Overview
Horticulturist – Research and Education Garden, Griffin Jobs in Athens, USA at Inside Higher Ed
Position Summary
The incumbent provides technical support for the management of facilities and programs provided through the UGA Research and Education Garden on the UGA Griffin Campus. Specific duties include, but are not restricted to, design, planning, installation, and maintenance of annual and perennial plants in the theme gardens housed in demonstration areas within the Garden; selection, installation and maintenance of tree species and varieties for the Garden’s expanding urban arboretum;
coordinating with scientists to establish and maintain plots for research studies conducted in the Garden; installation, maintenance and management of irrigation systems supplying research plots and demonstration gardens; maintenance and operation of the greenhouse and shade house facilities located in the Garden; propagation, installation and maintenance of bedding plants and nursery stock for theme gardens and landscape accents in the Garden;
prepare and maintain a current inventory and map of plant species, varieties and cultivars in the Garden’s theme gardens and arboretum; prepare and install plant identification labels for plants in the Garden’s theme gardens and arboretum; provide support for various workshops or educational/outreach programs and events offered by the Garden for green industry professionals, Master Garden groups, gardening enthusiasts and other clientele.
Responsible for planning of annual events held at the Research & Garden. Train and supervise permanent and temporary employees and interns working in the Garden. Purchase emergency repairs and purchases needed for general maintenance at the Research and Education Garden with PCard.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent and 5 years of related experience.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
- Knowledge of horticulture plant pests, such as weeds, insects, and diseases.
- Knowledge of proper pesticide safety and usage.
- Knowledge of plant identification, horticultural practices, soil fertility, and testing.
- Knowledge of tractors, mowers, landscape equipment, and maintenance techniques; ability to operate and properly maintain landscape machinery and equipment, including, but not restricted to, tractors, mowers, and landscaping equipment.
- Willingness to work as part of an effective team and grow professionally.
- Ability to prioritize, plan, organize, and direct the work of subordinate personnel and maintain effective working relationships.
- Ability to interact, prioritize, plan, and organize large groups for planned events and workshops.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Physical Demands
- Work outdoors at hard manual labor under varied climatic conditions, including heat and cold.
- Heavy lifting (50 lbs).
- Bending.
- Driving as needed to perform work tasks.
Operational Oversight and Staff Coordination
- Review operational needs of the UGA Research and Education Garden and plan daily work activities.
- Assign tasks to full-time and part-time employees, as well as volunteers, to ensure that the demonstration garden, shade house, research areas, and greenhouse are properly maintained and fully operational.
- Complete payroll duties and evaluate the performance of direct reports.
Research and Facility Coordination
- Coordinate with the Senior Agricultural Specialist to establish and maintain research and demonstration plots within the garden. This includes maintaining annual and perennial flower beds, turfgrass, and research areas within the research and education garden. Develop spray schedules according to best management practices for pest management.
- Communicate with research and extension faculty and staff regarding plot needs and requirements.
- Coordinate with scientists to establish and maintain plots for research studies conducted in the garden.
- Conduct regular walkthroughs of garden facilities and submit work orders for maintenance issues as needed. Ensure walkways and public areas are clean, safe, and free of debris.
Public Engagement and Events
- Plan and support annual events held at the Research & Education Garden and serve as an active member of the Griffin Research & Education Garden Steering Committee.
- Co…
Title: Horticulturist – Research and Education Garden, Griffin
Company: Inside Higher Ed
Location: Athens, USA
Category:
