Employment

Horticultural Technician

Summary
The Iowa Arboretum and Gardens is an inspiring educational and recreational resource demonstrating the value and use of trees, shrubs, and other plants in the Iowa landscape. The Horticultural Technician will work with other staff and volunteers on grounds to help with the management of the Iowa Arboretum and Garden’s vast plant collection and natural areas.

This role will perform all job duties associated with horticulture design, management and care of arboretum displays and gardens. They will conduct research to target plants for inclusion into the arboretum’s living collections. This position will ensure the living collections contain the highest levels of plant diversity to support conservation, research, and education. Job duties are directly related to the design, installation, and care of assigned garden spaces and collections including IPM, plant selection, propagation, and exchange with other institutions. Careful attention to accession record keeping and plant labeling are also critical components of this position.

Duties and Responsibilities

Work with Curator to target and develop plant collections according to Collections Policy and the Garden Plan.
Utilize resources including GRIN, research objectives, and garden plans to select species and develop garden collections.
Adheres to Iowa Arboretum, Inc.’s living Collection’s Policy, acquisitions processes, and collections focus.
Maintains the highest standards of plant record keeping, updates the Accessions Database when plants are added, moved or die and ensures plants are labeled at all times.
Landscape management including weeding, pruning, mulching, raking, deadheading, watering, and other horticulture/grounds duties.
Maintains general care of horticultural tools, and technical equipment (i.e., sharpening, tightening, lubricating, and general cleaning.) Refers more serious problems to management personnel.
Maintains a professional demeanor, answering informal questions from the public as needed when working.
Trains and effectively utilizes assigned volunteers, interns and students.
Writing including garden descriptions, plant profiles, essays, and social media posts.
Ensures all applicable safety standards are followed adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards and reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.
Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Assist with special events.
Behaves & communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others.

Competencies

Communication: Combines listening skills, verbal and written communication skills and visitor relation skills.
Collaboration: Incorporates teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, cooperation and visitor focus.
Accountability: Initiative to take ownership of responsibilities, the ability to prioritize and the working knowledge and skills to take action.
Problem Solving: Blends problem solving skills, judgement and decision-making skills along with creativity and resourcefulness.
Stewardship: Merges the practical application of the arboretum’s values and support for a positive organizational climate.

Qualifications

Minimum of 2 years of hands-on, relevant horticulture work experience required.
Working knowledge of common garden plants, native plants, and general landscape management techniques.
Proficient plant identification knowledge and ability to use resources to aid in identification and memorization.
Proficient in operating and knowledge of safe operation procedures for various types of landscape maintenance equipment.
Ability to present technical concepts to non-technical functional teams.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels; must enjoy and feel comfortable interacting and working in close proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions regarding horticulture collection.
The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.
Able to pass a standard national background check.

Education

Associate’s or B.S. degree in Horticulture, Biology, Botany, and/or related field required.
An equivalent combination of skills, education, and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills

Proficiency with Google Products (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Slides, Photos, etc.).
Ability to utilize the internet for researching, able to discern fact-based sources of information.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Ability to possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Ability to possess and maintain pesticide applicator’s certification.

Physical Demands

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. (i.e., load, unload and move gardening supplies, medium to heavy weight tools and equipment).
Must be able to work in high heat and humidity, below freezing temperatures, and high wind.
Requires standing, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching for extended periods of time– 90% or more of the workday is standing on feet.
Ability to wear arboretum-issued Personal Protective Equipment.
May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb ladders, etc.).

Supervisor
Curator of Collections and Grounds

Schedule and Compensation

This position is full-time and on a one weekend day (Sunday-Thursday) schedule. Winter work-from-home hours are available on a merit-based basis.
Seven paid holidays
120 hours PTO annually for first five years
Retirement options available
Health, dental, and vision options available

Application Instructions
Please send cover letter and resume to David McKinney, Curator of Collections and Grounds:
david@iowaarboretum.org

Preferred start date: March 3, 2025
Applications will continue to be accepted for the position until a suitable candidate is selected and accepts an offer of employment.

Job descriptions are guidelines that attempt to characterize major duties and responsibilities of employees and are subject to change as needs and programs change. At Iowa Arboretum, Inc. they are considered neither inclusive nor exclusive. It is expected that up to 20% of your duties may change annually.

Employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

The Iowa Arboretum, Inc. supports a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Garden is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. To increase diversity in professions related to the public garden realm, we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.