Full-Time Juniper Level Botanic Garden Manager
Job Description
Juniper Level Botanic Garden has one of the most diverse collections of unusual and rare plants in the world. As a private 28-acre botanic garden and plant research facility, we focus on ex-situ plant conservation, plant exploration, breeding, and propagation. We have an open position at JLBG for the Garden Manager as part of a fast-paced team. We are looking for a responsible, curious, flexible person with a keen passion for plant knowledge and management talent to join our team.
We are a family-owned company with a mission to support research, education, and the exploration of plants through the sales of unique perennial plants. We offer a casual dress code, a diverse staff, and a friendly working environment.
Job Description
The Garden Manager is a working supervisor position. The successful candidate will work in collaboration with the Director of JLBG to manage the collections, maintenance, staffing, personnel, communication, and outreach of JLBG.
Job Responsibilities:
Garden Maintenance
*Manages all aspects of plant husbandry and living collection aesthetics including trimming, thinning, deadheading, weeding, and mulching in collaboration with the Garden Director.
*Manages the maintenance of the path systems and general housekeeping within the garden area.
*Manages irrigation for optimal growth and plant health – water use is coordinated with the needs of the nursery (in coordination with the nursery manager and the garden visitation and events schedule.
*Manages the garden soil condition and fertility (soil tests and organic amendment applications or modifications are made as needed).
*Coordinates seed and spore collection from the JLBG collection for use in production and for distribution.
*Works cooperatively with the Plant Records/Taxonomist Specialist to ensure all garden plants are properly labeled.
Installations/Planting/Moving
*Manages the installation of plants as directed.
*Assists with recording and labeling of all newly installed plants as needed.
*Ensures that all newly planted accessions are properly irrigated.
*Relocates garden plants as directed.
*Coordinates with garden director when plants need to be moved due to declining health or visibility.
*Surveys for plants that may need to be re-located due to adjacent growth and communicates this to the Garden Director.
*Manages the collection of plant materials from the garden as needed by the nursery or research when appropriate.
Staffing/Personnel
*Collaborates with the Garden Director to recruit, coordinate, train, and supervise JLBG garden staff.
*Collaborates with the Garden Director to recruit, coordinate, and supervise JLBG garden interns in collaboration with the Nursery Manager.
*Collaborates with the Garden Director to recruit, coordinate, and supervise the JLBG volunteers.
*Records and reports the JLBG volunteer hours worked.
*Coordinates JLBG volunteers for open nursery/garden needs.
Communication
*Along with the Garden Director, serves as the point of contact for all garden issues.
*Promptly answers customer/customer service plant questions.
*Maintains clear, concise communication with the Nursery and Research Managers to meet the plant needs of these departments.
*Maintains clear, concise communication with the JLBG volunteers.
*Communicates with appropriate staff in a timely manner.
Organization
*Updates the Garden Director regularly on garden issues.
*Works collaboratively with the Garden Director to prioritize the garden needs, weed management program, and schedules.
*Maintains the divisional work lists up to date.
*Maintains records with information on plant health, test results and other pertinent information in the JLBG database.
Outreach
*Coordinates visitor and tour schedules and communicates with appropriate staff to ensure successful, educational, and enjoyable visits for groups.
*Conducts garden tours as needed.
*Instructs classes and presents lectures.
*Represents the JLBG at outside events as directed.
*Post on JLBG/PDN social media.
*Organizes or assists in organizing events at JLBG in collaboration with other units.
Other duties as needed
- *A successful candidate should be flexible and able to assume duties as needed due to staff shortages or unexpected and evolving issues.
Benefits:
- Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Company-Matching Simple IRA
- Paid Public Holidays
- PTO and Vacation days
Qualifications
Formal education in a plant science/horticulture-related field and/or extensive past experience in horticulture, particularly public garden management is preferred. Applicants with the following qualifications will be strongly considered:
- Valid NC Pesticide Applicators License (or ability to obtain one)
- Supervisory experience
- Experience with Microsoft Office Suite preferred
- Strong communication skills
- Self-motivated
Standard Business Hours: Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm, some Saturday mornings to oversee volunteer crew, and eight open nursery and garden sales weekends each year.
Employee Classification: Salary Permanent Full Time
Compensation: Begins at $44,000 – $48,000 per year, commensurate with education and experience.
How to Apply
Send cover letter and resume with a detailed description of work history along with 3 professional references to JOBS@plantdelights.com JOBS@plantdelights.com270 total views, 1 today
