Horticulturist

**Position Title**: Horticulturist

**Reports To**: Director of Horticulture and Living Collections

**Job Category**: Full-time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

**Location**: On-Site**, **37615 E Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85173

**Salary**: $18/hour; Full benefits

**ABOUT US**

In 1924, Boyce Thompson Arboretum (BTA )was founded by mining magnate Colonel William Boyce Thompson. The desert landscape inspired Colonel Thompson to create the arboretum with the mission of educating people about desert plants and their uses in an arid environment.

This mission continues today, and Boyce Thompson Arboretum has grown in mission and size over its 100-year history. As an independent non-profit organization, the arboretum is located in Superior, Arizona. Situated at the base of Picket Post Mountain and adjacent to the Tonto National Forest, the Arboretum is located approximately 40 minutes from Mesa and one hour from downtown Phoenix. BTA welcomes over 145,000 visitors annually. At 372 acres, BTA is Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden. BTA's collection comprises 4,030 taxa, 405 rare/endangered species, and over 30,000 individual plants. Along over 5 miles of trails, you will find plant exhibits from 11 of the world's deserts, a native riparian habitat, and colorful specialty gardens displayed alongside native Sonoran Desert vegetation. As an Audubon Important Bird Area, you will encounter many of the 275 bird species identified at BTA along with other native wildlife. It is not uncommon to see javelinas, bobcats, and a variety of native and migratory birds while working, hiking, and enjoying the grounds. BTA is an equal-opportunity equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Responsible for using appropriate horticultural techniques of the highest standard to install and maintain assigned garden areas in accordance with collections policy and plan, including routine and special projects as requested.
- Responsible for planting and maintaining assigned areas. Maintenance tasks include weeding, cultivating, fertilizing, watering, pruning, and other horticultural tasks.
- Practices integrated pest management when dealing with plant disease and insect problems, applies pesticides as needed in accordance with organizational policies and guidelines.
- Collaborates with Irrigation Technician on design, installation, _scheduling_ and maintenance of irrigation systems.
- Ensures accurate accession records of the botanical collection within assigned areas of responsibility.
- Applies pesticides as needed, guided by Integrated Pest Management (IPM) concepts.
- Uses and maintains hand tools, power tools and light machinery. Includes chainsaws.
- Uses and maintains golf carts and vehicles.
- Participates in landscape design and installation.
- Responsible for propagating plants that have been identified by the BTA Collections Committee as priority for overall garden and retail plant sales.
- Participates in seed collection and other research activities as identified in department goals.
- Assists Plant Collections Manager with identification of plants within area of responsibility, accessioning/deaccessioning, and labeling.
- This list is not comprehensive, and other tasks not mentioned here may be required.

**EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE**
- Associate degree in botany, horticulture or a related field required, bachelor's degree preferred.
- Minimum of two (2) years horticulture/garden experience required. Botanical Garden experience is highly desirable.
- 5+ years of advanced horticulture knowledge and experience may be considered in place of degree requirements.
- Arborist training/certification preferred.
- Pesticide Applicator license/certification is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in arid and desert plant ecology and landscapes highly desirable.
- Must have a valid AZ Driver's License or ability to obtain one. Clean driving record required.

**KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES**
- Plant Health - Sound knowledge in the identification and management of plant health issues including IPM, diseases and plant nutrition.
- Plant Knowledge - A good working knowledge of desert plants.; ability to utilize dichotomous keys to identify plants in the field.
- Ecology - A knowledge/interest in arid plants and their ecology.
- Independent worker who can self-motivate and complete daily tasks without supervision.
- Ability to use power tools for basic construction or willingness to learn
- including building beds and general repairs.
- Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
- Ability to interpret and complete landscape plans.
- Detail-oriented, collaborative manner, and strong work ethic.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Ability to demonstrate initiative, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skil