Deadline: Tue, 08/22/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: Birmingham Botanical Gardens Job Field: Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Other Job Type: Experienced Professional Location: Alabama Location Detail: Birmingham, AL Job Description: This is a hands-on position requiring extensive year-round work in the garden. A successful candidate will bring to the position a solid background in the art and science of horticulture, an eye for detail, a passion for meticulous maintenance, exceptional organizational and communications skills, and the ability to excel working both individually and as a mentor and group leader. The Horticulturist' Specialty Gardens will report to the Director of Gardens Support and will work closely with the other members of the Gardens Support team, as well as other key Friends staff and volunteers, City of Birmingham staff, and outside experts. This is a full-time position. Qualifications: Responsibilities General: Perform a full range of horticultural tasks and duties including planting, pruning, watering, fertilizing, mulching, raking, sweeping and blowing hardscape surfaces Assess garden maintenance needs, establish priorities, and develop work plans and calendars Coordinate and lead weekly volunteer workdays and periodic volunteer groups; partner with the Friends’ Volunteer Coordinator to recruit, train, and retain volunteers Identify and source plants, supplies, and tools; maintain storage areas, tools, and equipment in an orderly state and in good working order Supervise and mentor interns; may include conducting specialized classes and workshops or leading field trips Develop and maintain appropriate plant records and labels Cultivate cordial, professional, and service-oriented relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and partners, including donors, contractors, and various officials Be a part of the collective success of the Gardens Support team; forge constructive partnerships with other staff members; foster productive interdepartmental teamwork Communicate with Director and other team members regularly and frequently regarding all aspects of work including priorities, needs, planned projects, and budgetary considerations Effectively embrace the organizational objectives of providing excellent service and products to our members and visitors; creating an exceptional work environment; and delivering outstanding operational results Responsibilities Area of Specialization: Research and study the original design intent of each of the gardens and their elements; develop a maintenance strategy that is driven by the design intent and long-term vision for the garden Embrace opportunities to enhance the experience of visitors to the gardens through the development of interpretive materials, coordinating garden-specific activities, and encouraging informal interactions Champion the Gardens by serving as a resource for programs and events, leading classes and tours, giving lectures, and contributing to print and digital communications Seek opportunities to network and expand connections within the horticultural and gardening community, including membership in related organizations such as the Perennial Plant Association Two- or four-year degree in horticulture or a related field; alternatively, equivalent related experience in a public garden setting Extensive knowledge of horticultural practices and principles; familiarity with landscape plants used in the Southeast, including identification, cultivation, and troubleshooting Strong work ethic with the ability to work independently and as a team player, set priorities, multitask, and meet deadlines Demonstrated passion for gardens and gardening Ability to lift 50 lbs., stoop, bend, kneel and conduct strenuous gardening tasks; safely operate vehicles in addition to basic power equipment and tools Willing to obtain pesticide/herbicide applicator’s license if necessary Excellent written and verbal communication skills Flexible and willing to support other FBBG activities, a willingness to work weekends and nights as needed and in a variety of weather conditions Enjoy working with others in a friendly and courteous manner and possess a sense of humor Strong working knowledge of PC applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Enthusiasm for the Friends' mission and readiness to assist beyond this job description Desirable Knowledge and Experience: Experience with the selection and cultivation of perennials and vegetables An understanding and appreciation of the application of basic garden design principles Experience in a public garden setting, specifically working with demonstration gardens and working with volunteers Miscellaneous: Commensurate with experience "Eligible 1st day of 1st full month: 1. BCBS Health Insurance: Blue Access Gold - current employee portion for individual coverage $236.42/month. FBBG pays equivalent of 60% of the premium. Pricing for dependent coverages available upon request. 2. Dental - current employee portion for individual coverage $11.17/month. FBBG pays equivalent of 60% of the premium. Pricing for dependent coverages available upon request. 3. Vision - 100% employee paid $8.50/month for individual coverage. Pricing for dependent coverages available upon request. 4. Heathiestyou (Remote medical care) - 100% employer paid 5. Flexible Spending Account/Dependent Care Account Eligible after 1 year: Group Life, Long-Term Disability, Short-Term Disability - 100% employer paid SIMPLE IRA: You may contribute up to the current year IRS maximum; FBBG matches your contribution up to 3%. There is a minimum income requirement to begin participation, which typically makes eligibility January 1 of the second year of employment. Vacation: Schedule based on length of service: 1-4 years Two weeks (first year prorated according to start date; eligible after 90 day introductory period) 5-10 years Three weeks Over 10 years Four weeks Paid Sick Leave: 7 days granted at the beginning of each year, up to 21 days of unused leave can be carried over. Eligible after introductory period. Paid Holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day. (These follow the City of Birmingham's schedule.) How to Apply: Please submit letter of interest, resume, and three references in one pdf to careers@bbgardens.org. Position will be open until filled
