Horticulture Manager

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum is seeking a Horticulture Manager. This position directly manages the horticulture staff in a 372-acre facility that has a stunning natural landscape. The Horticulture Manager provides leadership to staff and volunteers on the overall plant health, maintenance of various planned gardens, and participation in collection planning and priorities. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about arid landscapes, tree care and maintenance, desert ecology, horticulture design principles, greenhouse and propagation best practices.  A love of desert landscapes and wildlife is a must.

ABOUT US

In 1924, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum (BTA)was founded by mining magnate William Boyce Thompson. The desert landscape inspired Boyce Thompson to create the arboretum with the mission of educating people about desert plants and their uses in an arid environment.

This mission continues today, and the Boyce Thompson Arboretum has grown in mission and size over its 100-year history. As an independent non-profit organization, the arboretum is in Superior, Arizona in the beautiful and stunning landscape of Picket post mountain and adjacent to the Tonto National Forest.  The arboretum is located within 30 minutes of Mesa, AZ and 1 hour from downtown Phoenix.  At 372 acres, BTA is the largest and oldest botanical garden in the state of Arizona. BTA holds a collection of 4,030 taxa and 30,000 plants. The Arboretum grounds provide a collection of plants from all over the world’s varied desert and dry lands, displaying them alongside native Sonoran Desert vegetation. Wildlife is abundant and visitors enjoy well maintained hiking trails throughout the grounds.  It is not uncommon to see javelina, bobcat and a variety of native and migratory birds while working, hiking, and enjoying the grounds.  BTA is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Provide direction and leadership on best horticulture and arborist practices in the overall management of the Arboretum including soil nutrition strategies th.at promote sustainable gardening practices, best practices for tree management and integrated pest management
• Develop and oversee the Horticulture Department budget, including reporting of grant and donor-restricted funds.
  Directly supervise and provide leadership, management, and oversight for the day-to-day activities of the Horticulture staff, including hiring, training, goal setting and appraisals/reviews.
  Provide direction and planning for seasonal displays and collaborate with various departments to implement events that affect the gardens.
• Collaborate with propagation/retail nursery team on planning for garden needs and research priorities.
  Participate in collection planning and developing research priorities in collaboration with the Collections Committee, Plant Collections Manager and Executive Director.
• Work collaboratively with the Head Ranger/Safety Officer to maintain safe work protocols that meet OSHA requirements.
  Participate in fund-raising and grant-writing activities that benefit Horticulture programs in collaboration with the Development Department.
• Provide expertise on arid plants and landscapes and share that knowledge and skill through a variety of forms including but not limited to public and visitor engagement, staff mentorship, professional audiences, donors and public engagement.
• Work collaboratively with the Volunteer and Visitor Engagement Coordinator to develop long-term productive relationships with the Master Gardner program and Arboretum volunteers.
• Develop, maintain, and promote positive and professional relationships with internal staff, volunteers, members, vendors, contractors, media, and the general public.
• Provide leadership and engagement in the larger public garden community and work collaboratively on shared goals and projects.
• Participate in strategic and capital planning as a member of the Executive Team.
• Serve as Manager on Duty.

BENEFITS

• Health Insurance, Dental Insurance
• PTO, 11 Paid Floating Holidays
• 401k, Paid Parental Leave,
• Free BTA membership and employee discount in gift shop,
• Flexible schedule
• Employee options for Vision, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance. Different eligibility requirements must be met, and employer contributions are generous, but contribution rates vary among different plan/benefits options.

Requirements

education AND experience

• Bachelor’s degree in botany, horticulture, environmental studies, or related field required
• Minimum of three (3) years managing and supervising horticultural staff. Experience in a public garden preferred.
• Experience or certification in forestry and arborist practices preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in arid and desert plant ecology and landscapes.
• Demonstrated knowledge of horticulture and public garden best practices and clear understanding of aesthetics as they apply to a natural setting.
• Experience successfully managing and completing multiple active projects while staying within budgetary constraints and within specified timelines.
• Strong management and leadership skills with a desire and ability to succeed in a collaborative and diverse environment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Excellent computer skills: MS Office, Powerpoint, Excel
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work in a challenging, fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented, collaborative manner, and strong work ethic.
  Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Must pass a background check.
• Must have a valid AZ Driver’s License or be able to obtain one, clean driving record required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work outside in extreme weather conditions. Summer temperatures may exceed 115 degrees F.
• Must be able to work at least one weekend, day and occasional evenings.  The shift starts one hour before opening. In the summer months the shift starts at 5 am.
• Must be able to do basic office tasks such as typing, writing, using a computer and other electronic equipment.
• Ability to lift and move 50 lbs. and traverse uneven terrain and hiking conditions.
• Must be able to stand, walk on uneven terrain, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel, talk, and hear, and use fingers and hands to feel objects, tools or controls.
• Fully functional vision is required (prescription lenses are acceptable).