The West Virginia Botanic Garden (WVBG) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to foster learning, inspiration, and well-being through the beauty and wonder of plants, the natural environment, and culturally enriching experiences.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Horticulturist of the West Virginia Botanic Garden, Inc. (WVBG) serves as the assistant to the Site Manager and is responsible for helping manage landscape beds and plants, site needs, and volunteers. They work closely with the Site Manager to ensure all site projects are properly installed and maintained. This non-exempt position is at-will employment and is subject to meeting performance expectations set by the Executive Director and the availability of funding. In addition to the terms enumerated below, the Horticulturist acts in accordance with the Bylaws of the WVBG.

The Executive Director will meet with the Horticulturist to review their performance at least once annually. The Horticulturist reports directly to the Site Manager and is expected to communicate work plans with their supervisor. Hours are generally flexible if objectives are being met.

Expected hours for 2024 are approximately 35 hrs/week as a full-time position.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Garden improvements (not limited to):

• Design and/or assist in new plantings, including plant selection, bed preparation, and installation.
• Assist in plant accessioning:: assign, label, and update digital spreadsheets as needed.
• Maintain and store existing and new tropical and annual plantings.
• Control and maintain existing irrigation systems.
• Help develop future plant collections.
• Maintain existing plant labels and develop new ones.
• Germinate seeds and start plants in late winter for planting in spring.

Site Maintenance (not limited to):

• Coordinate volunteers weekly for general landscape maintenance (traditionally on Thursday mornings).
• Spray deer deterrent on sensitive plant materials throughout the year.
• Weed, Prune, fertilize, mulch, and water plants as needed or directed.
• Perform integrated pest management duties.
• Assist with weed eating and mowing with Site Manager as needed, (a summer intern typically helps May-Aug)
• Maintain all equipment and tools (fuel, oil changes, sharpening, etc.)
• Clear/remove trees, brush, stumps, weeds, and invasive plants as needed with Site Manager

Additional Responsibilities (not limited to):

· Able to lift plants, planters, miscellaneous equipment, and materials more than 50lbs.

· Requires moderate physicality, including kneeling, hands-and-knees work, pulling, etc.

· Serve on the Planning Committee and help led discussions/ decision-making.

· Lead walks and garden tours a few times a year.

· Provide design input for garden spaces.

· Attend design retreats.

· Prepare an evaluation of accomplishments at the end of the year for the Executive Director.

· Provide the communications team with information about what’s blooming for social media.

· Write newsletter articles as requested.

· Interact with visitors in a friendly manner.

Desired experience

• Experience with developing and maintaining gardens.
• Bachelor’s degree in botany, horticulture, or other natural sciences.
• Experience with equipment such as tractors, chainsaws, and tillers is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills and a team player.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $14.50 per hour

Expected hours: 30 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evenings as needed
• Evening shift
• Morning shift
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Morgantown, WV 26508: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person