Supervisory Horticulturist

Smithsonian Institution•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Supervisory Horticulturist is the senior technical authority for Smithsonian Gardens (SG), within Facilities Management at the Smithsonian Institution. The role provides leadership, strategic direction, and professional expertise in horticultural operations, landscape design, plant stewardship, sustainable landscape management, visitor operations, and emergency management. Smithsonian Gardens manages public gardens, living plant collections, greenhouse and nursery operations, and landscape assets across Smithsonian sites.

Requirements

Meet the basic education requirement for the Horticulture Series 0437: a degree in horticulture or a related basic plant science discipline with the specified coursework, or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
For GS-15, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 level in the Federal Service.
Specialized experience must include leading and exercising full authority over a horticulture or landscape organization through subordinate supervisors, including technical direction, budget formulation and execution, and persuading executives and outside agencies to support program goals despite resistance.
Promotion candidates must meet the one-year time-in-grade requirement at the next lower grade level within 30 days of the announcement closing date.
Submit a resume of no more than two pages that demonstrates relevant experience.
If qualifying through education, provide transcripts; foreign education must be evaluated as equivalent to education at an accredited U.S. institution.
Pass a pre-employment background investigation.
May be required to complete a probationary period, including a 12-month supervisory probationary period.
Maintain a bank account for direct deposit or electronic transfer.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.

Responsibilities

Promote stewardship of living plant collections and public gardens across SG museum sites, the Suitland campus, and the greenhouse nursery facility.
Oversee turf and soil management, tree and shrub maintenance, integrated pest management, and plant disease control.
Serve as reviewing official; interview candidates for vacant positions and recommend appointments, promotions, or reassignments.
Develop performance goals and evaluate subordinate employees’ work performance.
Coordinate interagency and museum-to-museum communications about events, programs, projects, and operational activities affecting Smithsonian Gardens.
Lead operational adjustments that support visitor services and the appearance and maintenance of the National Mall.
Serve as the primary authority for emergency management and continuity of operations, coordinating responses to weather, security, and other incidents to protect staff, visitors, facilities, and living collections.