ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURIST

Description

The position is a member of the horticulture team bringing creative design to the Garden through stunning and innovative outdoor seasonal plant displays that produce a wow-factor for Garden visitors. Work collaboratively with horticulture, exhibits and events to enhance living plant décor for Garden events and exhibits. Lead a volunteer team to assist in the installation, care and maintenance of displays. 

Essential Duties

• Serve as the department lead for plant selection, acquisition, design and placement for the seasonal Butterfly Pavilion in collaboration with the Director of Horticulture for Trails and Displays. 
• Lead the design, implementation and care for plant pots and containers Garden-wide to produce a comprehensive year-round plan to ensure all display pots excel aesthetically while being horticulturally responsible.
• Co-lead with the Exhibits/ Event teams in the design, installation and care for seasonal plant décor for events like Las Noches de las Luminarias and Dia de los Muertos.
• Lead the design and creation of the 150 plus container and potted plants for the Dinner on the Desert plant auction working collaboratively with Horticulture and Events staff.
• Collaborates in the design, installation and care for yearly plant and flower exhibits in The RAF Exhibit Gallery.
• Supervise, manage, and communicate with volunteers.
• Provide support for all departmental activities including plant sales, installations and Garden activities.
• Participates in departmental, Garden, and planning meetings; assist with reports and proposals.

Pay Range: $21.00 - $25.00 per hour

Requirements

• Please include examples of your work when you upload your resume for consideration.
• Associates degree or certification in horticulture, floriculture, floristry, design or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of desert plants, floral design and care for public spaces. 
• Creativity and planning skills. 
• Be able to work independently with direction from directors.
• Exceptional time management, communication, and organizational skills.
• The ability to solve problems using discretion and good judgment, high levels of personal motivation.
• Ability to work weekends and evenings when needed.
• Valid driver’s license for cart training and use.

Equipment Used 

Typical office equipment. This role will also use small hand tools (loppers, pruners, pick axe, shovels, sharp shooter, etc.) and some power tools for plant installations, maintenance and care. 

Internal Communication

Regular communication with department, Garden staff and volunteers.

External Communication

Communication with vendors and plant sale customers. 

Working Conditions

Must be able to remain in a stationary position 30% of the time. The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. and outside the office to access plants and plant equipment. Operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine and computer printer and outside gardening equipment. Occasionally ascends/descends a ladder or scissor lift to 15’-20’. Frequently moves and lifts materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Consistently works in outside conditions that include inclement weather, humidity and extreme heat during summer months. The Horticulture department implements a summer schedule to support the safety and well-being of staff working outside. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made, when necessary and feasible, to allow a qualified individual to perform essential job functions.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Desert Botanical Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by law.

The Garden fosters and supports workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion to honor the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions of all, to celebrate successes, and to cultivate individual and institutional excellence.

All employees will help add to the Garden’s diversity and fully embrace it.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and deliverables of the role. This is not a contract and should not be viewed as such. Other duties may be assigned by supervisor and/or his/her/their designee.