What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Horticulture position at San Antonio Botanical Garden?
Position Description:
ABOUT THE SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN
For over 45 years, the San Antonio Botanical Garden (SABG) has been enriching lives through plants and nature. The Garden is a world class garden recognized for outstanding horticulture displays, botanical diversity, education, conservation, and experiences that connect people to the natural world. The San Antonio Botanical Garden embraces the sense of place that makes San Antonio unique and features over thirty-eight acres of nature space located deep in the heart of San Antonio, has welcomed more than 400,000 visitors, and has over 13,000 member households. For more information, visit sabot.org
GENERAL SUMMARY
Under the direct supervision of the Vice President of Gardens, the Directors of Horticulture serve as leaders among the horticulture staff instilling best horticultural practices among area garden staff. Within the Horticulture Department at SABG, management of all public garden areas is divided between two Directors of Horticulture. As working supervisors these positions, specifically, will be focused on coordinating and managing horticulturists and a crew of gardeners and volunteers responsible for the design, installation and maintenance of their assigned garden area landscapes, and assuring optimal health of living collections. Extensive knowledge of landscape practices adaptable to South Texas, and knowledge of Texas native plants will be critical to success. This position will require excellent communication, teamwork, leadership, and organizational skills. Furthermore, the successful Director of Horticulture candidate will have a sincere appreciation for the importance of plant-based experiences for children, families, adults, and seniors who visit SABG.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Specifically, the Director of Horticulture will have responsibility for the following activities:
- Excellent management and supervision of staff, volunteers and vendors to meet the standards of horticultural excellence set for SABG.
- Ability to prioritize activities and responsibilities.
- Interact in a professional manner to provide appropriate customer service to visitors, volunteers and staff, and the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal colleagues, representatives of other organizations, and the public.
- Planning, demonstrating and executing all horticultural care practices (i.e. design, planting, watering, fertilizing, and integrated pest management) with confidence and the ability to lead these activities with strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
- Purchasing of supplies and plants.
- Provide appropriate horticultural and arboriculture training to staff and volunteers.
- Ability to both delegate and lead staff and volunteer groups hands-on.
- Identify volunteer needs to assist staff with assigned projects.
- Maintain accurate records and create comprehensive reports per the Living Collections Policy.
- Assist with monitoring budget in specific area of responsibility.
- Design, installation, and maintenance of horticultural displays.
- May help promote the garden through media; such as press releases, eblasts, social media posts, and radio or television interviews.
- All other duties are assigned.
Job descriptions are guidelines that attempt to characterize major duties and responsibilities of employees and are subject to change as needs and programs change. At the San Antonio Botanical Garden, they are considered neither inclusive nor exclusive.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, botany, or related field is a minimum. Graduate degree is preferred.
Experience: At least 3 years’ experience in supervisory position and 5 years’ relevant experience in the industry. Experience in non-profit organizations, and specifically, botanical gardens is preferred.
License/Certifications: Texas pesticide applicators license, or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment. Arborist certification may be necessary.
Must possess or be able to obtain, within thirty days of employment, a valid class "C" Texas driver's license. NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of horticulture, arboriculture, botany, plant propagation or closely related fields.
- Ability to perform and lead horticultural practices and skills.
- Ability to work with staff, volunteers, vendors and the general public.
- Computer efficiency (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
- Written and verbal communication skills.
- Eye and appreciation for detail and design.
- Ability to work closely with staff from all departments to plan and implement programs and events for specialized audiences such as children’s groups, families, adults, and seniors in addition to general visitation.
- Experience working with volunteers and the ability to train and serve as a team leader for volunteers is preferred
- Initiative and follow through as well as the ability to multi-task, set priorities, and maintain a positive attitude at times of increased workload are crucial
- Good organizational skills are required, with strong attention to details in all tasks.
- Successful candidates will also have the ability to work productively and positively in a team-oriented environment and to provide quality customer service in a professional manner. Flexibility to work occasional long hours including weekend and evenings is needed
CONFIDENTIALITY
The Director of Horticulture may be privy to confidential information, and must ensure that information is dealt with in the strictest of confidence and discretion.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, climb a ladder, bend, kneel, and squat. Position requires stamina for horticultural projects and occasional extended days for special events.
MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Position requires the ability to work under pressure and maintain a positive and professional manner while providing excellent customer service and managing staff and volunteers.
WORKING CONDITIONS
1. Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
2. Work is may be performed in an office setting, outdoors, greenhouse, maintenance facilities or grounds of the Botanical Garden.
3. Expected to perform under minimum supervision and act independently within the scope of normal duties and responsibilities. Difficult or unique situations are referred to the supervisor.
4. Work will be performed in areas with frequent high levels of visitation, requiring excellent customer service and professionalism at all times while balancing the need for productivity.
5. On occasion, required to work extended hours as well as be on-call on a rotating schedule.
6. Minimal travel may be required.
EQUIPMENT
Computer/printer and related software (PowerPoint, Word, Excel), fax, office telephone. Including, but not limited to: hand tools, weed eater, blower, hedger, rototiller, chainsaw, bobcat, truck and trailer, etc.
COMPENSATION
Compensation will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the individual.