Job Details
Job Type
Full-time
Description
JOB SUMMARY:
This position will perform a full range of care for the development and maintenance of the Wild Garden which encompasses the following: flatwoods, pond, bog, prairie, and sandhill environment gardens. These natural eco-type gardens have a variety of growing conditions and a great diversity of Florida Natives. The successful candidate will have an understanding of the interaction between the present, as well as the future, design and the function of the garden. The position will use prescribed fire, herbicide, and mechanical weeding to balance the growth and diversity of the plantings. This position will continue adding to the diversity of the Wild Garden with appropriate Florida native plants. The continual development of maintenance procedures and records is expected. The successful candidate will be highly experienced with Florida native plants, allowing them to lead occasional tours and classes on gardening with Florida native plants. Additional responsibilities will include training, supervising, and working alongside staff and volunteers to maintain the garden.
Requirements
DUTIES:
Independently create and implement informed plans to maintain the garden for aesthetics and diversity of plantings, ensure long-term stability of themes of the garden, and control of invasive species.
May be asked to assist in developing and implementing 3 to 5-year plans for the managements of the garden.
Maintain garden to promote and support pollinator species.
Inspect the garden area frequently to assess maintenance needs including:
o Plant Needs: water stress, disease and damage, growth decline, pruning needs, and general health of plants
o Maintenance Needs: weeding, (pulling weeds or treating with herbicide), thinning, and dividing, pruning, etc.
Maintain labeling on specimen plants and interpretive displays.
Occasionally provide educational opportunities in and about the Wild Garden in collaboration with the BTG Education Department.
Perform herbicide and pesticide application and equipment calibration.
Feed specifically indicated wildlife and maintain feeding stations.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's Degree in a field such as Horticulture, Botany, Geography, Environmental Studies, Environmental Education, Natural Resource Management, Conservation, Environmental Planning, or related.
5+ years of demonstrated practical work experience in horticulture related to Florida native plants or related field.
Aquatic pesticide license preferred; the ability to acquire this license is required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Professional experience in natural resource management, Florida native plant horticulture, and/or applied environmental studies, or similar field.
Wide knowledge of Florida native plants and Florida ecosystems.
Knowledgeable in weed control through cultural practices and herbicide use.
Skilled at creating and maintaining operational management plans.
Experience with landscape management and maintenance as it related to weed control, mowing, tree care, and areas including pollinator habitats, native meadows, and gardening.
Effective and enthusiastic communicator in writing and when speaking about native plants.
Ability to manage projects and work within an assigned budget.
Supervise and work with staff and volunteers.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Must be able to lift at least 60 pounds.
Continual or prolonged periods of time standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, crouching, and lifting.
Occasional weekend, after hours, and/or holiday work required to meet departmental deadlines, or to provide staff support to BTG special events.
Must be able to perform strenuous physical work outside in the Florida weather year-round.
Salary Description
$50,000-$55,000/year