Display Horticulture Manager
Employment Type
Job (Full-time)Job Categories
Horticulture
Job Description
Possessing advanced horticultural knowledge and proven leadership experience, the Display Horticulture Manager coordinates, leads, and works alongside a team of gardeners in maintaining all horticultural plantings and select peripheral acreage at Bellingrath Gardens & Home (BGH). Specifically, the Display Horticulture Manager and their team are responsible for the installation, upkeep and presentation of the seasonal display beds and living collections throughout all visitor-facing areas. The Display Horticulture Manager plays a critical role orchestrating interdependent interactions across the entire BGH Horticulture Department. The Display Horticulture Manager is expected to perform outdoor work subject to climatic conditions typical to Mobile, Alabama.
About Us
Bellingrath Gardens & Home is the historic 65-acre estate and home of Walter D. Bellingrath and Bessie Morse Bellingrath, opened to the public in 1932. In 1949, Mr. Bellingrath established a foundation on his 80th birthday to perpetuate the Gardens and Home as a “permanent and fitting memorial” to his wife’s “artistry and genius.” Today, visitors to Bellingrath Gardens and Home stroll through the vibrant and ever-changing estate garden and tour the historic home, built in 1935 and filled with the original furnishings and pieces collected by the two founders. Bellingrath is Alabama’s oldest public garden, remaining relevant today through its many varied programs, including its award-winning “Magic Christmas in Lights” holiday festival.
Duties & Responsibilities
• Proficiently manage, equip, train, encourage, and inspire a team of gardeners to cultivate and enhance BGH’s 65 acres of visitor-facing Horticultural displays
• Prepare weekly schedule and work with garden staff to accomplish recurrent tasks and singular tasks; and closely monitor progress to ensure goals are completed as defined by the Director of Horticulture
o Recurrent tasks include, but are not limited to: weeding, watering, woody weed management, path maintenance, rejuvenation and renewal pruning, fertilizing, mulching, deadheading, water feature maintenance, and litter removal
o Singular tasks might include planting bed rejuvenation or construction, shrub and tree planting/transplanting, storm cleanup, and other projects as assigned
• Actively foster strong communication with fellow Horticulture Department lead staff to ensure seamless execution of intradepartmental tasks.
o Intradepartmental tasks include but are not limited to: meeting seasonal and cyclical display changeout deadlines, executing nursery plant transfers and returns, management of peripheral vegetation, organizing plant sales, advancing core collection projects
• Work closely with other BGH managers in other divisions to assist with staffing and setup of BGH’s seasonal events, and provide other assistance as directed
o BGH’s growing list of events includes but is not limited to: Magic Christmas in Lights, Beers and Blooms, and The Great Bellingrath Harvest
• Foster a culture of safety, communication, professionalism, and mindfulness
• Teach proper horticultural techniques and equipment selection and usage to all direct reports
• Serve as an example of proper, appropriate, and safe use, maintenance, and storage of landscape equipment including but not limited to: hand tools, electric utility carts, rototiller, small tractor, and chainsaw—and train team to follow your example as it adheres to BGH guidelines
• Ensure that volunteers are effectively stationed throughout the gardens and that gardeners are prepared and equipped to maximize the benefit of available volunteer hours
• Other duties as assigned
Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or related field, or Associates degree in Horticulture or related field plus 2 years of proven experience in supervisory Horticulture, or seven years of proven and progressive supervisory experience in Horticulture and/or Landscape Management
• Advanced knowledge and experience with concepts and practices pertaining to the broad scope of horticultural actions necessary for the curation of a renowned public garden at the highest level
• Excellent interpersonal communications skills
• Basic computer skills, especially as it pertains to the Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong work ethic and ability to work directly with staff who report to you
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds
• Proven ability to delegate tasks effectively and to communicate clear expectations
• Advanced knowledge of and experience with seasonal, tropical, herbaceous, and woody plant materials suitable for growing in south Alabama
• Ability to work for extended periods of time outdoors in climatic conditions typical to Mobile, Alabama
• Adherence to instruction and management
• Alabama pesticide license (or ability to obtain)
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Reliable transportation to commute to BGH for a minimum 40-hour work week
Additional Information
Bellingrath Gardens & Home is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of an applicant’s or employee’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other legally protected basis under applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Bellingrath Gardens & Home makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
Application Instructions
To apply for this position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to employment@bellingrath.org by February 7, 2025.
Application Deadline:February 7, 2025