Horticulturalist

Inside Higher Ed; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 34,200 - 41,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust Total Rewards package

Employee Development programs

Job summary

A renowned cultural institution in Sarasota, Florida, is seeking a Horticulturalist. This role involves hands-on gardening work, managing the health and aesthetics of the gardens, and supervising volunteers. Ideal candidates will possess a degree in horticulture or a related field, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and educational programming. The position offers a starting salary of $38,000 or more based on qualifications and experience. Apply online for this rewarding opportunity to contribute to a vibrant cultural site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or high school with 4 years of experience required.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and work in extreme weather.
• Valid Florida driver's license or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain the health and aesthetics of gardens.
• Supervise volunteers and community workers in the gardens.
• Operate maintenance equipment safely and perform preventative maintenance.

Skills

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

TreeKeeper software

Job description

Job Title: Horticulturalist

Location: Sarasota, FL

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Job ID: 61405

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art is located in Sarasota, Florida, and is a department of Florida State University. Learn more about The Ringling at https://www.ringling.org/about-ringling/careers/.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Associate Director of Facilities and Grounds, this position is responsible for performing hands‑on garden work, managing, maintaining, and developing The Ringling's gardens.

• 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. Must be able to 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.

For more information, technical assistance, or should you require accommodations for the application or interview processes, please contact Ringling Human Resources at 941-358-2773 or [e-mail].

Anticipated Salary Range

Starts at $38,000 + based on selected candidate's education, skills, and experience.

FSU Total Rewards

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

How To Apply

To apply, visit https://jobs.fsu.edu or, if you are a current FSU employee, use myFSU > Self Service. Applicants must complete an online application with all applicable information, including work history up to ten years and education details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.