Senior Greenhouse Horticulturist

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Job Posting Title
Senior Greenhouse Horticulturist

Job Description Summary
Union

Job Description

SENIOR GREENHOUSE HORTICULTURIST

AREA: Botanic Gardens (Science Center)

WEEKLY HOURS: Monday - Friday 7am - 4pm (40 hours) with 60-minute meal break; occasional overtime after hours or on weekends/holidays as noted

HOURLY RATE: $46.53

GENERAL PURPOSE: Wellesley College Botanic Gardens (WCBG) is a student-centered educational botanic garden with a great diversity of plants and landscapes indoors and out. The Greenhouse Horticulturist is responsible for the day-to-day operation of all WCBG greenhouse facilities, including the public-accessible Global Flora conservatory with indoor landscapes of highly diverse subtropical species, and a separate set of new standard greenhouses and headhouse used for teaching, research and propagation. The horticulturist is an essential member of a small staff team working collaboratively to maintain and develop these botanical resources, plan and implement programming for students and the public, and keep the greenhouse and garden operations running smoothly, and is supervised by the WCBG Director. The horticulturist also mentors and supervises Wellesley College student assistants, summer interns and short-term staff on horticultural tasks and projects. The horticulturist must be independent, resourceful, and a good communicator. A successful candidate will embrace learning and contributing to an inclusive and equitable work culture.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Cultivate the great variety of plants grown in the Margaret C. Ferguson Greenhouses

• Basic routine care includes hand watering, fertilizing, grooming, and managing pests using integrated pest management protocols, e.g., monitoring and documenting pest presence, treatments, and beneficial insect purchases and release, cleaning/sanitizing tools and pots
• Transplant, train, and prune accessioned plants as necessary to maintain them in good condition within available space
• Grow plants requested for teaching purposes and provide horticultural support for classes and research projects in the greenhouses

2. Supervise and mentor student assistants; part-time student workers and summer interns are integral to all Botanic Gardens operations

• Students must be directed clearly, overseen appropriately, and kept in safe conditions
• The student body is diverse in background and experience; teach and oversee necessary skills in an equitable, inclusive, and empathetic manner
• Coordinate schedules with other staff and students in order to accommodate daily plant care needs, including working some weekends and holidays (through schedule shifts or overtime) under arrangements agreed on by the college and the union.

3. Operate greenhouse physical plant, including automated climate controls (Argus and Wadsworth), to maintain the best possible growing conditions for plants in each greenhouse, under the direction of the Botanical Collections Manager

• Monitor climatic conditions closely and program, maintain and trouble-shoot all equipment (vents, shades etc.) accordingly
• Monitor physical plant conditions including water quality and availability, security, daily open and closing conditions (within work hours)
• Respond to alarms and problems outside of normal working hours when necessary
• Work with Science Center technical staff and campus Facilities team to resolve issues with plumbing, electrical, and environmental sensors, and with outside specialty contractors as needed
• Provide maintenance updates and recommendations to the Director
• Keep greenhouses and headhouse tidy and organized, and purchase supplies as needed

4. Work collaboratively with the staff and campus community towards the core educational goals of the Botanic Gardens

• Mentor and supervise diverse college students and temporary staff one-on-one or in small groups to help care for plants as well as teach relevant skills and concepts
• Support the work-study and summer internship programs, aiding in the student hiring process and coordination of horticultural tasks and projects
• Participate in and/or provide horticultural support for occasional events, workshops, and other greenhouse-based programs for the campus and public

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge, passion, and ability to care for highly diverse greenhouse plants with attention to their individual needs
• Demonstrated ability to become fluent in complex greenhouse control systems (Argus, Wadsworth) and collaboration software (e.g. Google suite)
• A degree in horticulture, botany or related field plus at least 2 years of hands-on horticultural experience in public or educational garden settings, or at least 3 years of horticultural experience in public or educational garden settings
• Demonstrated interest in mentoring students, working collaboratively on teams, and being part of a diverse learning community
• Capacity to stay informed of and apply current best horticultural practices, and project manage internal trades and external contractors
• Capacity to learn pest species and implement ecologically sound IPM for greenhouses
• Physical fitness, including ability to work on ladders and lift 50 lbs without assistance
• Drivers license and ability to safely operate specialty vehicles and power equipment
• Massachusetts pesticide license obtained within 6 months after hire and kept current

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous work with automated greenhouse climate controls
• Interest in and basic knowledge of greenhouse plumbing and irrigation systems
• Interest in and basic knowledge of environmental sensor networks and programming

This position has been classified as essential personnel. In the event of inclement weather or other emergency conditions that require the College to close, you are expected to report to work if you are scheduled to work that day, in accordance with Article 8.1.f of the Independent Service and Maintenance Union contract.

Wellesley's mission is to provide an excellent liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. We advance our mission by working together as a community-faculty, students, staff, and alumnae.

Embark on a fulfilling career journey at Wellesley College, where we prioritize your well-being and professional growth. As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive array of benefits and resources designed to enhance both your work-life balance and long-term success.

• Competitive Compensation: Earn competitive wages with regularly scheduled increases, recognizing your commitment and dedication to providing outstanding service.
• Exceptional Benefits Package: Access a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision and retirement benefits as well as life insurance, disability coverage, and more to safeguard your health and that of your loved ones.
• Commuting and Transportation: Enjoy the convenience of free parking on our picturesque campus, easily accessible from major roadways. We are easily accessible via the MBTA commuter rail
• Time Off: Take advantage of paid vacations, sick time, and holidays, allowing you to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Retirement Savings: Plan for your future with our retirement savings plan, including contributions from Wellesley College.
• Professional Development: Enhance your skills and explore growth opportunities through continuing training and pathways for promotion within our supportive environment.
• Tuition and Education Benefits: Invest in your education with tuition benefits, and access resources to navigate student loan forgiveness, reinforcing our commitment to your ongoing learning.
• Campus Privileges: Enjoy free use of our state-of-the-art athletic and fitness facilities with onsite fitness classes, Library resources, and seize opportunities to attend diverse campus events that contribute to a vibrant community.

Apply today and take your first step toward a rewarding career with Wellesley College - where your unique strengths and success are celebrated as part of our shared commitment to inclusivity

Worker Sub-Type
Union

Time Type
Full time

EEO Statement

At Wellesley, we embrace and honor difference and diversity. We believe the best ideas-the best solutions-draw on a range of voices, perspectives, and experiences. As a college, and as a community, we are dedicated to assuring that all members for the Wellesley community have an equal opportunity to flourish.

Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to the diversity of the college community and the curriculum. Wellesley College and all its subcontractors shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that Wellesley College and all of its subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply.

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