About Reeves-Reed Arboretum

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 educational events and programs.

Responsibilities:

• Meet weekly with the Horticulture Department to assess priorities and set weekly tasks and goals.
• Help coordinate and supervise the physical work of the seasonal gardener, interns, and volunteers.
• 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, and 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 working order.
• Assisting in snow removal for tenant access, handicap accessibility, and fire egress, including applying 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 to ensure optimum plant health.
• Assist in scouting and reporting potential insect, disease, and other pest problems in line with integrated pest management techniques, including identifying and implementing 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 programs/events.
• As with all positions, this role will continually exemplify and promote the core values, mission, and culture of Reeves-Reed Arboretum.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in Horticulture and/or a related field.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid U.S. Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certifications, higher education, and/or training in relevant skills.
• Experience working in public settings.
• Experience with sustainable landscaping practices.
• Experience with pest management.
• Possession of or willingness to obtain a NJ Pesticide Applicator’s License.

Skills:

• Problem-solving.
• Detail-oriented.
• Conflict resolution.
• Collaborative.
• Able to work as part of a team, as well as independently.
• Knowledge of horticulture, composting, and integrated pest management techniques.
• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Exhibit good judgment and decision-making skills.
• Ability to interact well with all levels of staff.
• Ability to learn new skills and maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant techniques.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite programs (Excel, Publisher; on-the-job training available).
• Must be willing and able to work outdoors and in all types of weather.
• Ability to stand, sit, and squat for long periods of time.
• Ability to perform repetitive movements.
• Must be able to push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must have the physical ability to work in public spaces.
• Ability to safely and effectively operate equipment, including but not limited to vehicles, hand tools, power equipment, and safety equipment.
• Always maintain a high standard of safety by cautioning off sites for workplace and public safety, using personal protective equipment, and adhering to OSHA rules and regulations.
• Identify and report grounds issues and hazards appropriately and in a timely manner.
• Always maintain professionalism, including when interacting with the public.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The Assistant Horticulturist is a year-round hourly position with room for growth.

24 hours/week

$21-23/hour

Flexible scheduling, some weekends required

Email a resume to: j.frascinella@reeves-reedarboretum.org.