.
  • Lead a wide range of complex projects involving Getty gardens and landscapes.
  • Provide technical direction and subject-matter expertise as needed.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage starting on the date of hire; Getty pays 75%–95% of the premium depending on the selected plan.
  • 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan with up to a 5% Getty match.
  • Getty contribution of 6% to a 401(a) retirement account on behalf of the employee.
  • Educational assistance and professional development.
  • Paid vacation, sick, and personal days.
  • 12 paid holidays.
  • Bi-weekly Off-Fridays for many positions.
  • On-site fitness center at Getty Center.
  • Community service opportunities.
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