Gardens Horticulturist

The Gardens Horticulturist will be responsible for the complete care of a portion of the outdoor space and will work directly with the Gardens Director, collaborate with other Horticulturists, and supervise a team of dedicated volunteers to maintain the living collections as well as contribute to the designs of seasonal displays and exhibitions. Other duties include plant records upkeep, irrigation maintenance and repairs, plant propagation, IPM, and safe equipment usage. Essential duties and responsibilities Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: Maintain assigned garden space following horticultural best practices. Tasks include weeding, watering, grooming, dead-heading, fertilizing, planting, removing debris, pruning, and mulching Develop landscape designs for review and approval prior to execution Be familiar with plant species under your care. Continually strive to improve horticultural plant knowledge Actively scout for any observed plant disease, insect, animal, or weed problems. Care for plants showing stress with a sense of urgency Manage irrigation system processes that affect your assigned area and make necessary adjustments as needed Maintain plant records by providing current information to management regarding plant accessions, removals, transfers and label requirements. Label permanent plants in a timely manner and assist with the installation of accession tags. Operate and maintain landscape equipment including chainsaws, backpack blowers, string trimmers, gas powered hedge shears, and tractor Follow IPM protocols when managing pest and diseases on the plants under your care. Education and experience Associate degree or certificate in Horticulture Minimum of two years of significant experience in the management of tropical landscapes is preferred An equivalent combination of education and experience in landscaping or horticulture related work with strong willingness to learn and/or strong interest in gardening may be considered Must hold a valid Florida Pesticide Applicators License or be able to obtain one within 6 months of employment Qualifications Strong time management skills and able to switch gears as necessary Focused on high quality controls to ensure horticultural excellence Must be able to sustain moderate physical exertion with a full range of body motion for lifting up to 50 lbs. Ability to operate hand and power garden equipment Ability to work weekends to meet the Gardens’ horticultural needs Excellent indicators of a Successful Selby Gardens’ Team Member Include Strong work ethic Continuous and eager learner Actively lives and communicates the mission of Selby Gardens Passion to deliver exceptional service to internal and external customers through attention to detail and innovative methods of saying “thank you” Regularly offer innovative approaches to old concepts Flexibility and ability to switch gears when needed Resourceful, creative, and an initiative taker Assumes the best of others Approachable, kind, and compassionate Genuine authenticity Benefits: Retirement Savings Plan w/matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible schedule Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance