Director of Horticulture and Operations, The Arboretum at Penn State

There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants. JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Which do you love more, plants, people, or places and gardens? Can’t decide? Then we have an amazing opportunity for you blend all three! We seek a Director of Horticulture and Operations for the Arboretum at Penn State. We sit at an inflection point with several recently completed gardens (Pollinator and Bird Garden, 2021), those currently under construction (Palmer Museum of Art Landscape, 2023) as well future opportunities for the Arboretum at Penn State as we realize our vision to provide connections to plants that fulfill our 21st Century Land Grant mission. The Director of Horticulture and Operations oversees day-to-day Arboretum operations, coordinates functions among the Arboretum Team, and assists the Arboretum’s Director in strategic and long-range planning. Specific responsibilities include direction of all horticultural and facilities maintenance; participation in planning and execution of large-scale capital projects; design development of new displays, gardens, and collections; curatorial oversight of plant collections documentation; and guiding other activities that take place at the facility. They actively represent the Arboretum at Penn State to internal and external constituents as an ambassador and client representative. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Horticulture Operations and Garden Design Coordination/Communication Coordinates between horticulture/maintenance staff and admin/program/events/volunteer staff to ensure efficient operations and collaborative processes Supports clear, organized, and efficient internal communication among Arboretum members of the admin/program/events/volunteer staff to ensure a unified approach and knowledge of daily operations Sets and maintains overall horticultural maintenance standards, policies, and documentation Set horticultural priorities; oversees both routine garden work and provides horticultural leadership for large-scale projects Supervises the maintenance and improvement of the Arboretum’s natural areas, primarily the Hartley Wood, the Gerhold Wildflower Trail, and prairie restoration, including the planning and coordination of prescribed fire operations on the site Recruits, hires, and develops professional growth for their employees including interns as well as part-time and full-time staff Oversees sourcing and procurement for displays and additions to Arboretum collections, infrastructure, and/or garden construction projects Reviews and approve designs for seasonal displays; works with other University stakeholders to design larger-scale plantings Evaluates performance of existing plantings; executes plant replacements as necessary Capital Projects and Planning Serves on on committees for Arboretum capital projects and infrastructure to ensure that designs reflect and advance the Arboretum’s collections and educational / outreach goals Proactively reviews design and construction documents, with particular attention to specifications for soils, planting, and protection of existing landscapes/infrastructure Communicates to contractors and other University Staff as primary Arboretum project representative during construction to ensure that construction is on time, on budget, and to specifications Responds to emerging construction needs and facilitate productive resolution with an eye toward a safe and enjoyable visitor experience and minimal disruption to daily horticultural activities Participates in long-range master planning, strategic business plans, and other work to address future Arboretum growth and development Works with Arboretum Director and others to identify and prioritize landscape and plant collections development, education/outreach programs, and staff professional development Arboretum Outreach and Research Collaborations Collaborates with internal and external PR and Communications team members to inform and inspire others to visit and engage Supports and may lead educational and programmatic efforts such as Avian education and horticultural internship experiences May deliver guest lectures, seminars and workshops for internal University audiences and external constituents including but not limited to home gardeners, horticultural professionals, and conservation/environmental stewardship groups; serves as content expert for media inquiries and interviews Coordinates and Collaborates with Arboretum Director as well as university faculty and students on proposed or active research or outreach projects taking place at/with the Arboretum; tracks, facilitates, and coordinates use of Arboretum collections and landscape attributes to showcase research while stewarding daily guest experience and horticultural functions May author, review, and respond to fundraising proposals related to horticulture, collections, capital projects, arts exhibitions, and etc. to grow the impact of the arboretum Represents the Arboretum on select University committees (e.g., University Tree Commission). Supports Arboretum Director and Director of Development in stewardship of donors such as in identifying strategic opportunities for philanthropy and meeting with prospective/current donors Administrative Duties, Professional Development, and Training Oversees financial obligations related to their position including the mutual setting of yearly operating budget and expense expectations, approval of work invoices, contracts, and other agreements that impact the Arboretum in conjunction with the Director of the Arboretum, Financial Coordinator(s), and other University Staff Performs employee administrative and leadership duties related to their position and role such as supervision, coaching, performance evaluation, and the professional development of interns, students, and staff Leads or participates in projects and initiatives as a department representative, cross-functional team member, or individual contributor Actively solicits feedback for improvement; follows up with staff to evolve, learn, and improve policies and procedures as needed Completes mandatory training requirements commensurate with position (ex. PA Licensed Pesticide Applicator Exam and Recertification) Trains direct and indirect reports in safety and compliance and models these in their own behavior Seeks their own professional growth and participates in institution-wide initiatives including but not limited to DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging), safety, and sustainability Other duties as assigned The successful applicant will embody Penn State's values, particularly the value of Respect, which encourages us to "respect and honor the dignity of each person, embrace civil discourse, and foster a diverse and inclusive community." They will model this in their relationships and actions to assist in the horticultural and professional growth of their team members and themselves. They will be open to Discovery and will support the Community, yet also embrace their need to operate with Integrity and Responsibility while they strive for horticultural and other forms of Excellence at the Arboretum, throughout the University, and the greater community. ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY AND THE ARBORETUM AT PENN STATE: The Pennsylvania State University is a 21st Century land-grant university that educates students from around the world, supports individuals, and unites communities fulfilling its mission of teaching, research, and service. Penn State provides unparalleled access to education and public service to support the citizens of the Commonwealth and beyond. Every day, we live out our values of Integrity, Responsibility, Respect, Excellence, Discovery, and Community. The Arboretum at Penn State is a treasured portion of the University campus that every day provides a place of purpose, beauty, and nature-based connection only a 15-minute walk from the center of campus. It hosts over a hundred educational programs and public/private events throughout the year in incredible settings such as the new Pollinator and Bird Garden (2021). Currently under construction within the Arboretum is the new home of the Palmer Museum of Art, a state-of-the-art $85M LEED-Certified facility. Featuring education/event spaces and nearly twice the exhibition space of the current museum, it will integrate indoor and outdoor spaces to provide a crucial cultural destination in the center of Pennsylvania. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Possesses extensive knowledge of landscape horticulture/architecture, ecosystem management, conservation science, or closely related fields as acquired through a combination of education and hands-on experience in the operation of a public horticulture facility, museum, park, nature center, or similar facility A proven self-starter who combines a thorough knowledge of their field with a drive/desire to provide excellent service and leadership to others at all levels Displays attention to detail and proactive organizational skills. Situationally analytical but also able to think outside the box and actively solve problems Ability to treat sensitive business information and people in a confidential, caring, and professional manner Capable of prioritizing multiple tasks while committed to responding in agreed upon timeframes in a fast-paced environment, working independently with minimal supervision Is both a leader and a learner who works harmoniously in a team environment with a shared positive outlook to achieve and celebrate team goals whether following, organizing, collaborating, directing, and/or motivating others Clear and persuasive written communication skills. Ability to issue instructions understood by multiple readers, including academic/professional audiences, donors and funders, technicians (e.g. manuals, handbooks, and training documents), and public/community members. Motivational and congenial oral communication skills. Can communicate messages easily comprehended by multiple audiences, including academics/professionals, technicians and technical service staff, visitors, students, and external media. Skilled in diplomacy and negotiation. Ability to represent and advance Arboretum interests while forging new partnerships and collaborations. Can resolve conflicts positively and productively. Will represent the Arboretum in a positive light and foster stakeholder enthusiasm and support for the organization. Professional service and possible leadership on a national level. Contributes to the field of public horticulture through professional service, volunteerism, and peer-to-peer education. Licensures: Ability to obtain and maintain Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicators License, CORE and Categories 6,7, and 18 Displays familiarity with (and an ongoing dedication to) the highest standards and software (ex. IrisBG, ArcGIS) related to the curation, recordkeeping, and mapping of plant collections Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 Suite Software (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Sharepoint, Teams, etc.) is required. Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite Software (Acrobat, Photoshop, In-Design, etc.) is a plus TRAVEL Limited, COVID permitting, no more than 5% of the time primarily for the purpose of professional development and/or outreach and engagement related to the Arboretum Education and Experience Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree plus 8 years of related experience. Or, an equivalent combination of education and experience. A Bachelor's or Masters Degree in Horticulture, Plant/Agricultural Sciences, Landscape Architecture, Natural Resources/Ecosystem Management or Public Horticulture preferred. Individuals with demonstrated work experience in arboriculture, horticulture, land stewardship, facility management, etc. are encouraged to apply. A combination of education and experience can be substituted for requirements described above. This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLY: Please submit a cover letter and resume/curriculum vitae/portfolio of achievements. Applications will be accepted and processed as received through December 15, 2022 or until a successful candidate is found. DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND BELONGING The Pennsylvania State University recognizes that diversity, inclusion, and equity are fundamental to the University’s values and mission to support all members of our Commonwealth and beyond. We strive to assertively incorporate these values into our research, teaching, learning, outreach, assessment, operations, and decision making at all levels of the University. More information can be obtained here. The Arboretum at Penn State, a unit of Penn State Outreach, has a foundational focus goal that inclusion, equity, and diversity are advanced in our workplaces, and with the audiences whom we support, through fostering belonging, open discourse, mutual respect, genuine care, equal opportunity, and different perspectives. We are committed to providing inclusive access, being welcoming to all, and creating a sense of belonging while cultivating a safe and thriving community LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Penn State is located on the ancestral lands of the Erie, Haudenosaunee, Lenape, Shawnee, Susquehannock, and Wahzhazhe Nations. Penn State's land grant was funded by the sale of land expropriated from 112 tribal nations in 50 land cessions across 16 states. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applications without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. 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