Assistant Horticulturist

Description

This is a unique position in that it is divided between outdoor gardens and Conservatories, offering experience and training in a wide range of plants in both amenity, tropical horticulture & native plants. This candidate time will be divided between the two teams.

Key Responsibilities

• General garden maintenance - This will include but not be limited to watering, weeding, pruning, planting, pest control, fertilization, pesticide spraying, seasonal plant installations and other horticultural tasks
• Recognition of plant nutrition deficiencies
• Recognition of pest infestation and damage
• Serve as horticultural resource for the Garden and to the visitors
• Work on special projects as assigned
• Assist the Conservation Display Garden horticulturist with the management of the native plant habitat
• Assist the Conservatory horticulturist with the maintenance of the tropical rain forest & desert 
• Familiarize yourself with the Integrated pest management program (IPM) with particular focus on biological control agents essential to pest management within the Conservatories & outside gardens
• Weekend watering duties: required to water during the weekends
• Support the garden educational goals 

Requirements

• Associate Degree in horticulture, botany or related field, or two years of hands-on professional gardening experience
• Keen attitude to learn and develop a working plant knowledge
• Must be able to sustain moderate physical exertion with full range of body motion for lifting up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to operate hand and power garden equipment
• Ability to apply chemicals with supervision
• Previous experience working with the public a plus
• Valid Driver’s License with good driving record
• Fluency in English
• Computer literacy
• Required to work outdoors in all weather conditions 
• The use of ladders is required as necessary for plant care
• Ability to implement allocated work plans in a timely and efficient manner

The above job duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work for employees in this position, but this is not intended as an exclusive or all-inclusive inventory of all duties required of employees in this job.

It is the policy of the Atlanta Botanical Garden to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Atlanta Botanical Garden Core Values

• Conservation: We value natural resources and ecosystems, making choices with the long-term sustainability of our planet in mind
• Excellence: We hold ourselves to high standards and expect commitment from each other to contribute to a positive image and reputation for the Garden
• Inspiration: We inspire through the creation of an environment that supports imagination and expression of beauty, providing joy, delight, and a deeper appreciation of plants for everyone
• Integrity: We demonstrate honesty, transparency, accountability, trustworthiness, and ethical behavior, exercising good judgment in our actions and communication
• Respect: We value the diversity of our coworkers, volunteers, and guests, holding each other in the highest regard