Director of Horticulture

The Director of Horticulture is a key leadership position at Fernwood Botanical Garden and oversees the development and maintenance of cultivated gardens, natural areas, and general infrastructure. The position oversees day-to-day garden and preserve operations, coordinates functions among the garden and facilities team, and assists the Executive Director in long-range planning.

Fernwood is celebrating its 60th anniversary as a public garden this year, and we are dedicated to strategic and master planning at this important milestone. The Director of Horticulture will work closely with the Executive Director, Fernwood board, and staff members in planning. New garden features are underway, including the stumpery project with plantsman, Daniel Hinkley. The Director of Horticulture will work closely with the Executive Director and contractors on all garden projects.

Fernwood is a 105-acre public garden founded in 1964 and located in southwest Michigan, just 20 minutes north of the University of Notre Dame, 20 minutes east of the shore of Lake Michigan, and 90 minutes from Chicago. This unique property descends 125 feet to the banks of the St. Joseph River and features cultivated gardens, an arboretum, restored tallgrass prairie, and woodland preserves. The Visitors Center features a small conservatory, gallery space, gift and plant shops, and a café. The Sims Education Center, designed by noted architects, Stanley Tigerman and Margaret McCurry, opened in 2018. The unique architecture sports a green roof and bee hives. It serves as a host site for nature viewing, programming for youth and adults, public and private rentals, meetings and event spaces, and library collections covering the areas of horticulture, botany, design, nature, architecture, art, and a special children’s area. The construction of this architecturally unique building was a major part of phase one of Fernwood’s garden master plan completed by Pashek + MTR in 2015.

Competitive salary, insurance, 401k, sick leave, and liberal vacation.

**Duties & Responsibilities**
- Set and maintain overall horticultural maintenance standards, policies, and documentation Participate directly in daily tasks, including garden maintenance, projects, and events.
- Oversee routine garden work and provide horticultural leadership for all garden projects.
- Supervise the maintenance and improvement of Fernwood’s natural areas.
- Serve as a key member of the Structures and Grounds committee.
- Participate in long-range planning and other work to address future garden growth and development.
- Work with the Executive Director and others to identify and prioritize landscape and plant collections development, education/outreach programs, and staff professional development opportunities.
- Work closely with the Director of Education and other key members of the leadership team in creating and/or instructing public programs.
- Supervise and manage horticulture, grounds, and facilities team members.
- Deliver lectures, seminars, and workshops for internal programs and external groups including garden clubs and horticultural professionals
- Serve as content expert for media inquiries and interviews
- Write and contribute to grant proposals related to garden projects, capital projects, exhibits, and other
- Lead by example and delegate tasks to team-full time, seasonal, summer interns, and volunteers
- Work with out-sourced professional services such as construction contractors, garden designers, and service technicians
- Some evenings and weekends required
- Other duties as assigned

**Education and Experience**

Degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Landscape Architecture, Public Horticulture Management, or Natural Resources Management required. Visionary plants person with 5 years experience in public gardens desired and with a deep understanding of how gardens work. Ability to engage professionally with visitors, Fernwood members, fellow staff, and volunteers is imperative.

Pay: From $60,000.00 per year

Application Question(s):

- What is your experience in the following areas: Horticulture, Plant Science, Landscape Architecture, Public Horticulture Management, or Natural Resources Management?

**Education**:

- Associate (required)

**Experience**:

- public garden: 5 years (preferred)
- Horticulture: 4 years (preferred)

Ability to Commute:

- Niles, MI 49120 (required)

Ability to Relocate:

- Niles, MI 49120: Relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person