Horticulturist I

Position type: Full-time employment, average of 40 hours per week. Non-exempt under Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Description: The Horticulturist I position performs all aspects of display bed maintenance in the assigned area to set a standard of horticulture excellence under the direct supervision of a Horticulturist or a Curator. Ideal candidates for this position would be team players passionate in the field of Horticulture & available Monday-Friday 7:00am-3:30pm with occasional weekend availability to ensure the Garden is in perfect condition all year long. The schedule for this position may require some evening, weekend, and holiday work.

Essential Functions:

• Assist horticulturists in maintaining gardens and collections through weeding, watering, pruning, deadheading, mulching, edging, raking, fertilization and pesticide application.
• Perform the appropriate soil preparation and planting procedures.
• Works alongside other members of the Horticulture Dept. on team projects. The ability to work in a team environment is essential.
• Operate small engine equipment safely (golf cart, weed-eater, blower, edger, etc…).
• Clean and use hand tools and equipment responsibly.
• Assist their assigned Horticulturist in performing the basic tasks in their area when the Horticulturist is not present.
• At the discretion of their supervising Curator, assume greater responsibilities such as operating restricted use equipment, acquiring Virginia Registered Technician pesticide license, or other special assignments.
• Assist with Garden-wide special events and other duties as assigned.

Essential Physical Functions:

• Must be able to safely operate a golf cart.
• Must be able to work indoors or outdoors for up to 8 hours, regardless of varying weather conditions such as heat, cold, or light rain.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. to carry equipment or supplies.
• Must be able to continuously walk, stand, bend, twist, and stoop.
• Must be capable of performing physically demanding activities, including pushing, pulling, and handling manual labor tasks for extended periods.
• Must be able to safely climb up and down ladders.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to commute to the Garden daily.
• Interest and the ability to learn and perform horticultural practices.
• Must be willing to work alongside horticulturists using fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides and herbicides with the label stated safety precautions.
• Associate’s Degree in Horticulture or related field and one-year practical experience preferred, but related experience is also considered and valued.
• Availability to work occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed.

Benefits

• Health insurance including an HSA or copay option (NBG pays 70% of individual premium and 65% of dependent/family premium)
• 403(b) retirement plan with discretionary 4% match
• Company sponsored life-insurance coverage.
• Group rates on voluntary benefits such as dental, supplemental medical expense insurance, FSA, DCA, vision, STD, LTD, accident and critical illness.
• Paid vacation, sick leave and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Staff discounts on programming & gift shop.
• NBG logo wear for work provided.
• EAP services for all employees.

Reports to: Curator

This position is represented by International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, AFL-CIO.

Equal Employer Opportunity (EEO) statement: NBG is committed to the principles and ideals of equal employment opportunity. It is, and shall continue to be, the policy and practice throughout NBG to foster equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for applicants, employees, and volunteers without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, status as a veteran, or other protected status, if qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Pay: From $17.25 per hour

Benefits

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid jury duty
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person