Horticulturist

Job Summary:

Develops, implements and manages the South Carolina Aquarium’s horticultural projects including internal exhibits, external exhibits, off-site nursery and other plant displays.

Essential Functions:

• Adhere to South Carolina Aquarium policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate a love of working with South Carolina native plants.
• Assist Curator in developing the horticulture program for the South Carolina Aquarium.
• Oversee the daily care and aesthetics of all plant displays including all aspects of plant culture, rotation of plant material, management of animal interaction with plant material, etc.
• Participate in research, design, modification and development of new exhibits/systems at the SCA and nursery.
• Establish and cultivate relationships with local and regional plant resources.
• Acquires and/or propagates all Aquarium plant material.
• Manage off-site nursery facilities.
• Develop and maintain off exhibit plant propagation and holding area (nursery) through normal nursery practices.
• Maintain accurate records and reports.
• Develop, execute and provide knowledge and expertise for field projects involving the use of existing or installed native plant material for habitat reclamation and enhancement.
• Liaison with the City of Charleston for horticultural activities on National Park Service property adjacent to the Aquarium.
• Helps develop and maintain budget for horticultural needs.
• Manage the pest management program for SCA.
• Assist with special projects as requested by the Curator.
• Provide coverage for other animal care positions as required.
• Be flexible with work schedule, being able to work weekends, holidays and evenings.
• Work unsupervised and make decisions consistent with the team philosophy.
• Train and supervise horticulture volunteers and interns, providing mentorship and support for the Aquarium’s internship program.
• Adhere to all South Carolina Aquarium policies and procedures.
• Assist aquarium staff and visitors as needed in a pleasant, professional and courteous manner.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the mission by participating in Aquarium sponsored programs and events on a regular basis.
• Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment used in horticultural operations.
• Cross-train in other areas of animal care.
• Respond to visitor and telephone inquiries.
• Keep abreast with current related literature.
• Attend and makes presentations to professional conferences and meetings.
• Participate in cross-functional activities like conducting tours, educational programs, member programs, committees, etc.
• Work with and supervise outside contractors.
• Liaison with the owners of nursery location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of the practices and principles of horticulture in a botanical garden setting and in botanical/zoological mixed species exhibits.
• Knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Southeastern U.S., especially as it pertains to South Carolina native plant communities.
• Skilled in all aspects of plant culture including watering, fertilization, pruning, pest management, plant propagation, etc.
• Good organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of organic/natural pesticide and fungicide control.

Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Botany or related field, or the equivalent to a degree in experience
• Minimum of three years' experience in a related field

Licenses & Certifications Required:

• Valid Driver’s License
• South Carolina pesticide license (or ability to acquire)

Supervision of Others:

• Horticulture and other Animal Care volunteers
• Interns

Physical Requirements:

Requires average walking, standing, bending, stooping, and crouching, climbing ladders, sitting, kneeling, balancing, pushing and pulling, crawling, working with tools, computer tasks and phone usage; should be able to lift/carry at least 50 lbs.; requires driving Aquarium vehicles.

Hazardous Requirements:

Average exposure to minor or severe cuts; falls; falling objects; hazards to eyesight, hearing and sense of smell; and tight spaces. Often requires use of personal protective equipment due to exposure to chemicals, hazardous materials, ozone, and handling of animals.

Working Conditions:

This position requires works in both an office environment and outdoors, sometimes in extreme weather including both hot and cold; requires weekend and late-night work as needed; requires contact with customers, the general public, and outside vendors; requires carrying a cell phone and radio; requires occasional travel.