To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and perform other duties as assigned.

• Manages the daily horticultural operations to institutional standards of excellence with a passion for and interest in sustainability
• Cultivates a cohesive team of horticultural professionals and volunteers with a passion for growth, execution, and excellence
• Facilitates the procurement of plants, hard goods, growing equipment, and supplies for all the horticultural functions of the institution
• Performs horticultural work in garden areas as assigned by the Director of Horticulture and Education based on current staffing levels and assignments
• Facilitates design development processes for seasonal horticultural displays and exhibits in collaboration with the Director of Horticulture and Education
• Assists with operational budget preparation and monitoring and strategic planning related to capital projects, as assigned
• Collaborates with the Assistant Director of Facilities and Grounds to facilitate snow removal and winter weather response, and on building-related issues that potentially could affect plant health and condition
• Manages and oversees outdoor fountain and irrigation systems
• Collaborates with the Assistant Director of Education on interpretive projects, including signage, technology and interactive exhibits, in concert with Guest Experience and Horticulture staff
• Assists the Director of Horticulture and Education, as needed, with ancillary activities of the curatorial program, including arboricultural management, plant exploration, plant breeding and improvement programs, and industry outreach that promotes the collections or expands their access to new audience.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervises 5 (or more) horticulturists
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities with a passion for creativity, collaboration, and successful completion
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws
• Interviews, hires, and trains employees; plans, assigns, and directs work; appraises performances; rewards and disciplines employees; addresses complaints and resolves problems

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, botany, land management, or related field of study is required; graduate degree is desired.
• Minimum of two years of experience in a management position at public gardens with knowledge of current trends in horticulture is required.
• A basic knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, electrical, engine maintenance, and landscape equipment operations is highly desirable.

Licenses and Certifications

• Must possess a valid State of Iowa Driver’s License (or obtain within 1 month)
• Must possess a valid Commercial Pesticides Applicator license (or obtain within 1 month)
• Maintains insurability under the company auto liability policy

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Creative problem solver; strategic and organized thinker
• Excellent time-management skills to handle a variety of assignments simultaneously under a variety of deadlines and other constraints
• Ability to understand and interpret instruction to work effectively and efficiently independently with minimal supervision, as well as part of a team
• Comfortable engaging audiences across a range of demographics and learning styles
• Ability to interact in an appropriate and professional manner with the general public, staff and volunteers