Horticulturalist - Tree/Forestry Focus

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum is seeking a Horticulturist that is passionate about desert plants and landscapes.? The duties of the position include implementing horticultural techniques to maintain and propagate collection specimens.? The overall maintenance and care of assigned areas include pruning, weed control, knowledge of plants and botany, and the implementation of garden design aesthetics. In addition, the horticulturist will install landscape features and work with irrigation systems. Our horticulturists educate our visitors through interpretation of botanical and horticultural subjects. This position provides mentorship to the gardeners and works in collaboration with the Volunteer Coordinator to provide direction to the volunteers and Master Gardeners that are assigned to their areas.

ABOUT US

In 1924, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum (BTA) was founded by mining magnate William Boyce Thompson. The desert landscape inspired Boyce Thompson to create the arboretum with the mission of educating people about desert plants and their uses in an arid environment.

This mission continues today, and the Boyce Thompson Arboretum has grown in mission and size over its 100-year history. As an independent non-profit organization, the arboretum is in Superior, Arizona in the beautiful and stunning landscape of Picket post mountain and adjacent to the Tonto National Forest.? The arboretum is located within 30 minutes of Mesa, AZ and 1 hour from downtown Phoenix.? At 372 acres, BTA is the largest and oldest botanical garden in the state of Arizona. BTA holds a collection of 4,030 taxa and 30,000 plants. The Arboretum grounds provide a collection of plants from all over the world’s varied desert and dry lands, displaying them alongside native Sonoran Desert vegetation. Wildlife is abundant and visitors enjoy well maintained hiking trails throughout the grounds.? It is not uncommon to see javelina, bobcat and a variety of native and migratory birds while working, hiking, and enjoying the grounds.? BTA is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for using appropriate arborist techniques of the highest standard to install and maintain assigned forested areas in accordance with collections policy and plan, including routine and special projects as requested.
• Conducts regular tree inspections for health, structure, and safety.
• Responsible for planting and maintaining assigned areas. Maintenance tasks include weeding, cultivating, fertilizing, watering, pruning, and other horticultural tasks.
• Uses and maintains hand tools, power tools and light machinery. Includes string trimmers and chainsaws.
• Evaluates and identifies signs and symptoms of tree diseases, pest infestations, nutrient deficiencies, or other causes of health degradation.
• Maintains healthy tree canopies with a focus on aesthetics, safety, and structure.
• Collaborates with Irrigation Technician on design, installation, scheduling and maintenance of irrigation systems.
• Ensures accurate accession records of the botanical collection within assigned areas of responsibility.
• Participates in landscape design and installation.
• Provides interpretation of botanical and horticultural subjects to the public by answering questions and doing an occasional presentation.
• Uses and maintains golf carts and vehicles.
• Responsible for propagating plants that have been identified by the BTA Collections Committee as priority for overall garden needs and retail plant sales.
• Assists Plant Collections Manager with identification of plants within area of responsibility, accessioning/deaccessioning, and labeling.
• This list is not comprehensive, and other tasks not mentioned here may be required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate degree in forestry, arboriculture, horticulture or a related field required, bachelor’s degree preferred.
• ISA Arborist training/certification, or ability to obtain a certification within 1 year.
• Two (2) years of arborist or forestry experience. Proficiency in tree climbing and rigging techniques preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years horticulture/garden experience. Forestry or Botanical Garden experience is highly desirable.
• 4 years of advanced forestry, arborist, or horticulture knowledge and experience will be considered in place of degree requirements.
• Pesticide Applicator license/certification is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of identifying signs and symptoms of insect, fungal, or other illnesses or diseases in trees.
• Demonstrated experience in arid and desert plant ecology and landscapes highly desirable.
• Must have a valid AZ Driver’s License or ability to obtain one. Clean driving record required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Forest Management – Knowledge and ability to maintain a tree collection in a way that highlights the collection design and promotes a positive visitor experience.
• Plant Health – Sound knowledge in the identification and management of plant health issues including IPM, diseases and plant nutrition.
• Plant Knowledge – A good working knowledge of arid adapted trees.
• Independent worker who can self-motivate and complete daily tasks without supervision.
• Ability to use power tools to promote tree health and vigor.
• Knowledge of various cabling and bracing techniques for tree pruning or felling.
• Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
• Detail-oriented, collaborative manner, and strong work ethic.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Excellent oral communication skills
• Detail-oriented, collaborative manner, and strong work ethic.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Computer skills: Able to use email, calendar programs and Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Digital access to files and data will be required.
• Must pass a background check.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work outside in extreme weather conditions. Summer temperatures may exceed 115 degrees F.
• Must be able to work at least one weekend day and occasional evenings. Shift starts one hour before opening. In the summer months the shift starts at 5 am.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and traverse uneven terrain and hiking conditions.
• Must be able to stand, walk on uneven terrain, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel, talk, and hear, and use fingers and hands to feel objects, tools or controls.
• Fully functional vision is required (prescription lenses are acceptable).