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Oversee premier care of Bog Walk and related wetland gardens, iris pond, and palustrine ecosystem restorations within the public areas of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (MLA). Ensure high quality maintenance of the assigned gardens and collections within the MLA in accordance with accredited public gardens. Facilitate and direct other activities, including staff training and supervision on various activities involved with primary responsibilities, volunteer recruitment, training, supervision, and retention, equipment maintenance, lead various public development activities and events, tour guide, write articles for the Arboretum News, and other Outreach efforts of the MLA. Like other environmental scientists, wetland horticulturalists participate in a variety of activities that further the cause of environmental knowledge, protection, and conservation.

JOB DESCRIPTION:
70% Maintain Native Plant Gardens

• Oversee, develop, lead, and train seasonal staff and volunteers to perform gardening duties, while utilizing Best Management Practices (BMP), of the assigned gardens and collections within the MLA. Keep the Arboretum's Mission statement and garden design intent in mind when fulfilling this role.
• Understand and interpret the role wetlands provide in a healthy, sustainable landscape
• Ecological restoration management (restore the wetland through research design, invasive plant removal, native plant establishment, site monitoring, and various land management activities including fire.)
• Strive for excellence with horticultural display and impact on visitor experience, emphasizing the quality of collections, materials, function, and design.
• Collaboration: Incorporates teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, cooperation, and visitor focus

(15%) Arboretum Educational and Miscellaneous Areas:

• Develop and teach classes, author articles on wetland gardens and communities, conduct tours to facilitate member and visitor appreciation of Wetland ecosystem services
• Assist with special events preparation and set up. Manage and assist with watering and emergencies as needed on Saturdays at the Arboretum. Perform other tasks as assigned or needed.
• Equipment Trainer - Work with Safety coordinator to develop equipment training programs for seasonal staff members.
• Keep records of work performed and recommend management practices changes to upgrade maintenance of wetlands throughout.

(15%) Professional Development/ Recommend Planting of New Species and/or Cultivars:

• Shares horticulture expertise with other professionals and laypersons through classes, workshops, public tours, educational displays, printed publications, participation in conferences and relevant plant societies.
• Collaborate with Curator(s) of Collections to upgrade and to promote wider diversity of native plants species, and to ensure all plants are curated in accordance with our collections policy.
• Must be a certified pesticide applicator, attend UMN Extension recertification trainings and follow procedures as per our annual internal pesticide trainings by the IPM specialist.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
This is a 12-month Seasonal 100 % position.

*** This job description describing the current responsibilities of this position is subject to change.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA/BS with at least 2 years experience or a combination of education in landscape maintenance or closely related field education and experience commercial gardening, grounds maintenance and/or environmental restoration work to equal six years.
• Enthusiastic learner who demonstrates a strong attention to esthetics detail. Ability to organize, prioritize, and delegate work, create schedules, and problem solve.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills. Ability to effectively respond to multiple, changing and often conflicting priorities is essential.
• Pesticide applicators license or ability to obtain a license within 30 days of hire.
• Valid driver’s license is required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Horticulture and 5 years’ experience with wetland restoration and related maintenance techniques.
• Prior experience leading restoration projects, environmental consulting, removal of invasive plant species, and implementing management plans
• Experience in providing training to diverse audiences, with demonstrated ability to integrate the concept of difference or diversity into the training.
• Establish a newly planted garden and the extra care that the plant collection requires.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays as required.
• Supervisory or managerial experience in a diverse, bargaining unit setting.