Horticulturist I (full time – non-exempt)

REPORTS TO: Senior Horticulturist

BASIC FUNCTIONS: This position is responsible for the care of the wildflower & native plant gardens and its component programs at the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art’s Chadds Ford campus. This position offers opportunities to develop expertise in native plant conservation, habitat restoration, and sustainable landscape management while gaining experience in volunteer coordination and seasonal programming.

POSITION RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to the Senior Horticulturist and acts as independent decision maker, as required. Collaborates with facilities staff and other Brandywine staff, as needed. Serves as ambassador to visitors of the museum and campus gardens.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs a diverse array of horticultural duties within the campus display beds and adjacent meadow areas. This includes, but is not limited to, planting design, planting, mulching, weeding, pruning, application of herbicides and litter management.
• Performs assigned duties related to the operation of a container-based native plant nursery, including seed sowing, potting, labeling, fertilizing, watering, preparing inventory reports and planning for production needs.
• Performs assigned duties related to the operation of a native seed program, including species identification, collection, cleaning, packaging and order fulfillment.
• Performs assigned duties related to the operation of the garden volunteer program.
• Performs assigned duties related to the annual native plant and seed sale.
• Uses mechanical and/or chemical methods to control unwanted vegetation.
• Regularly inspects trails and performs remedial maintenance as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 1 year professional horticulture experience.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in horticulture, botany or a related field, or an equivalent combination of skills, education and experience.
• Possesses specific knowledge of plant species native to the Middle-Atlantic Piedmont region.
• Ability to work outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions.
• Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds and meet the physical demands of the position which include standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, digging.
• Ability to effectively operate common landscape tools including hand-held and backpack sprayers, hand-held and backpack blowers, a string trimmer, a soil auger, a walk-behind mower, and possess sufficient mechanical reasoning to successfully perform minor maintenance needs on these types of equipment.
• High level of personal initiative, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work largely unsupervised but also as a team member.
• Commercial/Public Pesticide Applicator or ability to obtain.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and the ability to learn other products as needed.
• Must have reliable transportation to the workplace.

STARTING SALARY: $20.00/hour
This position offers health, dental and vision benefits as well as company paid life & long term disability insurance. It also provides for 2 weeks of paid vacation (prorated for the first year).

To apply, send cover letter and resume to: Connie Scholz, HR Systems Administrator, cscholz@brandywine.org.