Horticulture Manager, Milton and Catherine Conservatory and Butterfly Atrium

Job Description

This position is responsible for efficiently overseeing the day-to-day horticultural operation and care of the Milton and Catherine Hershey Conservatory and Butterfly Atrium, ensuring that the Conservatory provides an outstanding educational live butterfly exhibit and horticultural display. The Manager, Milton and Catherine Hershey Conservatory and Butterfly Atrium (Manager) leads a team of staff and volunteers in the care of the pupae, butterflies and other invertebrate species according to national and international codes, regulations and standards. Working in collaboration with the Horticulture team, performs duties associated with the maintenance and care of conservatory plant displays. The Manager works in collaboration with the Manager of Education and Public Programs on the layout and installation of special events to be held in the conservatory. He/she provides information for budgets, coordinates work schedules, completes staff performance evaluations, and supervises special projects. The Manager must be able to work as part of a team of horticulturists, educators, special event coordinators, and Hershey Gardens/Foundation staff to successfully meet the mission of Hershey Gardens. This position will also serve as Manager on Duty when required.

About Us

Hershey Gardens opened in 1937 with Milton Hershey’s request to “create a nice garden of roses.” More than 85 years later, the small rose garden has blossomed into 23 acres of botanical beauty providing visitors with unique experiences and enriching opportunities.

Overlooking the town of Hershey, Hershey Gardens features brilliant seasonal displays and theme gardens, an indoor, tropical Butterfly Atrium inside the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory, and a hands-on Children’s Garden.

Duties & Responsibilities

Leads a team that provides care and handling of the pupae and adult butterflies and other insect species; responsible for implementing protocols and operating procedures to maintain a high level of sanitation, care and safety of butterflies.
Supervises staff, volunteers and student workers, including hiring, training, work allocation, and evaluations. Develops performance goals, creates and maintains daily work schedules, reviews and approves time sheets.
Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed and adjusts work methods to reduce hazards. Reports accidents and injuries immediately. Ensures compliance with the USDA-APHIS-PPQ permit and other codes, regulations and standards and assists with permit renewal process.

Works with the Director of Horticultural Operations and Horticultural staff to monitor conservatory plant health, maintain conservatory plant collections and correct labeling. Under the guidance of the Director of Horticultural Operations, develops and coordinates planting plans for the conservatory’s landscape and seasonal displays. Collaborates to design and develop high quality plant displays to educate visitors. Assists in managing an IPM pest control program ensuring that conservatory plants are pest free. Assist with Garden-wide special events and other duties as assigned, including snow removal. Work may be performed in a variety of outdoor and indoor environments and weather conditions.
Provides information on conservatory expenses for inclusion into annual budget, ensures department operates within approved budget, completes purchase orders, and assigns material costs to suitable accounts. Further the Garden’s mission through teaching classes, leading tours, writing articles, giving garden club talks, participating in regional outreach events, and providing excellent customer service at all times.

Monitors temperature, humidity, ventilation, and light levels under the direction of an authorized user to ensure optimal plant health conditions. Ensures that conservatory equipment is functioning and, if needed, completes maintenance requests for repairs.

Education and Experience

B.S. degree in Horticulture, Biology, Botany, Science and/or related field required. An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.

Minimum of (5) five years of practical, relevant work experience. Preferred experience with growing tropical plants in an indoor environment. Previous experience with live animal care.

Minimum (3) years’ experience in personnel management including demonstrated abilities in staff support, development, and conflict resolution.

This position requires criminal history background checks in addition to child abuse background checks as a condition of employment

Additional Information

Minimum knowledge and skills required:

Strong leadership, team-management and interpersonal skills including clear verbal and written communication skills.
Comfortable handling insects and invertebrates, including dispatching specimens that may be injured or diseased.
Proficient in Microsoft and Google suites of products.
Working knowledge of safe operating procedures for various types of garden maintenance equipment.
Understanding of Federal, State and local laws, regulations and standards for the ethical and humane treatment of animals in education.
Working knowledge of budget development, management and forecasting.
Scheduling flexibility that allows working weekends, evenings, holidays and special events as needed.
Need to be able to move between Foundation and entities.
Requires physical effort including lifting up to 25 pounds and extended periods of standing or walking, pushing, pulling and handling manual labor tasks.
Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.
Must be able to safely climb up and down ladders.
Must be capable of operating heavy machinery and small power equipment safely and responsibly.
Must obtain a PA Registered Pesticide Applicator’s license within 3 months of hiring.
Must have a basic working knowledge of botanical nomenclature.

Sweet perks include a benefits program to choose among medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, partially funded HSA, and a robust 403(b) savings plan. Admission to Foundation operating divisions with additional community discounts are also included. Starting salary $52,000/year.

Application Instructions

All applicants must complete an application on our website, https://www.hersheygardens.org/employment/
Please also send a resume to deawiles@hersheygardens.org