Assistant Horticulturist
Employment Type
Job (Full-time)Job Categories
Horticulture
Job Description
The Assistant Horticulturist will coordinate and oversee the care of the grounds under the direction and supervision of the Director and Deputy Director of Horticulture. Additional responsibilities include assisting in Arboretum-wide functions such as festivals, concerts, and fundraisers, as well as coordinating with educational events and programs.
The Assistant Horticulturist is a year-round hourly position with room for growth.
24 hours/week
$21-23/hour
Flexible scheduling, some weekends required
About Us
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, an accredited public arboretum and historic former estate located in Summit, New Jersey, with landscapes designed by Calvert Vaux, Ellen Biddle Shipman, and Carl Pilat, seeks an experienced gardener to work approximately 24 hours per week. Duration of position extends from March through November. Duties include planting, mulching, watering, deadheading, cleanup, and routine maintenance in the beds, and other planted areas. Interaction with visitors is a component of being a team-member of the Arboretum, and candidates who can effectively answer inquiries and represent the Arboretum in a friendly and engaging manner will be given special consideration. Candidates should have experience with ornamental plants used in Northeast gardens, should be familiar with basic gardening techniques, and will be expected to work outside in all weather conditions. Apply now to add this prestigious arboretum experience to your resume!
Duties & Responsibilities
• Meet weekly with the Horticulture Department to assess priorities and set weekly tasks and goals.
• Help to coordinate and supervise the physical work of the seasonal gardener, interns, and volunteers.
• Attain and maintain high standards of cleanliness, tidiness, and organization in all work areas, including back-of-house areas, as well as removing litter from grounds.
• Weeding, edging, mulching, wood chipping, pruning, deadheading of garden areas.
• Installation, watering, staking, and fertilizing of seasonal and perennial garden areas.
• Greenhouse maintenance, including sanitation, potting up, preparing soilless potting media, watering, and pest control.
• Weekly maintenance and troubleshooting of water features.
• Overseeing the maintenance of the sprinkler system and hose bibs.
• Checking and maintaining the deer fence and gates.
• Overseeing all pruning, planting and fertilizing.
• Keeping grounds equipment in good running order.
• Assisting in snow removal for tenant access, handicap accessibility, and fire egress. Includes application of ice melt as needed.
• Complete assigned tasks and projects in an efficient and effective manner.
• Assist in managing garden spaces, trees and irrigation systems as assigned and work with a team to identify solutions as appropriate to focus on optimum plant health.
• Assist in scouting and reporting potential insect, disease and other pest problems in line with integrated pest management techniques, including identification and implementation cultural controls.
• Assist in maintaining, updating, and creating appropriate records and documents.
• Assist in plant identification signage, including engraving of memorial and plant labels.
• When requested, work closely with other staff and departments to participate in public educational activities such as garden tours, volunteer groups, and public and programmed events
• As with all positions, this position will continually exemplify and promote the core values, mission, and culture of Reeves-Reed Arboretum.
Education and Experience
Qualifications
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in Horticulture and/or related field
• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid U.S. Driver’s License
Preferred Qualifications
• Certifications, higher education, and/or training on relevant skills
• Experience working in public settings
• Experience with sustainable landscaping practices
• Experience with pest management
• Possession of or willingness to obtain NJ Pesticide Applicators License
Additional Information
Skills
• Problem solving
• Detailed oriented
• Conflict resolution
• Collaborative
• Able to work as part of a team, as well as working independently
• Knowledge of horticultural, composting and integrated pest management techniques
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and writing)
• Exhibit good judgement and decision-making skills
• Ability to interact well with all levels of staff
• Ability to learn new skills and maintain up to date information on relevant skills and techniques
• Knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite programs (Excel, Publisher). (OTJ training available)
• Must be willing and able to work outdoors and in all types of weather.
• Stand, sit, and squat for long periods of time.
• Perform repetitive movements.
• Must be able to push, pull and lift 50 pounds.
• Must have the physical ability to work in public spaces.
• Safely and effectively operate equipment, including but not limited to vehicles, hand tools, power equipment and safety equipment
• Always maintain a high standard for safety by timely and safely cautioning off sites for workplace and public safety, and use personal protective equipment and adhere to OSHA rules and regulations
• Identify and report grounds issues and hazards appropriately and timely
• Always maintain professionalism, including when interacting with the public
• Perform other duties as assigned
Application Instructions
Please send resume and cover letter to the Director of Horticulture, John Beirne at j.beirne@reeves-reedarboretum.org.
Application Deadline:February 28, 2025