Horticulturist I

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

As part of the Butterfly Wonderland curatorial team, this position works with diverse plants in both the indoor tropical Conservatory and outdoor pollinator gardens. The central responsibility for this position is to carry out aspects of plant care, plant propagation, pest control, and soil management for the assigned collection, as well as other related projects and programs. This position will also be responsible for working under the direction of the Director of Animal Care/Entomology to maintain a professional workspace. Fostering a positive work team atmosphere, attention to plant health, exhibit excellence and visitor experience are the driving priorities in accomplishing the goals of this position.  

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• As a member of the curatorial team, inspire and lead by example by being patient, kind, humble, respectful, selfless, forgiving, honest, and committed when interacting with one another and guests.  
• Assist in executing excellent plant care practices, including, but not limited to regular pruning, weeding, and planting.
• Assists in the propagation of new plants by gathering desired seeds, collecting cuttings, and caring for seedlings/propagated stems.
• Assists in the rebuilding of the garden’s soil ecosystems, including composting, mixing soil preparations, and spreading soil in target areas.
• Assists in pest control by helping to scout for areas of pest infestation and cleaning of heavily infested leaves (if needed).
• Establishes a regular curatorial presence in the Conservatory to assist the public with questions, concerns, or helping to discourage guests from engaging in behaviors that are detrimental to the exhibit.
• Research and suggest upgrades, enhancements, and changes to horticultural practices and plant selection in the Conservatory and outdoor pollinator gardens
• Comply with safety and security directives, policies and procedures.  
• Assists the curatorial team in other areas as needed. This can include: 
• Shipments of butterfly pupae.
• Care of vertebrate collections.
• Care of invertebrate collections.
• Participating in team-wide projects.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.  

Requirements

 REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in biology or related field is preferred or demonstrated aptitude in the area.
• Strong desire to work in a team environment as part of a professional animal care, education and conservation facility 
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team in a constantly changing environment as well as individually, with a minimum of supervision.  

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include evenings and/or weekends and holidays.
• Ability to respond to emergencies on an on-call basis.
• Successful completion of all pre-employment screening
• Capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor.
• No history of allergy related to animals or plants, which might interfere with ability to work.
• Employee must be able to occasionally lift or move, carry, push, or pull up to 50lbs. 
• Ability to stand for long periods of time, as well as walk. 
• Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, or crawl. 
• Required to frequently talk and hear. 
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work. 
• Must be able to take directional cues directly or indirectly.  
• Ability to work in an environment that may be loud at times.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including occasional extreme hot or cold, and wet and/or humid conditions. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Must exemplify core fundamentals of the Employee Promise, which states: 

• I am empowered to take ownership of any opportunity to exceed expectations.  
• I anticipate guest needs and pay attention to the details. 
• I treat all internal and external customers with respect.  
• I am on stage! (Smile)  
• I have an attitude of gratitude.  
• I get it right the first time. 
• I display actions that are moral and ethical. 
• I always provide alternative solutions.  
• I am committed to learning every aspect of our product and services.  
• I use the 10/5 rule, 10 feet I acknowledge my guest’s presence with a smile and at 5 feet. I greet them with a courteous word.                   
• I use name recognition at every opportunity  
• I take personal responsibility for our surroundings.  
• I am accountable for my tools and resources.  
• I value the contribution of every team member. 

We believe a culture built on inclusion and diversity becomes the driving force for our success. We believe our team members bring varied thoughts and ideas from their personal life experiences and cultural backgrounds making us innovative and forward-thinking.