What are the responsibilities and job description for the Horticulturist position at CW Talent?
Who We Are
Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation. Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 88 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library. Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.
About the Position
Individual will be responsible for maintaining a particular garden enclosure or groupings of gardens at Colonial Williamsburg to the highest standards. Individual should be an experienced gardener having grown and applied the proper cultural practices to a variety of plants including flowering annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, vegetable, and fruit. Has ability to direct other gardeners, volunteers, and contractors in their daily activities. Individual must be in good physical condition and able to work outside in all weather conditions. Occasional weekend and holiday work is required. This position is classified as essential and and the incumbent must participate in all emergencies, ice and snow removal and special events.
Essential Functions:
1. Responsible for the overall look of the garden, keeping it pristine and safe for visitors to stroll and admire. Responsible for planting, pruning, shearing, weeding and the overall care of a variety of plants and responsible for amending the soil and the hardscapes.
2. Regularly inspects areas to set and schedule priorities and perform all work in a timely and efficient manner. Solves problems in a timely manner.
3. Has the ability to supervise interns, volunteers, and contractors in daily gardening activities and special projects.
4. Responsible for staying up to date and informed on horticultural techniques, supplies, chemicals and fertilizers. Applies insecticides, fungicides and herbicides safely and properly. Maintains proper pesticide records. Holds a Virginia Commercial Applicators License.
5. Responsible for tool inventory, maintenance and upkeep. Possesses proficiency in the operation of equipment and power tools and can train others in proper use and safety of equipment used.
6. Conducts all work in accordance with Colonial Williamsburg policies and procedures and in accordance with Virginia state regulations. Practices and maintains safety standards and assures others work safely.
7. Interacts positively and professionally with fellow staff members and Colonial Williamsburg visitors, answering questions and giving directions.
8. Works with little direction or supervision.
9. Ability to be flexible and performs other related duties as requested by immediate supervisor and carries out or directs the completion of special assignments.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of four years landscaping experience at gardener level;
- Advanced knowledge and skill in landscape gardening and maintenance enabling professional and safe operation of tools and equipment.
- Must possess a Virginia Department of Consumer Services Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate
- Requires willingness to keep updated with landscape techniques,
- Ability to bend, stoop, kneel to perform work, and lift weights up to 50 pounds,
- Ability to work outside in all weather conditions,
- Work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays,
- Be available for work on emergency basis seven days a week, 24 hours a day
- Ability to read directions and fill out reports; good communication skills
- High school education/G.E.D.
- Ability to learn new equipment required for the task
- Must be at least 21 years of age and a valid Virginia driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
- Preferred to have Microsoft Word computer skills and public speaking skills
- Experience making holiday decorations. is a plus.
