Propagator/Grower; Morris Arboretum & Gardens

University of Pennsylvania•Philadelphia, PA

2d•$50,000 - $60,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania—one of America’s oldest and most respected arboreta—seeks an experienced, full-time Plant Propagator with a passion for plants, public horticulture, and advancing botanical knowledge. Located in the beautiful Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, the Arboretum maintains extensive living collections and is home to a 10,000-square-foot greenhouse complex and a ½-acre nursery. The Plant Propagator is responsible for producing a diverse range of woody and herbaceous plants for research, public display, and institutional programs. The role requires technical expertise in propagation, exceptional record-keeping, the ability to meet production goals, and the capacity to guide part-time staff, interns, and volunteers.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or a closely related field.
Minimum of three years in plant propagation and nursery production
Valid driver’s license required
Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator’s License must be obtained upon employment.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, work outdoors in all weather conditions, and perform tasks involving walking, standing, and stooping for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

experience in a public garden setting is strongly preferred.
Strong teaching and writing abilities are highly desirable.
Proficiency in operating machinery is a plus.

Responsibilities

Propagate and grow plants to support Arboretum collections, displays, research, and distribution needs.
Maintain detailed, accurate propagation and production records.
Source plant material and meet production targets set in collaboration with horticultural and research staff.
Supervise part-time staff, interns, and volunteers in propagation and nursery-related activities.
Implement the integrated pest management (IPM) program for the nursery.
Coordinate procurement and distribution of plants for Arboretum staff and the annual member dividend program.
Operate and monitor the greenhouse physical plant and the historic fernery.
Teach or lecture for Morris Arboretum, Penn, and other amateur or professional audiences when appropriate.
Perform occasional weekend work as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare.
You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.