Horticulturist, Chatfield Farms

DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS INC

17d • Onsite

About The Position

Under direct supervision of the Manager of Horticulture, provides support to Horticulture department through applying appropriate horticultural techniques to a wide variety of plant materials throughout the gardens to ensure gardens are of the highest horticulture standards. Addresses issues/problems by applying prescribed rules, policies or procedures. Provides an enriching experience to garden visitors by disseminating information. Provides guidance and mentorship of seasonal gardeners and volunteers.

Requirements

• 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 read, analyze, and interpret general horticultural periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, professional correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to general questions from management, visitors, volunteers and the general public.
• Ability to calculate figure and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Working knowledge of irrigation systems as well as horticultural equipment, tools and machinery.
• 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.
• Bachelors degree in horticulture, botany or related field from a four-year college or university with 2-3 years experience; or 4-6 years of horticulture experience and/or training; or combination of education and equivalent experience is required.
• Ability to obtain Colorado Pesticide Private Applicators License within six months of start date.
• Position requires a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Uses appropriate horticultural techniques of the highest standard to install and maintain diverse garden areas as prescribed in established organization guidelines, including routine and special projects as requested.
• Plants and maintains permanent and temporary displays. Maintenance tasks include weeding, cultivating, fertilizing, watering, pruning, and other horticultural tasks.
• Practices integrated pest management when dealing with plant disease and insect problems.
• Participates in education programs and conducts tours when required including but not limited to evenings and weekends.
• Writes and publishes articles to internal and external publications.
• Maintains labels and records and ensures inventories are correct.
• Maintains gravel and crusher fine paths to acceptable levels.
• Participates in design, planning and evaluation of related new displays/gardens.
• Creates and defines tasks and processes for volunteers, interns, and seasonal gardeners.
• Serves as a horticultural resource to management, co-workers, volunteers, members and visitors.
• Maintains a positive, helpful, and solution-oriented demeanor when responding to or serving members and visitors.
• Uses appropriate safety procedures.
• Coordinates garden expenditure and purchasing with Manager of Horticulture.
• Actively participates in professional societies and other organizations to disseminate and share ideas and keep current on horticultural happenings.
• Works with all departments to assure highest quality experience for all Denver Botanic Gardens visitors.
• Maintains satisfactory working relationships with managers, co-workers and others.
• Participates in DBG special events, which include but are not limited to concerts, Pumpkin Fest, Lavender Fest, Corn Maze and Tail of Lights assisting in planning, set-up, and tear down.
• Performs other duties as requested by management, including 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.

Benefits

• Our major benefits include a choice of Medical Plans, a Dental and Vision Plan and Life Insurance Plan.
• We have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and a Healthcare Spending Account (HSA).
• The Gardens offers a generous Retirement Savings Plan with Company contribution of 6% after one year of service for eligible participants.
• The Gardens also offers paid holidays, vacation, sick time, and access to personal lines of insurance.
• Additional benefits include short-term and long-term disability coverage, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and an RTD ECO pass.
• For eligible employees, The Gardens employment also includes a complimentary Denver Botanic Gardens Membership, access to Gardens education classes and summer concert tickets.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level