Horticulturalist

Florida State University; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniform provided

Job summary

The Ringling Museum of Art, a department of Florida State University in Sarasota, seeks a Groundskeeper to care for the gardens and living collections. You will plant, prune, maintain, and supervise volunteers, coordinate with the Grounds Supervisor, and support ongoing grounds projects.

You will manage pest control, operate grounds equipment, and help with safety, inventory, and budgeting tasks. Bachelor or four years' experience required; valid FL driver's license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in agronomy, arboriculture, horticulture, landscaping, landscape design, or landscape technology, or equivalent experience.
• Ability to meet physical requirements including lifting up to 25 lbs, walking long distances, and working in extreme weather.
• Valid Florida driver’s license or ability to obtain prior to hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert care and maintenance of the museum's gardens and living collections.
• Supervise staff and volunteers; coordinate with Grounds Supervisor on projects and scheduling.
• Oversee pest management and safety, operate and maintain grounds equipment and tools.
• Develop programming and educational workshops related to gardens and grounds.

Skills

Public speaking

Physical stamina

Education

Bachelor's degree in agronomy/arboriculture/horticulture/landscape design

High school diploma + 4 years of related experience

Tools

TreeKeeper software

Job description

Department

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art is located in Sarasota, Florida, and is a department of Florida State University.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on the care, maintenance, and propagation of the museum's gardens. Manage, maintain, and enhance the health and aesthetics of The Ringling's living collections and garden spaces. Performs planting, weeding, pruning, trimming, and other activities to ensure gardens are attractive and well-kept. Utilizes pertinent management reports to schedule, evaluate, and improve plant health and general appearance of campus gardens. Generates and responds to emails and work orders via online work order system. Updates work orders in Facilities Dude regarding progress or completion of work order assignments. Assists as needed in reviewing project costing, monitoring supplies inventory and maintenance, and makes recommendations for long‑range planning of grounds and gardens preventative maintenance.
• Serves as point of contact for gardens' volunteers, community service workers, and interns. Collaborates with the Grounds Supervisor for Groundskeeper support in the maintenance of garden spaces. Organizes, monitors, and inspects special garden projects to evaluate progress and ensure project quality. Supervises work performed by staff and volunteers in the gardens and provides assistance in the proper care of trees, shrubs, ground covers, and plants.
• Oversees gardens' spray program and pest management including the application of integrated pest management practices. Monitors for the presence of pest and takes appropriate measures to treat issues as they arise.
• Safely operates company vehicles, mowers, and power tools and grounds keeping equipment. Ensure maintenance equipment is operating safely and returned clean to shop at end of each work day. Perform routing and preventative maintenance and cleaning of all tools.
• Serves as the subject matter expert on the campus grounds and gardens. Collaborates interdepartmentally to develop programming and promote gardens and grounds. Provides gardens and grounds based programming and educational workshops. Participates in community outreach initiatives to cultivate relations, increase awareness of the gardens, and increase volunteer support from outside groups such as local garden clubs, universities, and horticulture facilities. Answers visitor questions regarding the gardens. Develops signage for the gardens.
• Assists as needed with grounds projects and grounds maintenance. May cover areas of responsibility for other grounds staff. Responds to and assists with emergency grounds needs. Performs other duties as assigned that support the Facilities department and operations of the museum.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in agronomy, arboriculture, horticulture, landscaping, landscape design, or landscape technology or a high school degree and four years of appropriate experience.
• Ability to meet physical requirements as determined by position including lift up to 25 lbs., walk long distances, and work in extreme weather conditions.
• Valid Florida driver's license or the ability to obtain prior to hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Skill in public speaking.
• Ability to:
  • Perform groundskeeping work to include the transplanting, cultivation, pruning, and trimming of plants, shrubs, and trees.
  • Effectively train and direct the work of others.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Prioritize, organize and perform multiple work assignments simultaneously.
  • Perform assigned responsibilities with minimal to moderate supervision.
• Knowledge of and ability to:
  • Applicable computer applications and basic computer functions such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, & Outlook), along with the ability to use the TreeKeeper software suite and the ability to maintain computerized records.
  • Identify safety hazards and necessary safety precautions to establish a safe work environment.
  • Safely operate machinery, tools, equipment and materials used in area of work.

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!

Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses.

Anticipated Salary Range

Rate of pay will be commensurate with the selected candidate's education, skills, and experience. Find out more about our comprehensive benefits package under the "FSU Total Rewards" section.

FSU Total Rewards

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our FSU Total Rewards website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.

Use our FSU Total Compensation Calculator to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

Veterans' Preference

Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, receive preference and priority, and certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for post secondary educational requirements, in employment by the state and its political subdivisions and are encouraged to apply for the positions being filled. Veterans' Preference applies to University Support Personnel System (USPS) positions only.

IMPORTANT: To claim Veterans' Preference, select "yes" to the question on the application questionnaire and upload a DD-214 (or equivalent), the Veterans' Preference Certification form, and other documentation if applicable with your online application before midnight of the position closing date.

Click the links for Veterans’ Preference eligibility requirements and Veterans’ Preference required documentation (PDF), or call FSU Human Resources at [phone].

Considerations

• This is an USPS (University Support Personnel System) position.
• This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.
• Work Location: Sarasota, FL
• Employees are required to wear the standard issue uniform while at work.
• This role is designated as essential and may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency museum closure.

Working Hours

• Monday - Friday from 6:30 AM and 3:00 PM with a 30 minute meal period.

Weekends, evenings, and holidays may be required per the needs of the Ringling.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.