Horticulturist - Part-Time

Position Overview:
The Horticulturist is responsible for planning, coordinating and assisting in the development, management, and daily care of the museum's gardens, dragonfly pond and surrounding grounds. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of horticulture, along with the skills necessary to perform various horticultural tasks. Familiarity with identifying and cultivating a diverse range of tropical and subtropical plants is essential.

Salary: $20-$25 per hour.

Key Responsibilities include:
Horticulture & Design
•Plan and implement garden design and maintenance strategies.
•Oversee the daily care and upkeep of gardens, ponds, and grounds.
•Monitor plant health and address any issues related to pests, diseases, or environmental factors.
•Maintain accurate records of plant care, including watering schedules, fertilization, and plant growth.
•Collaborate with museum staff to create educational programming related to the gardens and horticulture.
•Ensure that gardens and green spaces are aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sustainable.
•Physically work in all aspects of maintenance and development, including soil preparation, planting & transplanting, mulching, watering, weeding, fertilizing, pruning, propagating, potting, raking, sweeping & blowing.
•Monitor the plant collections for pests and diseases; coordinate scouting and control treatments with IPM Horticulturist.
•Apply pesticides and fertilizers in accordance with IPM protocols and maintain application records.
•Utilize hand and power tools effectively.
•Oversee the planning, execution and promotion of the Spring and Fall Native Plant Sales.

Supervisory:
•Prioritize horticultural tasks, develop work schedules, and coordinate their implementation with the Director of Education and the Deputy Director.
•Lead, train, supervise interns and volunteers.
•Participate in group projects with other staff and in cross-departmental projects.

Work Schedule:
The position is part-time, up to 30 hours per week. It requires flexibility, with work hours primarily consisting of weekdays. As a small organization, additional duties may be assigned, as necessary.

Physical Requirements:
The position requires physical strength, dexterity and coordination to perform essential job functions, including bending, squatting, kneeling, standing, and walking long distances for extended periods. Candidates must be comfortable working outdoors in varying seasonal conditions and able to repeatedly push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications:
•A passion for growing, exhibiting, and promoting native plants.
•Enthusiasm for horticulture, garden design, and plant collections, and a commitment to the “public” in public horticulture.
•A demonstrated understanding of the horticultural practices and procedures required for managing plants including soil preparation, planting, mulching, watering, weeding, fertilizing, and pruning.
•Ability to create innovative, engaging and aesthetically pleasing horticultural displays.
•Ability to identify a wide variety of tropical and subtropical plants by common and botanical name.
•Ability to identify and prioritize work tasks and to organize, coordinate, and supervise volunteers.
•Ability to identify pests and diseases and to manage them according to IPM protocols.
•Ability to accomplish work assignments effectively and efficiently.
•Willingness to interact with the public on an informal basis by answering questions, providing directions, etc.
•Ability to conduct oneself in a manner consistent with the Coastal Discovery Museum’s core values; a willingness to create a harmonious and productive work environment.
•Ability to collaborate graciously with other staff and other departments; a willingness to be patient, flexible, and adaptable to change.
•Ability to use horticultural hand tools and power equipment safely and effectively to accomplish work tasks.
•Must comply with provisions of the current employee handbook, all published personnel policies, and the requirements of their individual job descriptions.
•Must be aware of surroundings and vigilant to threats to the safety of visitors, volunteers, and staff or to security of their property, ensuring that all concerns are reported promptly.
•Must report all injuries and incidents immediately and ultimately in writing to supervisor(s).
•Must ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
•Must perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
•Must have the physical strength, dexterity, and coordination sufficient to perform the above functions.
•Must be able to bend, squat, kneel, stand, and walk long distances for extended periods of time.
•Must be able to work outdoors and in seasonal extremes.
•Have the ability to push, pull and/or lift 50 pounds repeatedly.

Education:
• An associate’s degree in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, or a related field; bachelor’s degree preferred.
•Two years’ professional experience working with tropical plants or greenhouse; public garden experience beneficial.
•Possession of a valid driver's license.
•Other combinations of education / experience appropriate to the job will be considered.

To Apply:
•Please submit your cover letter and resume and three references to [email protected] with "Horticulturist" in the subject line. We look forward to welcoming a motivated team member who shares our passion for the Lowcountry and our mission to inspire and educate.

•Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Expected start date is February 2025.

The Coastal Discovery Museum is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in our workplace. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.