Greenhouse Horticulturist

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Job Posting Title Greenhouse Horticulturist Job Description Summary Union Job Description Greenhouse Horticulturist GENERAL PURPOSE: The Greenhouse Horticulturist is responsible for the day-to-day operation of all Wellesley College greenhouse facilities, including the Global Flora conservatory, which houses a permanent collection of highly diverse subtropical species, and a separate set of standard houses for teaching, research and propagation, and also includes associated outdoor garden areas, under the direction of the WCBG Director and the Botanical Collections Manager. The horticulturist is a key member of a small staff team working collaboratively to maintain and develop these indoor and outdoor gardens, plan and implement programming for students and the public, and keep the garden operations running smoothly. Like other WCBG staff, the horticulturist mentors and directs Wellesley College student assistants and summer interns to complete horticultural tasks and projects. The horticulturist is independent, resourceful, and a good communicator. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Cultivate the great variety of plants grown in the Margaret C. Ferguson Greenhouses, under the direction of the Botanical Collections Manager Basic routine care includes watering, fertilizing, grooming, and managing pests using integrated pest management protocols, e.g. monitor and document pest presence, treatments, and beneficial insect purchases and release, clean/sanitize tools and pots Transplant, train, and prune accessioned plants as necessary to maintain collections in good condition within available space, as directed by the Botanical Collections Manager. Cultivate and/or propagate plants requested for teaching purposes Maintain associated outdoor spaces, including a meadow hillside, the horticultural courtyard, the Global Flora outdoor garden, conifer garden, and pollinator garden, by weeding, watering, planting, leaf removal, mulching, weed whacking, etc. Help maintain up to date inventory of plants (IrisBG database) Supervise and mentor student assistants; part-time student workers and summer interns are integral to all Botanic Gardens operations Students must be directed clearly, overseen appropriately, and kept in safe conditions The student body is diverse in background and experience. Teach and oversee necessary skills in an equitable, inclusive, culturally competent manner. Coordinate schedules with other staff and students in order to accommodate daily plant care needs, including working some weekends and holidays (through schedule shifts or overtime) under arrangements agreed on by the college and the union. Operate greenhouse physical plant, including automated climate controls (Argus and Wadsworth), to maintain the best possible growing conditions for plants in each greenhouse, under the direction of the Botanical Collections Manager. Monitor climatic conditions closely and program the vents, shades, etc. according to the needs of each greenhouse Monitor physical plant conditions including water quality and availability, security, daily open and closing conditions (within work hours) Respond to alarms and problems outside of normal working hours when necessary Work with campus Facilities team to resolve issues such as plumbing or electrical, and with outside specialty contractors as needed Provide maintenance updates and recommendations to the Collections Manager Keep greenhouses and headhouse tidy and organized, and purchase supplies as needed Work collaboratively with the staff and diverse campus community towards the core educational goals of the Botanic Gardens Mentor diverse college students one-on-one or in small groups to help care for plants as well as teach relevant skills and concepts. Support the summer internship program, aiding in the intern selection process and coordination of horticultural tasks and projects. Contribute to the maintenance of plants and landscapes of the Alexandra Botanic Garden and the Hunnewell Arboretum on an as-needed basis. Participate in and/or provide horticultural support for occasional events, workshops, and other programs for the campus and public REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge, passion, and ability to care for highly diverse greenhouse plants with attention to their individual needs A degree in horticulture, botany or related field plus at least 2 years of hands-on horticultural experience in public or educational garden settings, or at least 3 years of professional horticultural experience in public or educational garden settings Demonstrated interest in academic programming, learning and educating others of different ages and education levels Capacity to stay informed of and apply current best management practices, updating maintenance plans accordingly Ability to become fluent with plant collection database and greenhouse controls Knowledge of pest species and treatments for indoor application Physical fitness, including ability to work on ladders and lift 30 lbs without assistance Drivers license and ability to safely operate specialty vehicles and power equipment Massachusetts pesticide license obtained within 6 months after hire and kept current PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Previous work with climate management (Argus, Wadsworth) and botanical software (IrisBG) systems Basic knowledge of greenhouse plumbing and indoor and outdoor irrigation systems Basic knowledge of environmental sensor networks, wiring and programming Other: All employees hired after August 2, 2021 are required to upload proof of vaccination against COVID‐19, subject to approved medical or religious exemptions or disability accommodations. Area: Botanic Gardens (Science Center) Hourly Rate: $36.22 Weekly Rate: $1,448.80 Start Date: September 1, 2022 (negotiable) Hours: Monday - Friday 7am - 4pm (40 hours) with 60 minute meal break; occasional overtime after hours or on weekends/holidays as noted Worker Sub-Type Union Time Type Full time EEO Statement Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and the curriculum. Wellesley College and all its subcontractors shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60–1.4(a), 60–300.5(a) and 60–741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that Wellesley College and all of its subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply