Horticulturist-Specialty Gardens - Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens

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