Collections Horticulturist at Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts

Job Description:

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Job Posting Title

Collections Horticulturist



Job Description Summary

Union



Job Description


Collections Horticulturist




AREA: Botanic Gardens (Science Center)

WEEKLY HOURS: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 4:00pm (40 hours);
60-minute lunch break; some schedule flexibility and occasional weekend/holiday coverage as overtime

HOURLY RATE: $38.80



GENERAL PURPOSE:

The Collections Horticulturist (CH) primarily contributes to specialized care of individually labeled plants and general horticultural needs in the greenhouses and outdoor Botanic Gardens, and is responsible for keeping the plant collections database current and the plants accurately labeled. The CH also contributes to signage and interpretation, supports campus programs, research and teaching in the plant collections, and exchanges plants with other botanical gardens and community partners. The CH is a core member of a small staff team working collaboratively to maintain and develop the botanical resources, plan and implement programming for students and the public, and keep the greenhouse and garden operations running smoothly, and is supervised by the Botanic Gardens Director. The CH also mentors and supervises Wellesley College student assistants and summer interns on tasks and projects. The CH must be independent, resourceful, and a good communicator. A successful candidate will embrace learning and contributing to an inclusive and equitable work culture.



DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES


Hands-on care for extremely diverse plants in the greenhouses and gardens

• Provide routine and specialized plant care in collaboration with Senior Horticulturists


• Monitor individual accessioned plants, research their needs, and adjust care as needed

Maintain plant records and implement improvements to the plant collections

• Keep the collections database up to date and accessible for educational use


• Research, propose and obtain new plants approved for the greenhouses and gardens


• Help to update collections policies as needed

Mentor and supervise student assistants

• Provide progressive training to develop student knowledge and skills


• Provide a supportive and inclusive work environment

Support teaching, research, and programming with greenhouse and outdoor plants

• Keep plants accurately labeled


• Provide botanical expertise and horticultural support for classes and research projects


• Contribute to collections interpretation and signage

Support garden area management plans, projects and greenhouse climatic conditions

• Provide information on collections plants likely affected by projects and changes in conditions, to inform decisions on management plans and projects


• Transplant, propagate or otherwise provide horticultural support for projects

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum bachelor's degree with substantial coursework in botany or related field


• Minimum three years of significant responsibility for growing highly diverse plants


• Strong plant identification skills and experience with plant taxonomy


• Demonstrated technical competence with plant databases (IrisBG) and/or mapping (GIS)


• Ability to learn greenhouse climate systems, such as Argus, Wadsworth, Campbell Scientific


• Ability to engage and effectively mentor diverse Wellesley students


• Ability to collaborate productively with staff and faculty, to prioritize among many tasks, and to work independently towards short-term goals and the larger mission of the Botanic Gardens


• Physical fitness, including ability to work on ladders and lift 30 lbs without assistance


• Driver's license and ability to safely operate specialty vehicles and power equipment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Familiarity with biogeography and cultural uses of subtropical and temperate plants


• Familiarity with integrated pest management (IPM)


• Massachusetts pesticide license obtained within 12 months after hire and kept current

Worker Sub-Type

Union



Time Type

Full time



EEO Statement


At Wellesley, we embrace and honor difference and diversity. We believe the best ideas-the best solutions-draw on a range of voices, perspectives, and experiences. As a college, and as a community, we are dedicated to assuring that all members of the Wellesley community have an equal opportunity to flourish.




Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals in hiring and advancement based on any legally protected status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to the College community are encouraged to apply.

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