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Missouri Botanical Garden

Horticulturist I - Outdoor Turf Maintenance

Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States, 63146

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Overview

Horticulturist I - Outdoor Turf Maintenance at Missouri Botanical Garden. Performs all duties associated with the maintenance and care of turf and outdoor landscaping, including off-site Garden-owned properties. Installation and maintenance of landscapes and plants must be conducted to high standards. Accurate and detailed record keeping and plant labeling are critical. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Perform a wide range of landscape/maintenance tasks related to turf and landscape features, including mowing, edging, line-trimming, blowing, soil preparation, planting, seeding or sodding, mulching, grading, irrigation, fertilization and pesticide application and soil testing as needed. Identify low areas, potholes, and other trip hazards in turf and mitigate filling and reseeding as appropriate. Assist with contractor coordination for turf repair required following annual events. Maintain meadow areas and naturalized bulb collections; contribute to plant material selection and acquisition in line with Garden plant collections development activities. Perform and assist with irrigation auditing as required. Oversee and be responsible for specific areas within the assigned mowing schedule in day-to-day operations. Perform seasonal tasks such as leaf mulching, tree maintenance, weeding, flower show setup and maintenance, and snow/ice removal. Assist with maintenance of main site plantings (planting, pruning, weeding, mulching). Assist with installation and maintenance of floral display shows. Maintain plant records at a high level, ensuring accession labels are kept on all plants and maintenance information is up to date. Exhibit ethical conduct in obtaining and sharing plant material and ensure compliance with MBG policies. Understand and implement appropriate irrigation requirements for a variety of plants, using technology to tailor schedules for assigned collections. Maintain general care of mowers, landscaping tools, and horticultural equipment; refer serious problems to Supervisor. Follow safety standards, adapt methods to reduce hazards, and report accidents, injuries and near-miss incidents immediately. Answer questions from visitors and direct them to assistance as needed. Meet attendance guidelines and follow established policies and procedures, including Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies. Promote teamwork, cooperation, and respect within the division and throughout the Garden in interactions with employees, volunteers, visitors, and others. Perform other duties as assigned. Core Competencies

Communication – Listens, clarifies, writes clearly, speaks professionally, and supports positive visitor relations. Collaboration – Demonstrates teamwork and problem solving; cooperates in procedures and process improvements; supports positive visitor experiences. Accountability – Commits to responsibilities, prioritizes, troubleshoots, follows policies, meets deadlines, quality and safety standards; addresses concerns proactively. Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems; involves supervisors as needed; demonstrates creativity and sound judgment. Stewardship – Follows sustainability and safety protocols; promotes diversity and inclusion; uses Garden resources prudently. Qualifications/Experience

Minimum of 3–4 years of hands-on, relevant horticulture work experience. Knowledge of plant materials and landscape maintenance with emphasis in turf, perennials, bulbs, shrubs, trees and vines. Safe operating procedures for landscaping tools and equipment; proficient in their maintenance. Knowledge of appropriate and effective watering practices for a wide range of plant material. Ability to identify plant fungi, pests and pathogens and apply appropriate controls. Proven ability to convey technical concepts to Garden staff and volunteers. Effective communication at all levels; comfortable engaging with the general public in a safe and friendly manner. Scheduling flexibility including weekends and holidays for annual watering schedule and occasional snow/ice removal. Knowledge of living collections, curation, and plant recording. Adherence to health and safety guidelines. Note: The Garden may require vaccination status documentation per local health guidelines and travel requirements as applicable. The listed requirements and duties are representative and not exhaustive. Education

Associate’s or B.S. degree in Horticulture, Biology, Botany, or related field required. An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered. Computer Skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). Ability to enter data into spreadsheets and databases. Solid internet research skills. Mathematical Skills

Ability to perform basic arithmetic and calculate percentages and decimals. Reasoning Ability

Ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for problem resolution. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Valid driver’s license and pesticide applicator’s license where applicable. Ability to pass a background screening and motor vehicle report (MVR). Physical Demands

Lift and carry up to 50 lbs; load, unload and move gardening supplies, tools and equipment. Work outdoors year-round in various weather conditions and bright sun. Work at varying heights as required (ladders, etc.). Stand, walk, bend, stoop and reach for extended periods; 80% or more of the day on feet. Wear Garden-issued Personal Protective Equipment. Typing ability for data entry. Work Environment

Outdoor work in all weather conditions, including extreme heat or cold, rain and snow. Hands-on landscape maintenance tasks. Proximity to the public; able to answer questions in a safe and friendly manner. Contacts

Garden employees, volunteers, guests, vendors and contractors National and international botanical institutions, government agencies, and conservation divisions Supervisor

Supervisor, Horticulture - Turf

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