HORTICULTURIST

Mt. Cuba Center is a public garden that highlights the beauty and value of native plants to inspire conservation. Once the private estate of Pamela and Lammot du Pont Copeland, the gardens opened for general admission in 2013 and now spans more than 1,000 acres. It features captivating blooms along garden pathways in formal and woodland settings, picturesque meadows and ponds with stunning vistas, and more than two miles of scenic trails throughout its natural lands. Mt. Cuba is recognized as a leader in native plant research and open space preservation, having protected more than 14,000 acres in the mid-Atlantic region. Learn more at mtcubacenter.org.

Horticulturist

The Horticulturist is responsible for a broad range of garden maintenance activities for the continued development and refinement of the gardens at Mt. Cuba Center. This position provides ongoing support to the Senior Horticulturists.

Essential Functions:

Horticultural Planning & Documentation Assistance

• Assist with horticultural design development as needed in support of the Senior Horticulturist team
• Maintain plant record documentation on behalf of the Gardens team as needed and adhere to the Living Collection Policy

Gardens Care & Maintenance

• Assist the Gardens team in maintaining the health and care of living plant collections by performing a variety of horticultural maintenance activities including, but not limited to, site/soil preparation, planting, transplanting, mulching, weeding, watering, fertilizing, implementing Plant Health Care practices, monitoring for pests and disease, herbicide/pesticide application as appropriate, and pruning
• Maintain well-groomed and safe garden pathways and assigned areas that are free from debris, including snow/ice removal as needed

Support Guest and Organizational Programs related to Horticulture

• Provide knowledge and guidance to support guest and organizational initiatives related to profession

Qualifications:

• Associate degree in horticulture or plant science from an accredited college, university, or recognized certificate in horticulture and 2 years' experience working in a public garden setting or equivalent experience
• Broad knowledge of native herbaceous and woody plant identification, growth and cultural characteristics, pest/disease/weed recognition and control, fine gardening skills
• Ability to safely and effectively operate and maintain a wide range of hand tools, power tools, small and large engine equipment and vehicles
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn and adapt to various software and technology programs to complete work duties
• Self-motivated, organized, attentive to details, and the ability to manage time and effectively function without close supervision
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays and special events as needed
• Requires moderate physical work; frequent standing, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, reaching, carrying, lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 pounds

Please note this is a Full Time, nonexempt position with a 37.5 hour week.

Mt. Cuba Center's total rewards program includes competitive benefits, compensation, and perks. It is designed to promote transparency and strengthen our culture, values, vision, and mission. The starting compensation for this Full Time position is expected to be $20-$23 per hour. We craft offers with the uniqueness of our final candidate in mind and determine a compensation package based on their experience, skills, and abilities. Full Time staff membersalso enjoy participation in our incredible Medical, Dental and Vision benefits, 401k plan with an employer contribution of up to 8%,generous paid time off and leave policies, free admission to our garden, access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), professional development opportunities and more!

Mt. Cuba Center is committed to diversity and inclusivity, and we encourage qualified candidates from all cultures and communities to apply. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application or need help applying, please email careers@mtcubacenter.org