College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Horticulture

Position Summary

Pay Range

$20.46/hour to $24.00/hour

Inclusion and Equity Statement

Beal and its faculty, staff, and student employees believe in inclusive and equitable practices that support the well-being of the communities we serve.

Purpose

The Botanical Technologist I is responsible for maintaining the health and quality of diverse plant collections. They will work alongside the garden team to maintain the garden space and assist in greenhouse operations. This includes sowing, propagating, growing, transplanting, watering, pruning and otherwise caring for display quality plants. They will occasionally be expected to work evening or weekend hours during events to help protect the plants and garden features. They will perform necessary maintenance and operations sustainably and advance conservation efforts. They support a positive working environment and collaborate with the rest of the garden staff to further education, outreach, and conservation goals.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform typical horticultural tasks to maintain the plant collections, including propagation, planting, soil amending, water fertilization, pruning, IPM techniques, etc.
• Assists in and/or independently performs propagation, service and maintenance activities of rare and native plants for the gardens and greenhouse using specialized technical methods and procedures.
• Operates various types of equipment in order to water, fertilize and apply pesticides and fungicides.
• Assists in and/or independently plants and propagates bedding annuals in order to maintain plant collections.
• Assists in and/or independently collects, processes and stores seed for garden use and exchange with other institutions.
• Assists with and/or performs data entry for an inventory tracking system, field record-keeping system and seed catalog.
• Sowing, propagating, growing, transplanting, watering, pruning and otherwise caring for display quality plants.
• Collaborates with entire staff to enhance academic opportunities in the garden and support visitor experience.
• Supports a climate for the garden team that enhances productivity, promotes growth and education, and creates a positive work environment.

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Botany or Horticulture; six months to one year of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in botanical gardening, pest control and plant identification; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and an Ornamental and Turf Pesticide Applicators Certificate.

Desired Qualifications

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Botany or Horticulture; six months to one year of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in botanical gardening, pest control and plant identification; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and an Ornamental and Turf Pesticide Applicators Certificate or acquisition of such certificate within six months of starting the position; ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 50 pounds; ability to travel in local and surrounding communities and occasional long-distance travel are required as a regular part of this position; ability to work infrequently outside of regular working hours; ability to work outdoors in sometimes challenging conditions; ; possession of a valid driver's license .

• Experience in caring for a diverse collections of plants in habitats that are not always optimum
• Knowledge of best practices and sustainable approaches in horticulture
• Experience in pest/disease management
• Experience in growing rare and unusual plants
• Experience in collaborative teamwork and maintaining positive work environment.
• A willingness to work under challenging climatic conditions
• A willingness to work flexible hours, such as working earlier shifts in the hot summer
• A willingness to participate in and/or lead educational sessions

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must provide: resume, cover letter, and contact information (names, emails, and phone numbers) for three (3) professional references.

Failure to provide either document or contact information for three (3) professional references may disqualify an applicant from consideration.