Horticulturist I - Indoor, Floral Display

Summary: Performs all job duties associated with floriculture design, maintenance and care of the annual Holiday Flower and Train Show, and annual Orchid Show as well as seasonal displays within the Emerson Conservatory, Linnaean House, and Arid House. Performs installation and daily maintenance of ‘What’s In Bloom’ display. Job duties are directly related to the design, installation, maintenance and care of the seasonal flower shows in Emerson Conservatory, seasonal displays In Linnaean and Arid House. Performs high level of floral design for a variety of applications throughout the year both off-site and Garden-wide. Ensures the displays contain the highest level of design alongside plant diversity to support conservation, research, and education.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Performs a wide range of skills for construction, design and installation of annual Holiday Flower and Train Show, and Orchid Show, including necessary crafts as required.
• Produces large-scale floral art or landscape installations as needed.
• Identify pests and diseases. Conduct pest control using integrated pest management (IPM)
• Works closely with a variety of Garden departments in order to accomplish display goals and professionally produced thematic shows and temporary exhibits.
• Maintains the highest standards of plant record keeping, updates the Living Collections Management System when plants are added, moved or die; ensures plants are labeled with accession numbers at all times.
• Maintains general care of horticultural tools, and technical equipment (i.e., apply lubrication and general cleaning). Refers more serious problems to management personnel.
• Applies landscape/maintenance tasks to ensure care of conservatories meets Missouri Botanical Garden expectations.
• Completes orders and requests plants as needed for designs.
• Performs a variety of tasks needed for the installation of materials in flower shows and displays.
• Maintains a professional demeanor, answering informal questions from the public as needed when working in Conservatories.
• Trains and effectively utilizes assigned volunteers, interns and students.
• Ensures all applicable safety standards are followed adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards.
• Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.
• Meets expected attendance guidelines.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Behaves & communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies:
• Communication – Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations.
• Collaboration – Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences.
• Accountability – Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues’ concerns.
• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision-making process; Includes appropriate people in making decisions.
• Stewardship – Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes contributions during work hours.

Qualifications/Experience:
• Minimum of (3-4) years of hands-on, relevant horticulture work experience required.
• Minimum of (4-5) years of hands-on floral design work experience required.
• Working knowledge of tropical and temperate plants and general landscape maintenance techniques.
• Demonstrated experience maintaining production greenhouse crops for display.
• Proficient ability to identify various plant pests and pathogens and apply sound, appropriate remedies.
• Proficient in operating and knowledge of safe operation procedures for various types of landscape maintenance equipment.
• Proven ability to lead and direct the work of others to complete general projects, including but not limited to volunteers is required.
• Demonstrates highest level of professional and ethical conduct; knowledge and understanding of organizational policies, procedures, and systems
• Ability to present technical concepts to non-technical functional teams
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels; must enjoy and feel comfortable interacting and working in close proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions regarding horticulture collection.
• Knowledge of and adherence to all health and safety guidelines.
• Scheduling flexibility that allows working weekends and holidays as needed.
• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:
• Associate’s or B.S. degree in Horticulture, and/or related field required
• An equivalent combination of skills, education, and experience may be considered.
• Professional accreditation of Floral Design skills recommended.

Computer Skills:
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Solid Internet research skills.
• Ability to use e-mail to communicate with Garden staff in order to answer questions and service their needs.
Mathematical Skills:
◦ Requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; calculate percentages and decimals.
Reasoning Ability:
• Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
• Ability to possess and maintain valid driver’s license.
• Must have the ability to pass a background screening and motor vehicle report (MVR) to meet minimum insurance underwriting criteria.
• Ability to obtain Pesticide Applicator’s license.
Physical Demands:
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. (i.e., load, unload and move gardening supplies, medium to heavy weight tools and equipment).
• Must be able to work in high heat and humidity.
• Requires standing, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching for extended periods of time-- 90% or more of the workday is standing on feet.
• Ability to wear Garden-issued Personal Protective Equipment.
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb ladders, etc.).
• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing).
Work Environment:
• Actively works hands-on with horticulture crew to complete landscape maintenance and installation tasks.
• Comfortable working in immediate proximity to public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions regarding horticulture collection.
Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:
◦ Garden Employees, Volunteers, Guests, Green Industry vendors, and Contractors
Supervisor:
◦ Manager, Conservatories