Position Title:  Horticulturist

Reports To:  Horticulture Manager

Job Category:  Full-time, Hour

Location:  On-Site  

Salary:  $20/hour; Full benefits

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum is seeking a Horticulturist that is passionate about desert plants and landscapes.  The duties of the position include implementing horticultural techniques to maintain and propagate collection specimens.  The overall maintenance and care of assigned areas include pruning, weed control, knowledge of plants and botany, and the implementation of garden design aesthetics. In addition, the horticulturist will install landscape features and work with irrigation systems. Our horticulturists educate our visitors through interpretation of botanical and horticultural subjects. This position provides mentorship to the gardeners and works in collaboration with the Volunteer Coordinator to provide direction to the volunteers and Master Gardeners that are assigned to their areas. 

ABOUT US

In 1924, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum (BTA)was founded by mining magnate William Boyce Thompson. The desert landscape inspired Boyce Thompson to create the arboretum with the mission of educating people about desert plants and their uses in an arid environment.

This mission continues today, and the Boyce Thompson Arboretum has grown in mission and size over its 100-year history. As an independent non-profit organization, the arboretum is in Superior, Arizona in the beautiful and stunning landscape of Picket post mountain and adjacent to the Tonto National Forest.  The arboretum is located within 30 minutes of Mesa, AZ and 1 hour from downtown Phoenix.  At 372 acres, BTA is the largest and oldest botanical garden in the state of Arizona. BTA holds a collection of 4,030 taxa and 30,000 plants. The Arboretum grounds provide a collection of plants from all over the world’s varied desert and dry lands, displaying them alongside native Sonoran Desert vegetation. Wildlife is abundant and visitors enjoy well maintained hiking trails throughout the grounds.  It is not uncommon to see javelina, bobcat and a variety of native and migratory birds while working, hiking, and enjoying the grounds.  BTA is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Responsible for using appropriate horticultural techniques of the highest standard to install and maintain assigned garden areas in accordance with collections policy and plan, including routine and special projects as requested.
• Responsible for planting and maintaining assigned areas. Maintenance tasks include weeding, cultivating, fertilizing, watering, pruning, and other horticultural tasks.
• Practices integrated pest management when dealing with plant disease and insect problems, applies pesticides as needed in accordance with organizational policies and guidelines.
• Collaborates with Irrigation Technician on design, installation, scheduling and maintenance of irrigation systems.
• Ensures accurate accession records of the botanical collection within assigned areas of responsibility.
• Provides interpretation of botanical and horticultural subjects to the public by answering questions and doing an occasional presentation.
• Applies pesticides as needed, guided by Integrated Pest Management (IPM) concepts.
• Uses and maintains hand tools, power tools and light machinery. Includes chainsaws.
• Uses and maintains golf carts and vehicles. 
• Participates in landscape design and installation. 
• Responsible for propagating plants that have been identified by the BTA Collections Committee as priority for overall garden and retail plant sales.
• Participates in seed collection and other research activities as identified in department goals.
• Assists Plant Collections Manager with identification of plants within area of responsibility, accessioning/deaccessioning, and labeling.
• This list is not comprehensive, and other tasks not mentioned here may be required. 

  BENEFITS

•  Health Insurance, Dental Insurance
• PTO, 11 Paid Floating Holidays
• 401k, Paid Parental Leave
• Free BTA membership and employee discount in gift shop
•  Employee options for Vision, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance. Different eligibility requirements must be met, and employer contributions are generous, but contribution rates vary among different plan/benefits options. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate degree in botany, horticulture or a related field required, bachelor’s degree preferred. 
• Minimum of two (2) years horticulture/garden experience required. Botanical Garden experience is highly desirable.
• 5+ years of advanced horticulture knowledge and experience may be considered in place of degree requirements.
• Arborist training/certification preferred.
• Pesticide Applicator license/certification is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of horticulture and public garden practices as well as a clear understanding of aesthetics as they apply to a natural setting.
• Demonstrated experience in arid and desert plant ecology and landscapes highly desirable.
• Must have a valid AZ Driver’s License or ability to obtain one. Clean driving record required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Plant Health – Sound knowledge in the identification and management of plant health issues including IPM, diseases and plant nutrition.
• Plant Knowledge – A good working knowledge of desert plants.; ability to utilize dichotomous keys to identify plants in the field.
• Ecology – A knowledge/interest in arid plants and their ecology.
• Independent worker who can self-motivate and complete daily tasks without supervision.
• Ability to use power tools for basic construction or willingness to learn- including building beds and general repairs.
• Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
• Ability to interpret and complete landscape plans.
• Detail-oriented, collaborative manner, and strong work ethic.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Detail-oriented, collaborative manner, and strong work ethic.
• Ability to work as part of a team. 
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Computer skills: Able to use email, calendar programs and Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Digital access to files and data will be required. 
• Must pass a background check.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work outside in extreme weather conditions. Summer temperatures may exceed 115 degrees F.
• Must be able to work at least one weekend day and occasional evenings.  Shift starts one hour before opening. In the summer months the shift starts at 5 am. 
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and traverse uneven terrain and hiking conditions.
• Must be able to stand, walk on uneven terrain, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel, talk, and hear, and use fingers and hands to feel objects, tools or controls. 
•  Fully functional vision is required (prescription lenses are acceptable).