Job Type

Full-time

Description

The Horticulturist is responsible for the ongoing development, accuracy, and care of the Native Plant Collection in the Mary Howard Gilbert Memorial Quarry Garden and Swan Woods.

The Quarry Garden is a collection of Georgia native plants set in a 25-foot-deep abandoned rock quarry from the early 20th century. The unique physical setting allows for the cultivation of a wide array of plants from many Georgia and Southeastern ecoregions. Swan Woods is a 10-acre Piedmont forest remnant that is maintained as a natural forest. Within Swan Woods there is also a meadow/grassland planting that is maintained as a Piedmont grassland or old field habitat.

This position joins a skilled team of 11 Goizueta Gardens staff. This team is raising the bar in horticultural excellence, historic garden management, and sustainability across the 33-acre campus. Enthusiasm, strong work ethics, and a collaborative nature are necessary.

Requirements

• Invasive species removal-including significant manual removal and minor chemical methods to restore the native ecosystem
• Become well-versed and familiar with Georgia and Southeastern native plants, ecology, and distinct natural communities
• Manage encroachment of invasive species and aggressive native species
• Maintain best ecological horticulture practices to support biodiversity
• Strategize with VP of Living Collections, Director of Horticulture, and Curator to explore interpretive themes and make recommendations for plant acquisitions
• Serve as liaison for the Mimosa Garden Club, the Quarry's founding garden club & donor

General Horticultural

• Provide all necessary horticultural care of established and new plantings, including watering, weeding, mulching, dividing, cutting back, soil improvement practices, pruning, leaf removal and other gardening tasks
• Work as part of the Horticulture team on projects across campus
• Proficiency with or willingness to learn the Baseline Irrigation Management System
• Follow garden design and curation guidelines from VP Goizueta Gardens.
• Learn all plants in assigned area, their names and specific cultural needs
• Keep records of any approved changes to plant material (plantings, removals, etc.) and assist with plant records and labeling
• Assist with team efforts in our Integrated Pest Management program. This includes scouting for pests and diseases, identification, understanding life cycles, recommending and applying the most ecologically sensitive control option
• Practice proper tool usage and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure that volunteers and interns also use proper safety techniques

Other Responsibilities

• Assist teammates with the Campus Checklist once a week or as needed
• Recruit, train and manage volunteers.
• Write short- and long-form content for publication, marketing and social media use
• Learn about the history and significance of all the gardens and collections and be prepared to answer visitor questions and lead tours
• Be observant and report back any horticultural, animal, or safety concerns promptly.
• Work and communicate in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, flexibility and tact within our division and throughout the AHC with co-workers, management, donors, volunteers, visitors and employees
• Utilize common landscape hand-held and power equipment, including chainsaws and leaf blowers, and heavy equipment, including utility vehicles and skid-steer loaders.
• Collaborate across departments to support institutional programs and events
• Provide morning or afternoon care of animals at Smith Farm 1-2 times per week
• Inspect waterfall and creek for debris and water quality; alert Watershed management regarding issues
• Help with specialized duties across the gardens, i.e. fountain maintenance, beekeeping, biodiversity surveys, etc.
• Assist with other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture or related field from an accredited college or university or demonstrable equivalent in training and experience
• Minimum 3 years hands-on professional experience; public garden experience preferred
• Significant knowledge of Georgia native plants
• Demonstrated effective communication skills, including speaking and writing.
• Must be able to sustain moderate physical exertion with full range of body motion for lifting up to fifty pounds
• Must demonstrate a history of working independently and in a group setting
• Ability to work in all weather conditions
• Valid driver's license
• Fluency in English; conversational Spanish skills helpful
• Proficiency with Microsoft Teams, Word, PowerPoint and Excel; Google Docs, Slides and Sheets

Other Requirements

• Satisfactory criminal background check.
• Satisfactory MVR background check is required to drive company truck.

Benefits & Perks

At the Atlanta History Center, we value your hard work and commitment. Here's what we offer to ensure you feel appreciated and supported.

Work-Life Balance: Full annual Paid Time Off benefits awarded following 60 days of employment., Eleven paid administrative holidays, bereavement leave, parental leave, time off to vote, and court leave.

Health & Wellbeing: Medical + Medical Reimbursement Expense Plan, Dental, Vision, Employer-paid life insurance (1x salary), employer-paid long-term disability, voluntary life insurance, and supplemental AFLAC policies.

Financial Security: Traditional 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan (pre-tax contributions), Roth 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan (after-tax contributions), Employer Non-Elective Contribution following two consecutive years of service requirements (100% vested)

Community: Free family membership and AHC event/program discounts, including summer camps, and a 10% museum shop discount.

Salary Description

$45,000 - $47,000 a year