Conservatory Horticulturist

Job Description

The Conservatory Horticulturist supervises an assistant and works with the entire horticulture team to support the operations on the estate. The Conservatory Horticulturist oversees the placement of interior plants, handles propagation, and keeps accurate plant accession records. Inventories and labeling are critical to maintaining the collection. This position also serves as the primary plant health care specialist for the greenhouses, utilizing beneficial releases and targeted pesticide applications. Specialized expertise in orchid care is required, and knowledge of other plant species prevalent in the collection, including gardenias, geraniums, jasmine, and lilies, is preferred. The conservatory itself is an architecturally significant building and its maintenance is an essential responsibility of the position.

About Us

We are a large private estate with formal gardens, natural areas, and several greenhouses, located in Fort Worth, TX. The owner had a passion for plants and was very involved in the development of the gardens. The property is equipped with a conservatory, which has three separate growing zones, and several small greenhouses with their own growing zones. These different zones allow for the environmental control of the collection, which consists of several hundred tropical and temperate species in addition to an orchid collection of over 800 specimens.

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:
• Maintain conservatory and all greenhouse structures, coordinate repairs and oversee outside contractors, keep facilities organized and sanitized.
• Monitor and maintain temperature control system Link4.
• Scout for pests and implement a comprehensive IPM program.
• Prepare plants for display and maintain all interior and exterior plants once installed.
• Plant care including: pruning, shaping, detailing, propagation, watering, fertilizing, selecting and trialing new plants.
• Lead tours, be available to answer visitor questions.
• Supervise Greenhouse Assistant, provide training and delegation.

Administrative Duties:
• Maintain current and accurate labels, plant inventories, and bloom schedules.
• Keep detailed daily records of work performed and seasonal planning calendars.
• Order plant material and supplies, process invoices and petty cash reports promptly.
• Hire and oversee vendors and contractors, review and submit estimates and proposals.
• Attend weekly meetings with supervisors.
• Perform annual reviews of direct reports.
• Collaborate with Garden Team Leader on summer internship program.

Education and Experience

Required Qualifications:
• Minimum of a B.S. in Horticulture or related field.
• Prior greenhouse experience, including orchid care, extensive knowledge of horticultural techniques and plant identification.
• Ability to use horticultural tools and power equipment safely, to perform physically strenuous tasks, to lift up to 50lbs, climb ladders, and work at heights.
• Willingness to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Valid drivers license.

Additional Information

Schedule: Full time Sunday-Thursday or Tuesday-Saturday (to be determined in discussion with candidate). Flexibility to arrive early, stay late, adjust workdays, or perform duties on holidays is expected.
Salary: $60,000-$65,000
Benefits: Generous vacation and sick time. Medical, dental, vision, supplemental benefits, and 401k available.
Relocation assistance available.

Application Instructions

Send cover letter and CV to txhorticulturaljobs@gmail.com