Horticulturist

We are seeking a hard working, skilled and articulate person with a degree in an associated field who has an interest in horticulture and organic gardening. The successful candidate will be comfortable working and communicating with a variety of people and will bring excellent skills in time management, self-directed task planning, and research/monitoring. They will cultivate flowers, grasses, shrubs, trees, and advise on landscape design. Knowledge of or willingness to learn arboriculture and orchard skills will be a plus.

The candidate will work closely with a small team of professionals on a private estate that focuses on native habitat restoration.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

·      Cultivate, propagate, and transplant flowers, shrubs, and trees

·      Organic vegetable and fruit gardening

·      Maintenance of irrigation system as needed

·      Follows plans and specifications, inspect, and direct the planting of landscape material associated with improvement, beautification, and erosion control

·      Create and adhere to various watering and feeding schedules

·      Plan new growth planting patterns in distinct seasonal changes

·      Identify and eliminate detrimental insects or plant disease

·      Ability to adhere to a predetermined budget

·      Operate a variety of mechanical equipment

·      Invasive plant management

·      Prescribed fires for meadow management

·      Turf and lawn management

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

·       Knowledge of and skills typically acquired through graduation from high school; knowledge of basic science math, and communication and at least two (2) years of work experience with landscaping, organic farming, and/or resource management. Preferred: some college education or degree in horticulture or a relevant environmental science field

·       Knowledge of plant and tree anatomy, physiology, and growth requirements; ability to identify a variety of plant material.

·       Knowledge of plant diseases, insect problems, and appropriate control measures.

·       Knowledge of organic farming practices.

·       Skill in landscape construction techniques and knowledge of basic design

·       Knowledge of irrigation systems and their components.

·       Knowledge and ability to apply proper pruning principles.

·       Knowledge and skills in using standard materials, tools, and equipment required in arboriculture and landscape trade, (including chainsaws, hand saws, pruners, hedge shears, roto-tillers, back pack sprayers, tank sprayers, shovels, rakes, hoes, tampers, pick-up trucks, tractors).

·       Ability to adapt to additional equipment as assigned.

·       Knowledge and ability to safely remove hazardous trees.

·       Knowledge of preventative maintenance and minor repair of equipment.