Landscape Horticulturist

**General Description:**

The Landscape Horticulturist is a full-time, non-exempt status position, working within the Historic Preservation and Collections Department under the direct supervision of the Landscape Horticulture Supervisor. The Landscape Horticulturist supports the overall mission of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and the Department to preserve, care for, and interpret the Association’s historic, cultural, and natural resources. The Landscape Horticulturist helps care for all estate landscapes, historic and non-historic, including a few non-historic ornamental garden areas. Responsibilities include: planting, pruning, applying soil amendments, water management, weed control, inspection, regular grooming and seasonal color changes. Please submit Cover Letter along with Resume.

• *Compensation:**

starting at $22.00/hour

• *Expected Hours:**

40 hours/week. Typical week is Monday-Friday 6:30 am to 3:00 pm. Must be available to work occasional weekends, holidays, and evenings.

• *Essential Functions:**
• Areas of responsibility include all estate landscapes, designed and natural, and non-historic ornamental gardens.
• Tasks include: daily inspection, regular grooming, planning, plant selection, planting, pruning, applying soil amendments, water management, debris removal, weed control, mulching, applying herbicide to pathways, assisting with invasive plant management.
• Uses current best practices, responsible stewardship, and environmental stewardship when performing the tasks outlined above.
• Work with other members of the team to identify and control insects, diseases, and weeds. Apply insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides safely and properly, and maintain pesticide records.
• Understands basic soil structure and soil health and the relationship to plant health.
• Operates and maintains equipment and power tools as needed.
• Maintains records of work activities and submits information for monthly reports.
• Interacts positively with visitors, answering questions and giving directions.
• Practices and maintains safety standards and procedures in all work areas and assures others’ work safety as well.
• Works independently and with minimum supervision; however, certain tasks require individuals to work closely with other horticulture staff in a team setting.
• Conducts all work in accordance with the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association’s procedures and guidelines.
• Performs other related duties as requested by immediate supervisor and carries out the completion of special assignments.
• This position is classified as essential and the incumbent must be able to participate in ice and snow removal as well as storm damage clean-up as needed.
• • *Qualifications:**
• A bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related field of study; and minimum of two years’ work experience in horticulture, or similar field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledgeable in the cultivation practices of native and non-native trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, and possess an awareness of environmental practices that enhance local ecosystems. The ability to identify invasive plants and experience with controlling them is a plus.
• Ability to implement proper pruning techniques for all types of woody plants.
• Experience in operating a variety of equipment, including assorted hand and power tools, chainsaws, electric and diesel gators, tractors, loaders, aerial lifts, and dump trucks is ideal.
• A background in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, experience and knowledge of pesticides, including the proper application of pesticides and possession of or the ability to obtain a Virginia pesticide applicator’s license is essential for this position.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to perform strenuous work in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme high and low temperatures.
• Work requires frequent walking, standing, bending stooping, squatting, kneeling, and the ability to navigate uneven terrain.
• The incumbent will frequently handle objects weighing up to 30 pounds (occasionally 50 pounds) unassisted. On a regular basis, drag, lift, and carry heavy debris and watering hoses and load or unload heavy items from powered and hand-operated carts.
• Must be available to work occasional weekends, holidays, and evenings.
• Valid driver’s license.
• *Benefits:**
• 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
• Employee recognition at 5 years of service
• Monthly employee events
• Employee referral program
• On-site Library
• Discount on Public Event Tickets
• Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops
• Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and Food Court Pavilion
• Free parking
• Health, Vision, and Dental insurance
• Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Paid leave for Sick Time, Vacation and Holidays
• Flexible spending account for medical care