Lead Horticulturist

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation•Williamsburg, VA

6h•$19 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Horticulturist leads assigned employees, volunteers, and interns in the daily operation of garden and landscape work at Colonial Williamsburg. The role assigns and oversees work, conducts team meetings, trains and evaluates employees, supports safe and efficient operations, and communicates project goals and progress to landscape managers. The position applies best management practices to the cultivation and maintenance of trees, shrubs, ground covers, vines, turf grasses, perennials, annuals, and herbs. Work includes planting, watering, fertilizing, grooming, pruning, soil management, and the identification and treatment of weeds, diseases, and pests. The Lead Horticulturist coordinates with the IPM Specialist regarding the safe use of pesticides and ensures workplace safety, including OSHA compliance and the safe use and maintenance of tools and equipment. The role operates large equipment, maintains project documentation and inventories, schedules equipment maintenance, conducts research on Colonial Williamsburg properties and 18th-century gardens, and coordinates horticultural support with other departments for events and programs. The Lead Horticulturist also interacts with visitors, answers questions, gives directions, and may assist with talks and tours. This is an essential-personnel position requiring availability to report when the Foundation is open or closed and respond to emergencies such as snow, ice, or storm damage. The position is non-exempt and may receive overtime during peak periods as directed and approved by the supervisor.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED plus eight years of direct garden and landscape maintenance experience, or a degree in a horticultural-related field plus four years of direct garden and landscape maintenance experience.
Foreman-level experience in landscape and garden maintenance at comparable large institutions where fine-art gardening is practiced.
Strong knowledge of landscaping tools, equipment, and horticultural practices.
Possess or obtain within 90 days of employment a Virginia Department of Consumer Services Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate.
Valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and an acceptable driving record based on Colonial Williamsburg Foundation criteria.
Provide a five-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment.
Be at least 21 years of age.
Have no more than one moving violation or at-fault accident within 12 months and no more than two moving violations or at-fault accidents within 36 months.
Have no serious motor vehicle violations, including excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, or a suspended or revoked license.

Nice To Haves

In-depth knowledge of landscape maintenance and advanced skills in ornamental gardening practices.
Familiarity with Microsoft Word and computer skills.
CPR and AED Certification.

Responsibilities

Lead assigned employees, volunteers, and interns; assign work; oversee daily operations; train and evaluate employees; and support hiring and performance feedback as applicable.
Lead daily team meetings, establish goals and directions, and identify process improvements to support efficient completion of projects and garden activities.
Maintain positive and professional interactions with employees and visitors and support open communication among employees and relevant parties.
Apply best management practices to cultivate and maintain trees, shrubs, ground covers, vines, turf grasses, perennials, annuals, and herbs, including planting, watering, fertilizing, grooming, pruning, and soil management.
Identify, control, and treat weeds, diseases, and pests; coordinate with the IPM Specialist on safe and proper pesticide use.
Ensure OSHA guidelines are followed and work areas are safe for employees and visitors; provide assigned employees with appropriate tools, equipment, and safety training.
Operate large equipment, including tractors, loaders, dump trucks, and snowplows, safely and properly.
Maintain project documentation, including daily work logs and material usage, and communicate reports on production goals and progress to landscape managers.
Monitor the use of materials, tools, and equipment; conduct inventory checks; and schedule maintenance within the approved budget.
Research Colonial Williamsburg properties and 18th-century gardens and gardening methods.
Coordinate with other departments requesting horticultural or landscape support, or requesting schedule modifications for special events, programs, and photo shoots.
Interact with visitors by answering questions and giving directions, and assist with talks and tours for garden clubs, garden programs, and special guests.
Follow Colonial Williamsburg policies and procedures and Virginia regulations, and perform other related duties and special assignments as requested by the immediate supervisor.
Report to work when required whether the Foundation is open or closed and respond to emergencies or non-routine situations, including snow, ice, and storm damage.