Native Plant Horticulturalist I, Shaw Nature Reserve

Missouri Botanical Garden•Gray Summit, MO

9d•$20•Onsite

About The Position

Performs duties related to the design, installation, maintenance, and care of outdoor displays and plant collections at Shaw Nature Reserve (SNR). The role includes horticulture studies, native seed collection and processing, inventory management, and maintaining accurate accession records and plant labels. It also includes landscape maintenance, greenhouse and garden watering, equipment care, and supervising volunteers who work on displays and seed collection. The position works hands-on with the horticulture crew and interacts with visitors and other Garden contacts.

Requirements

One to three years of hands-on, relevant horticulture work experience.
Strong knowledge of native plant materials and landscape maintenance techniques.
Proficiency operating landscaping tools and equipment, including hand tools, string trimmers, lawn mowers, backpack sprayers, and blowers.
Ability to interact safely and courteously with the public and answer questions about the horticulture collection.
Ability to communicate effectively at all levels and in English, orally and in writing.
Ability to complete simple tasks independently after receiving assignments.
Ability to work outdoors in variable environments and weather conditions.
Attention to accuracy and thoroughness, commitment to quality, and ability to apply feedback and monitor work quality.
Ability to climb and lift up to 50 pounds.
Adherence to health and safety guidelines and professional and ethical conduct.
Scheduling flexibility to work occasional weekends during the annual spring and fall plant sales and Prairie Day, held every other year.
Associate's or bachelor's degree in horticulture, biology, botany, or a related field; an equivalent combination of skills, education, and experience may be considered.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, and solid Internet research skills.
Ability to read and understand pesticide labels and perform basic arithmetic, including calculating percentages and decimals.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and apply facts and principles to problem resolution.
Ability to possess and maintain valid driver's and pesticide applicator's licenses.
Ability to pass a background screening and motor vehicle report to meet minimum insurance underwriting criteria.
Ability to wear Garden-issued personal protective equipment and use a computer keyboard.

Responsibilities

Perform landscape maintenance, including soil preparation, planting, mulching, weeding, watering, fertilizing, irrigation, and herbicide application.
Assist horticulture staff with landscape installation and maintenance as needed.
Oversee day-to-day landscape maintenance and volunteer assignments.
Perform off-season work, including invasive plant removal, tree pruning and removal, leaf pickup, storm cleanup, and snow and ice removal.
Water plants in the greenhouse and garden.
Collect, clean, and store native seeds from wild and garden sources, and maintain detailed field notebook records.
Maintain accurate records of plants in permanent collections, including the Wildflower Garden.
Maintain horticultural tools and equipment; resolve routine issues independently and refer more serious problems to the supervisor.
Follow applicable safety standards, communicate safe work practices, monitor compliance, modify work methods to reduce hazards, and report accidents, injuries, and near misses.
Supervise volunteers in the garden and seed-collecting operations and maintain accurate volunteer records.
Meet attendance guidelines and follow established policies and procedures.
Promote teamwork and cooperation with coworkers, supervisors, volunteers, visitors, and other employees.
Perform other duties as assigned.