Full-Time Outdoor Plant Health and IPM Technician
Job Description
Outdoor Plant Health and IPM Technician
Juniper Level Botanic Garden was founded as a display and trial garden surrounding Plant Delights Nursery, a perennial plant nursery established in Raleigh in 1988. Today it has grown to have one of the most extensive perennial trialing programs in the country and 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 Juniper Level Botanic Gardens for an Outdoor Plant Health and IPM Technician as part of a high-energy, fast-paced team in the Garden and Research divisions. We are looking for a self-motivated, curious, flexible person 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:
Position is to oversee the plant health and collections integrity of all outdoor plantings, including the monitoring, researching, and treatment of all pests and plant health-related issues.
Job Responsibilities:
- Coordinate annual, reoccurring maintenance with Garden Curator and Research Supervisor
- Take appropriate and timely action to prevent damage to the Collections from weeds, insects and diseases
- Scout and treat for weeds, insects, and diseases in garden beds and lawns
- Scout, treat for and report stressed/declining plants
- Alert appropriate staff of weed, insect, and disease issues
- Determine best treatment options for each pest situation, always opting for biological/less toxic options
- Record all pesticide treatments, results, and monitor efficacy in Excel log sheet
- Submit pest samples to the Pest and Disease Clinic at N.C. State as needed
- Maintain a record of Clinic reports, both digitally and in paper form
- Maintain a valid NC Pesticide Applicators license
- Ensure all spray equipment is fully functional, cleaned, maintained and available for use
- Ensure pesticide shed is kept clean, tidy and free of chemical residue after mixing chemicals
- Coordinate purchasing of all pesticides and IPM equipment for the Garden and Research divisions
- Oversee vole control program, including note-taking, scouting and treating
- Promptly monitor and treat for fire ants throughout the property
- Follow all legal pesticide requirements, including posting of ‘Do Note Enter’ signs, sending company-wide emails, record chemicals used, and use of proper PPE (at least boots, mask, and long gloves/sleeves)
- Oversee Nematode Control Program
- Scout and treat for foliar and root-knot nematodes
- Treat and control nematodes appropriately and in a timely manner to prevent damage
- Alert appropriate staff of foliar nematode issues
- Coordinate cutback foliage as needed to eliminate infection
- Work with Garden Curator and Nursery team to make sure Nursery propagules are tested for nematodes
- Update Access database with IPM treatment and nematode testing results
- Conduct research on efficacy of different foliar nematode control protocols
- Turf Maintenance
- Communicate and coordinate with Grounds Supervisor on mowing schedule to avoid conflicts between chemical treatments and mowing of the lawn
- Work with Garden Curator to apply appropriate fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals as needed
- Monitor turf for pest/disease pressure
- Monitor turf for overly dry/wet areas and work with Garden Curator to make corrections as needed
- May assist in installation, repair and maintenance of irrigation systems
- Work with Garden Curator to coordinate application of new grass seed each year
- Coordinate annual turf maintenance with Garden Curator and Grounds Supervisor
- Support Garden Team during seasonal Open Garden Days (weekends)
- Other duties, as assigned
Job Qualifications:
Formal education or extensive past experience in horticulture is required. Applicants with the following qualifications will be strongly considered:
- Valid NC Pesticide Applicators License (or ability to obtain one)
- Fit testing in the last year
- Plant Science or Horticulture Degree
- Horticulture experience
- Experience with Microsoft Office Suite preferred
- Strong communication skills
- Self-motivated
Employee Classification: Salary, Permanent, Full-Time
Salary Range: Begins at $36,500 per year
Benefits: We offer an extensive benefits plan that includes Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance & a company-matching Simple IRA. We also have paid Public Holidays, PTO & Vacation days.
Standard Business Hours: Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm, and eight open nursery and garden sales weekends each year
How to Apply
Send cover letter & resume with a detailed description of work history along with 3 professional references to jobs@plantdelights.com731 total views, 1 today
