Horticulturist

POSITION SUMMARY

Oversees the ordering, growing, care, and maintenance of the company’s horticultural products and structures. Monitors crop development and the removal of substandard plants to maintain quality standards, all while providing a safe and engaging space for adults with developmental disabilities to work.

CORE EXPECTATIONS

· Creates an accurate production schedule for each growing season.

· Orders all plant material and hardwoods necessary to grow a quality product.

· Orders the proper amount of pots, soil, and fertilizer for each growing season based on the production schedule.

· Prepares space required for planned production and times plants properly for optimal sales.

· Monitors growing conditions such as changes in humidity, moisture and temperature and cultivation procedures to ensure conformance with quality control standards.

· On a regular basis inspects crop to ascertain conditions such as leaf texture, bloom size and the existence of pests or disease; removing substandard or diseased plants to maintain quality standards.

· Have the knowledge and ability to identify major plant groups and be aware of their culture and growth traits.

· Ability to define and solve problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions necessary to identify a wide variety of conditions such as plant diseases, existence of insects, etc.

· Applies and mixes fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and fungicides as needed. Apply the principles of algebra and geometry for applications of such procedures.

· Maintains records of growing techniques and production to be used for review and to identify trends and to forecast future space needs.

· May assist in training new employees and Emerge Customers in growing techniques and activities.

· Maintains a current knowledge of growing techniques and technologies.

· Monitors and tracks propane usage and directs Suburban propane to fill tanks as needed.

· Work closely with Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, Babikow Greenhouse, Savage Community

Association, and various garden clubs every year to produce a cumulative production schedule. Maintain relationships with these customers throughout the growing season for future needs.

· Keep an accurate list of wholesale customers. Works to acquire new accounts and wholesale customers.

· Creates seasonal flyer and plant lists for each growing season and send them to customers for ordering.

· Oversees the retail and wholesale sale of plants. Invoices customers as needed and makes deposits of payments to company’s bank account.

· Maintains an accurate plant inventory for accurate sales.

· Schedules plant deliveries for wholesale and retail customers.

· Sign up and execute farmer’s market participation for seasonal farmers markets.

· Work independently and as part of a team.

· Make sure the Sensaphone monitoring system is functional.

· Adaptability and multi‐tasking; experience working in a fast moving environment.

· Maintain a valid Maryland Private Pesticide Applicators Permit.

· Maintain a Maryland Department of Agriculture Nutrient Management Certificate.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

· 2‐4 year degree (4 preferred) in Horticulture or related field and 3‐5 years of related work experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

· Must understand the use of fertilizer injectors and greenhouse control systems.

· Must have in depth knowledge of the safe handling and application of chemicals such as fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and fungicides.

· Must be able to identify a wide variety of annuals and perennials and their cultural requirements.

MENTAL/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

· Ability to work in conditions typically found in a greenhouse with high humidity and varying temperatures, with a fair amount of moisture present.

· Ability to lift 50lbs safely.

· Ability to balance, reach, and grasp while climbing on a step stool and/or ladder.

· Ability to crouch, grasps, and lift product above shoulders in order to lift product from the floor properly.

· Ability to be on feet while performing job responsibilities.

· Ability to sit for long periods of time depending on your position and/or getting up and down through your work shift.

REQUIRED WORK SCHEDULE

· This position requires a 40‐hour minimum work week.

· Must be able to work outside 12 months out of the year.

· Occasional weekend watering as needed

· On call 24/7 to report to the greenhouse and/or find someone to report to the greenhouse when Sensaphone calls to report low greenhouse temperatures.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

· Report to Director of Supported Employment

· Work closely with Emerge customers, peers, and other employees and departments in the company.