Teaching Garden Manager

Job Description

The Garden Manager acts to support the horticultural vision and educational mission of the Tulsa Garden Center through the development of a multi-year garden plan that ensures the health and beauty of the garden and creates a value-added visitor experience. In conjunction with the Director of Horticulture, the Garden Manager will curate plant material and garden designs to provide educational opportunities and inspiration to visitors of all ages. The Garden Manager is responsible for all day-to-day operations of the Teaching Garden (TG) including garden area and facility maintenance. The Garden Manager assists with TG Volunteer trainings and oversees volunteer activities within the garden.

About Us

The Tulsa Garden Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide a variety of horticultural and environmental education opportunities for the community and to serve as horticultural headquarters for the Tulsa area, with a vision to make Woodward Park a premier public garden which connects all people to nature.

Duties & Responsibilities

Gardens and Facilities
•Maintain Garden to the highest horticulture standards, including mulching, weeding, clearing areas of litter, leaves and spent plant material, properly groom, prune, deadhead, and stake plants for optimal appearance.
•Oversee work performed in the garden by volunteers, interns, and other staff members.
•Maintain and run irrigation system as seasonally appropriate, hand water as necessary.
•Recognize and develop treatment plans for disease, pests and nutritional deficiency problems.
•Operate all equipment and tools safely and properly. Oversee the regular maintenance, cleaning and repairs of tools as needed.
•Coordinate with TGC operations to oversee the maintenance of TG facilities, including the barn, shed, greenhouse and all other non-living features of the gardens and submit work orders with the City of Tulsa as needed.
•Maintain inventory records of both consumable and non-consumable assets. Make purchase requests to maintain adequate supply. Make proposals for large acquisitions related to areas of responsibility.
•Develop and adhere to annual maintenance plans for the gardens and update protocols as needed.
•Abide by garden safety policies to maintain the security and integrity of the grounds

Programs and Special Events
•Work with the Director of Horticulture in developing and executing long range plans for the garden.
•Assist with training and supervision of Garden Interns.
•Assist with Teaching Garden seminars, demonstrations and Special Events
•For Springfest, collect, catalog and care for inventory of propagations, seeds, plugs and donated plant material for sale, create ID tags and informational signage.
•For Springfest and other plant sales, participate in prep, day-of and break-down activities as needed.

Volunteers
•Assist with the development and maintenance of a comprehensive recruitment, orientation, training, retention, and recognition plan for volunteers to ensure that all volunteers are knowledgeable and feel enriched by their experiences.
•Develop and maintain complete and accurate records, including volunteer policies, procedures, position descriptions, standards of conduct, contact information and, where applicable, criminal background checks. Keep logs of hours volunteered and areas of involvement.
•Serve as the primary point of contact for Teaching Garden volunteers.
•Schedule and supervise volunteers for routine maintenance and special projects
•Provide equipment and activity specific instruction to volunteers.

Fundraising
•Consult with the Events Department on garden policies for rental purposes
•Work with the Development Department concerning donor opportunities.
•Assist as needed with Wine and Roses before, during and after event.

Education and Experience

•2- or 4-year degree in horticulture or a closely related field preferred; significant professional experience (minimum 5 years in gardening or landscaping) may substitute for formal education.
•Knowledge of common varieties of annuals, perennials, and ornamental shrubs and trees used in landscaping
•Knowledge of common pests and diseases and methods of treatment
•Comfort with occasional use of fertilizers and pesticides
•Willingness to obtain Oklahoma Certified Pesticide Service Technician Certification
•Experience managing volunteers and conducting educational programs
•A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a similar role
•Strong knowledge of communication practices and techniques.
•Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
•Must be able to multitask and work well under pressure.
•Excellent organizational and leadership abilities

Additional Information

This is a physically demanding position, requiring the capability to be on your feet for long periods of time, lift a 50-pound load with assistance, and work outdoors in the typical weather extremes of Oklahoma. May be exposed to: heights more than 15ft., hazardous materials, flammable liquids, excessive dust, confined spaces, high noises, weather/temperature extremes, rough terrains, cutting/chipping/grinding, damp/wet surfaces, snow/ice-covered surfaces, insect bites, poisonous plants, snake bites, overhead power lines, toxic fumes/vapors/odors, and refuse/garbage/litter/animal waste.

Application Instructions

Please submit a resume and cover letter to info@tulsagardencenter.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.