Description

THE FACILITY: The Dorothy Fuqua Conservatory is a unique facility in the heart of Atlanta. The Conservatory is central to the Garden and plays a major role in many activities including educational programs, events, exhibitions and displays. This semi-natural model rainforest is not only home to an impressive collection of rare and endangered and useful plants from all over the tropical world but also home to a sizable population of tropical frogs. Much of the work is physically demanding, working for extended periods in the heat of the Desert House and Greenhouse.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Garden Maintenance - This will include but not be limited to planting; watering; pruning; mulching; deadheading; mixing soil; repotting; plant propagation; willingness to learn IPM and apply pesticides and/or biologicals; and other horticultural activities as assigned by the Fuqua Conservatory Manager
• Develop and expand knowledge of tropical plants and plant groups which are central to the Conservatory collections and displays, specifically the Desert House and tropical succulent collections and assist Fuqua Conservatory Manager with plant accessioning, mapping, labeling, etc. 
• Support the other members of the Conservatory teams as required, including indoor and outdoor garden work
• Assist visitors and provide excellent customer service 
• Work on the installation and takedown of rotating displays
• Recognition of plant nutrition deficiencies, pest infestation and damage
• Enthusiasm for display horticulture and collection curation – understanding of design intents, plant collection policy, collection management procedures including working with a plant collections policy, plant database, labeling and mapping
• Weekend Duties – required to work on rotating weekends for watering duty as well as periodic holiday work
• Develop a knowledge of botanical horticulture and curatorial practices, including plant accessioning, labeling and some basic database operation

Requirements

MINIMUM LEVEL OF EDUCATION:

• Associates degree or Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, botany or related field 
• 1-2 years of experience growing tropical plants in a greenhouse setting or in the landscape, experience with succulents a plus
• Previous experience working in a public garden setting is a plus

LANGUAGE, LICENSE, CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid driver’s license
• GA Pesticide Applicator’s License a plus

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to sustain moderate physical exertion fairly consistently with full range of body motion for lifting up to 50 pounds.
• The ability to do sustained physical work in a humid, often hot environment and outdoors in all weather conditions
• Must be able to operate hand and power garden equipment
• Must know and use safety procedures
• Must be able to stand, stoop, bend, twist frequently and for extended periods of time
• The use of ladders , hand & power tools is frequently required

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Good organizational and time management skills, creative and practical problem solving, ability to effectively respond to multiple, changing priorities is essential
• Must be able to effectively interact with the general public on a regular basis, interns, volunteers and co-workers in a professional and respectful manner with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Must be able to work in a team environment and culture well
• A professional commitment to excellence in horticulture in both the public and staff spaces
• Maintain clean and organized work areas to ensure safety and proficiency in the workplace
• Adhere to all garden regulations as laid out in the Garden Staff Manual and will be required to wear garden uniform at all times

The above job duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work for employees in this position, but this is not intended as an exclusive or all-inclusive inventory of all duties required of employees in this job.

It is the policy of the Atlanta Botanical Garden to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.