Weekend Gardener - Nursery

Bok Tower Gardens • Lake Wales, FL

18d • Onsite

About The Position

GENERAL PURPOSE OF JOB: To perform weekend nursery duties which maintain the integrity and beauty of the Gardens and grounds. To be responsible for the production of most of the plant material used in the organization, except large trees, turf, and large quantities of specialty plant material. Plant material is primarily propagated from seed, cuttings, and divisions. In general the successful candidate will understand gardening practices and plant materials appropriate for the nature of the Gardens. ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Carry out regular watering and fertilizing needs of the nursery plants by hand watering as well as checking irrigation lines. Maintain greenhouse climate conditions for plant health. Daily inspect nursery plants for growth and health needs. Routine Nursery tasks such as stepping up plants, cleaning the nursery complex, disinfecting tables and pots for their next use, other tasks as they pop up. Planting and care of annual and perennial beds as well as containers Coordinate with Nursery Manager for insect and disease control using IPM methods Prioritize and carry out tasks to maintain the plants and nursery in a clean and orderly state Assist in tracking accessioned plant material, plant production data, pesticide and fertilizer applications, etc. Requirements QUALIFICATIONS: Horticultural education, training, and “hands on” experience of at least five years Familiarity with operating irrigation systems. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Ability to meet deadlines and prioritize work load Ability to work independently or as part of a team effectively. Must be able to follow directions closely and work cooperatively with staff and collaborators Ability to effectively train, supervise and motivate teams of volunteers and students to perform field or on-site group projects Strong organizational skills desired. Must be detail oriented Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal and problem solving skills desired Ability to represent the Rare Plant Conservation Program in the state-wide and national conservation community networks Must be passionate about rare plant conservation and be self-motivated WORKING CONDITIONS: Continual or prolonged periods of time standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, crouching, and lifting Continuous communication and/or interaction with staff, volunteers, visitors, and management Occasional holiday work required to meet departmental deadlines or to provide staff support for BTG special events This position is required and scheduled to work weekends as their primary work days Bok Tower Gardens reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this job description in any way the company desires. This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties, including essential duties, to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This job description is not an employment contract, implied or otherwise. The employment relationship remains “At-will.” Qualified employees who, because of a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits a major life activity, require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of this position should notify their manager or Human Resources.

Requirements

• Horticultural education, training, and “hands on” experience of at least five years
• Familiarity with operating irrigation systems.
• Ability to meet deadlines and prioritize work load
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team effectively.
• Must be able to follow directions closely and work cooperatively with staff and collaborators
• Ability to effectively train, supervise and motivate teams of volunteers and students to perform field or on-site group projects
• Must be detail oriented
• Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal and problem solving skills desired
• Ability to represent the Rare Plant Conservation Program in the state-wide and national conservation community networks
• Must be passionate about rare plant conservation and be self-motivated
• Continual or prolonged periods of time standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, crouching, and lifting
• Continuous communication and/or interaction with staff, volunteers, visitors, and management

Nice To Haves

• Strong organizational skills desired.

Responsibilities

• Carry out regular watering and fertilizing needs of the nursery plants by hand watering as well as checking irrigation lines.
• Maintain greenhouse climate conditions for plant health.
• Daily inspect nursery plants for growth and health needs.
• Routine Nursery tasks such as stepping up plants, cleaning the nursery complex, disinfecting tables and pots for their next use, other tasks as they pop up.
• Planting and care of annual and perennial beds as well as containers
• Coordinate with Nursery Manager for insect and disease control using IPM methods
• Prioritize and carry out tasks to maintain the plants and nursery in a clean and orderly state
• Assist in tracking accessioned plant material, plant production data, pesticide and fertilizer applications, etc.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees