Horticulture Technician

Bonnet Springs Park; Lakeland (FL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Bonnet Springs Park is seeking a dedicated Horticulture Technician to support the development, protection, and enhancement of native plants across the park.

You will assist with planting, watering, weeding, and maintaining greenhouse and butterfly house displays, working with volunteers and park staff to ensure a welcoming, show-ready environment for guests.

Qualifications

• Education/certifications in horticulture or related field preferred.
• Three to five years related experience in botanical/nature center or native landscaping preferred.
• Knowledge of Florida native plants and plant maintenance is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planting, watering, weeding, and trimming plant beds.
• Report conditions and discuss changes with management.
• Maintain weed control across plant beds and exhibits.
• Support greenhouse and butterfly house maintenance.
• Work with volunteers and ensure show-ready greenhouse.
• Lead department initiatives to improve guest or staff satisfaction.

Skills

Knowledge of Florida native plants

Plant maintenance

Planning & organization

Communication skills

Weekend/holiday availability

Education

Horticulture-related education

Job description

POSITION PURPOSE: The Horticulture Technician is responsible for assisting in the development, protection, and enhancement of the native plants at Bonnet Springs Park. Candidate should be knowledgeable about threats to native habitats including plant pests, pathogens and diseases and ensure they are aesthetically pleasing to our guests.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Weekend Availability is Required**
• Helps manage the plant communities within the BSP Grounds, Gardens, Greenhouse and Butterfly House including: planting, watering, weeding and trimming as needed.
• Confers with management to report conditions, plan planting and harvesting schedules and to discuss changes in fertilizer, herbicides or cultivating techniques.
• Ensures weed control in all of the plant beds and exhibits
• Helps to determine maintenance needs and partners with the Maintenance Team to ensure completion of repairs.
• Completes duties such as, cultivation, harvesting, maintenance or altering Greenhouse environmental conditions.
• Assists with planting seasonal or annual plant bed rotations, designs, and exhibits
• Assists with maintaining the population of butterflies in the exhibit through natural process and plant cultivation
• Works with volunteers, developing long-term productive relationships
• Ensures the cleanliness and "show-ready" look of the greenhouse
• Continually looks for ways to improve overall efficiency of operations and adjust needs based on attendance levels, operating needs and other variables.
• Serve as a project leader for department initiatives related to improving guest or staff satisfaction, leadership development and compliance.
• Maintain positive communications with all park visitors.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conducts all business in a moral and ethical manner leaving no room to question the integrity of the park or its staff
• Completes daily activities as assigned by the Horticulture Manager.
• Maintains a working knowledge of general and departmental safety procedures. Attends safety training programs and works to earn specific certifications as needed.
• Assists with implementation and monitoring programs that assure a safe facility and work environment that is in compliance with all appropriate regulations--Ergonomics, Emergency Responses, Injury and Illness Prevention, and Hazard Communications Programs.
• Performs additional duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Education/certifications in horticulture, botany, natural sciences, or a related field is preferred.

Experience

Three to five years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Botanical, nature center and/or native landscaping is preferred.

Demonstrated Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of Florida native plants and plant maintenance highly desirable
• Knowledge of transplanting techniques and native plant production is desirable.
• Possess planning and organization skills with attention to detail and ability to multi-task, prioritize, and follow-through
• Must be willing and able to work varied and long shifts including holidays, weekends, and events
• Outstanding personal communication skills, ability to interact and communicate effectively and collaborate with their team, co-workers, community partners, donors, and agency contractors

REQUIREMENTS

• Pass a background check and mandatory drug test
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable through the park's insurance carrier
• Ability to walk around in a 168-acre park
• Must have good people skills and be comfortable dealing with the public

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment for this position is primarily outdoor in heat, though cold weather work may be necessary. The candidate must be able to adapt to either condition very quickly as transitioning from indoor to outdoor could occur multiple times per day.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job include but are not limited to regularly required to sit, stand, walk, see, hear, talk, drive and meet with others. Must be able to bend, stretch, kneel and twist. Employee must possess conversational hearing, with or without aid, as well as adequate vision and ability to verbally communicate effectively. Additionally, employee must possess dexterity to operate standard office equipment, drive a golf cart and ability to occasionally lift 40 pounds or more. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.