Arboretum Manager

Job Description

The Arboretum Manager is responsible for overseeing the implementation of maintenance, enhancements, and the overall aesthetic of Bernheim’s 620-acre, Level IV Arboretum. The Arboretum Manager will directly manage the workflow and productivity of Horticulturist(s) and Assistant Horticulturist(s) while encouraging and empowering a sense of confidence and autonomy in individuals work process.

This full-time, hourly position reports to the Director of Horticulture and Sustainable Landscapes.
Pay range: $24-$28/hr.
Competitive benefits package includes health/vision/dental insurance, retirement 403(b) match benefit and paid sick, holiday, and vacation leave.

About Us

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, a 16,000+ acre protected forest in Kentucky, about 25 miles south of Louisville, is seeking an Arboretum Manager that is a dynamic leader with an ability to think strategically while working in a highly creative and collaborative environment across a multidisciplinary organization.

Bernheim is home to a 600-acre arboretum, designated as Kentucky’s official arboretum. The natural landscape features 40+ miles of hiking trails and extensive natural areas managed for conservation and research purposes. Its woodlands, prairies, and wetlands make up the largest privately-owned forest in the Eastern United States dedicated to education and conservation. Bernheim is a privately owned not-for-profit, relying on donations and memberships, whose mission is to connect people with nature. Annually, over 350,000 people experience Bernheim through visits, educational programs, field trips, and Bernheim festivals.

Duties & Responsibilities

Essential Duties/Responsibilities
• Direct management and leadership of Horticulturist(s) and Assistant Horticulturist(s), including proper arboretum maintenance scheduling and daily workflows.
• Motivates, trains, and supervises designated Arboretum staff to adhere to high safety standards and assesses each individual’s performance through routine mentoring sessions and evaluations.
• Ability to interact in an appropriate and professional manner with visitors, staff, and volunteers, and interpret botanical and horticultural subjects to the public.
• Develop plans and techniques for a more efficient and ecologically stable maintenance strategy within the Arboretum.
• Ensure accurate accession records of the collections within the Arboretum.
• Manages the annual operating budget for department-relevant fields.
• Collaborate with Director of Horticulture & Sustainable Landscapes on the development of garden designs, garden-project budgets, and timelines of major garden project completion dates. Collaboration will extend to other departments.
• Collaborate with Director of Horticulture & Sustainable Landscapes to manage outside contractors to service operational needs including (but not limited to) tree maintenance and prescribed fire.
• Provide oversight and actively maintain (2) green roof maintenance accounts outside of Bernheim.
• Identifies, sources, and purchases ground management equipment.
• Ability to operate and maintain a wide range of hand tools, power tools, small/large engine equipment and vehicles safely and effectively.
• Ability to serve on the prescribed fire burn crew.
• Contribute content for social media, blogs, and print (Forest Echo). Other duties as assigned including participation in events and all-staff projects.

Education and Experience

Education and Experience
• A degree in Horticulture or related field, with a record on proven management experience.
• Related experience is also considered and valued.
• Broad knowledge of woody species.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Experience with understanding the constructability of landscape projects and managing small landscape construction projects is necessary.
• Baseline knowledge and skills for the position include excellent verbal communication, including public speaking, strong interpersonal skills, professional writing skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. Working knowledge of Iris BG a plus.
• The ideal candidate will also have demonstrated a strong aesthetic sense in previous horticultural work and have knowledge of a wide palette of plants.
• The ability to think critically and experience managing detailed budgets and projects is required.
• Ability to work outside in heat, cold or light rain and can continuously walk, stand, bend, twist, and/or stoop and lift up to 50lbs.
• Ability to be flexible and able to take on other tasks as requested.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.
• Ability to lead a horticulture tour and/or teach horticulture related classes.

Licenses and Certifications
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Current Kentucky Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicators License with the 3N Category or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• ISA Arborist certification required.

Additional Information

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Application Instructions

Please send all inquiries and resumes to: HR@bernheim.org.