Horticulture Specialist

Summary: Responsible for the cultivation and nurturing of plants in a controlled environment wherein the right climate and favorable conditions are maintained using innovative ways and appropriate specialized equipment.  A thorough knowledge of the agricultural practices added with the right technical knowledge relevant to this field are very essential for a greenhouse manager.  This position will also be tasked with assisting in completing maintenance tasks throughout the facility. 

Essential Functions: 

1. Propagates plants. 
2. Manages nurseries that grow horticultural plants for sale or trade to retail customers, exhibition display or research.
3. Identifies plant life and cultivates an environment that promotes growth, identifying solutions to diseases, weeds and insect pests. 
4. Evaluates plant and soil conditions, adjusting as necessary for plant/crop viability and sustainability.
5. Assigns work schedules, supervision and duties to greenhouse employees and students assigned to work in the greenhouse.
6. Develops strategies to market products to customers and cultivate relationships with community partners. 
7. Provide information to customers regarding plant care.
8. Identifies, solicits, and cultivates funding sources, including grants, individual, and agency donors.
9. Responsible for maintaining equipment and facilities as well as records of business transactions.
10. Assists Facility and Compliance Manager with work requests throughout the facility. 
11. Assists with upkeep, renovations, manual repairs, and other maintenance related tasks as assigned.
12. Responsible for knowing and executing the facility’s peer management, security, and safety policies, procedures, and practices
13. Responsible for knowing and executing AWOL Procedures, Assault Prevention Techniques, and First Aid/CPR

Competencies:

1. Gardening and Horticulture Techniques
2. Customer/Client Focus
3. Ethical Conduct
4. Problem Solving/Analysis
5. Decision Making
6. Project Management
7. Communication
8. Financial Management

Supervisory Responsibility: This role will supervise the youth assigned to work in the horticulture program.

Work Environment: This job operates in a professional residential setting which includes shelters, group homes and/or detention facilities housing youth from the ages of 14-20 years old. The work environment will depend on the program. The position is exposed to a physically challenging environment, which may include exposure to bloodborne and airborne pathogens, physical assault, verbal assault, loud noises, prolonged sitting, restricted movement outside the facility, and highly stressful and hazardous situations. This role is considered essential and has no remote work options.

Physical Demands: Our campus is widely spread out over 33 acres and approximately 80% of the acres are utilized for programming activities for the youth. This position is very active and requires standing, walking up several different inclines, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling and climbing stairs on a daily basis. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee must frequently lift and move items over 100 pounds.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: The schedule for this position is Tues-Sat 7:30am-3:30pm. The schedule is subject to change based on the needs of the business.

Travel: This position requires up to 25% travel.

Other Duties: Please note this role description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.   

Required Education and Experience