Lead Gardener Botanical Technologist II MSU

Hiring Organization: Michigan State University
Employment type: Full-Time
Job Location: East Lansing, MI
Application Due Date: December 19, 2023

Job no: 913938
Work type: Support Staff
Pay Grade: 11
Major Administrative Unit / College: University Arts And Collections
Department: Wj Beal Botanical Garden 40001165
Sub Area: AP- Professionals
Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location: East Lansing
Categories: Operations Services, Administrative Professionals- AP, Full Time (90-100%), Union

Position Summary

Inclusion and Equity Statement

The WJ Beal Botanical Garden 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 II is responsible for coordinating daily maintenance and operations of the garden. Working with the garden team, they will help establish a positive working environment for staff, student employees, and volunteers in the garden. They will work with IPF and other on- and off-campus partners and contractors to coordinate necessary activities, such as turf management, tree care, hardscape installation and repair, etc. They will collaborate with the rest of the garden staff to ensure that the garden meets the education and outreach needs of the unit and broader campus community.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

Assists in designing and creating plant displays in the area of campus managed by the garden
Demonstrates cultural techniques, supervises and trains the support staff in botanical methods and procedures.
Collects, processes and organizes seed for campus use and for exchange with other institutions.
Enters data for an inventory tracking system, field record-keeping system and seed catalog software package.
Interprets, plans, coordinates, maintains and performs planting of bedding annuals and perennials in order to maintain plant collections and displays in the Botanical Gardens and on Campus.
Propagates rare and common plants for the Botanical Garden and Campus grounds using specialized technical methods and procedures.
Provides guided tours in order to facilitate interpretation of Botanical Garden.
Orders supplies and materials required for the garden's operation and researches new products.
Maintains records of technical methods and procedures used in the development and maintenance of the Botanical Garden for private and public reference.
Coordinates daily activities for a team of staff, students, and volunteers who maintain the garden, and works with them to ensure the plants are healthy and the garden is visually pleasing.
Establishes a climate for the garden team that enhances productivity, promotes growth and education, and creates a positive working environment.
Performs typical horticultural tasks to maintain the plant collections, including propagation, planting, soil amending, water fertilization, pruning, IPM treatment, etc.
Collaborates with entire staff to enhance the academic opportunities in the garden and support visitor experience.

Coordinates interactions that affect garden maintenance and appearance with the garden staff and other MSU entities such as Landscape Services

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Botany, Landscape Design or Horticulture; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in landscape design and maintenance, plant propagation, plant material identification; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and may require an Ornamental or Turf Pesticide Applicators Certificate.

Desired Qualifications

Knowledge of best practices and sustainable approaches for botanical gardens
Ability to coordinate multiple ongoing activities
Experience in training and supervision of the work of others.
Experience establishing a positive working environment and productive relationships with others
Experience in pest/disease management

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.

Special Instructions

Please note: This position is entirely in-person

Work Hours

Summer working hours typically start before standard business hours and end in the early afternoon. In the winter, working hours are generally standard business hours. Occasional nights and weekends required. This position is entirely in-pe

Website

https://bealbotanicalgarden.msu.edu/

Summary of Physical Demands

The job requires significant physical effort and involves shoveling, hoeing, lifting of over seventy-five (75) pounds and eye/hand coordination 26-75% of the time.