Horticulturist

SC Aquarium; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The South Carolina Aquarium is seeking a horticulture professional to develop, implement, and manage its horticultural projects across internal and external exhibits and the nursery. You will oversee daily plant care, rotation of plant material, and collaboration with curators on exhibit design and habitat restoration.

Responsibilities include managing off-site nursery facilities, liaising with local resources, maintaining accurate records, and mentoring volunteers and interns within the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Botany or related field, or the equivalent to a degree in experience.
• Minimum of three years' experience in a related field.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to aquarium policies and procedures.
• Develop and manage the horticulture program.
• Oversee plant displays and nursery operations.
• Establish relationships with local plant resources.
• Maintain records and reports.
• Manage budget and pest control program.

Skills

Horticulture knowledge

Plant care

Pest management

Organization & communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or related field

Job description

Job Summary:

Develops, implements and manages the South Carolina Aquarium’s horticultural projects including internal exhibits, external exhibits, off-site nursery and other plant displays.

Essential Functions:

• Adhere to South Carolina Aquarium policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate a love of working with South Carolina native plants.
• Assist Curator in developing the horticulture program for the South Carolina Aquarium.
• Oversee the daily care and aesthetics of all plant displays including all aspects of plant culture, rotation of plant material, management of animal interaction with plant material, etc.
• Participate in research, design, modification and development of new exhibits/systems at the SCA and nursery.
• Establish and cultivate relationships with local and regional plant resources.
• Acquire and/or propagate all Aquarium plant material.
• Manage off-site nursery facilities.
• Develop and maintain off exhibit plant propagation and holding area (nursery) through normal nursery practices.
• Maintain accurate records and reports.
• Develop, execute and provide knowledge and expertise for field projects involving the use of existing or installed native plant material for habitat reclamation and enhancement.
• Liaison with the City of Charleston for horticultural activities on National Park Service property adjacent to the Aquarium.
• Help develop and maintain budget for horticultural needs.
• Manage the pest management program for SCA.
• Assist with special projects as requested by the Curator.
• Provide coverage for other animal care positions as required.
• Be flexible with work schedule, being able to work weekends, holidays and evenings.
• Work unsupervised and make decisions consistent with the team philosophy.
• Train and supervise horticulture volunteers and interns, providing mentorship and support for the Aquarium’s internship program.
• Adhere to all South Carolina Aquarium policies and procedures.
• Assist aquarium staff and visitors as needed in a pleasant, professional and courteous manner.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the mission by participating in Aquarium sponsored programs and events on a regular basis.
• Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment used in horticultural operations.
• Cross-train in other areas of animal care.
• Respond to visitor and telephone inquiries.
• Keep abreast with current related literature.
• Attend and make presentations to professional conferences and meetings.
• Participate in cross-functional activities like conducting tours, educational programs, member programs, committees, etc.
• Work with and supervise outside contractors.
• Liaison with the owners of nursery location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of the practices and principles of horticulture in a botanical garden setting and in botanical/zoological mixed species exhibits.
• Knowledge of the flora and fauna of the southeastern U.S., especially as it pertains to South Carolina native plant communities.
• Skilled in all aspects of plant culture including watering, fertilization, pruning, pest management, plant propagation, etc.
• Good organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of organic/natural pesticide and fungicide control.

Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Botany or related field, or the equivalent to a degree in experience
• Minimum of three years' experience in a related field

Licenses & Certifications Required:

• Valid Driver’s License
• South Carolina pesticide license (or ability to acquire)

Supervision of Others:

• Horticulture and other Animal Care volunteers
• Interns

Physical Requirements:

Requires average walking, standing, bending, stooping, and crouching, climbing ladders, sitting, kneeling, balancing, pushing and pulling, crawling, working with tools, computer tasks and phone usage; should be able to lift/carry at least 50 lbs.; requires driving Aquarium vehicles.

Hazardous Requirements:

Average exposure to minor or severe cuts; falls; falling objects; hazards to eyesight, hearing and sense of smell; and tight spaces. Often requires use of personal protective equipment due to exposure to chemicals, hazardous materials, ozone, and handling of animals.

Working Conditions:

This position requires works in both an office environment and outdoors, sometimes in extreme weather including both hot and cold; requires weekend and late-night work as needed; requires contact with customers, the general public, and outside vendors; requires carrying a cell phone and radio; requires occasional travel.