Gardener and Arboretum Volunteer Supervisor
Posted on 06/19/2017
Salary Range: 20.00 To 21.00 (USD) Hourly
Worker Category: Part Time
Job Class: Professional
Location: Merion, PA
Description: The Barnes Foundation is seeking a Gardener and Arboretum Volunteer Supervisor. As an integral part of the Barnes Foundation and Arboretum team, the Gardener and Arboretum Volunteer Supervisor will assist with the development and maintenance of the grounds and living collections. In addition, they will be responsible for training, assessing need of, scheduling, and monitoring activities for all of volunteers working in the arboretum.
Established as an educational institution, the Barnes Foundation carries out its mission by promoting appreciation of the arts and horticultural science through the preservation, presentation, and interpretation of the collections of Albert C. and Laura L. Barnes.
Celebrated for its exceptional breadth, depth, and quality, the Barnes Foundation’s art collection includes works by some of the greatest European and American masters of impressionism, post-impressionist, and early modern art, as well as African sculpture, Pennsylvania German decorative arts, Native American textiles, metalwork, and more. The 12-acre Arboretum contains over 3,000 species of woody plants and trees.
The Foundation engages diverse audiences through its exceptional collections and related high-quality programs that reflect a broad range of periods and cultures and build on the founders’ innovative educational vision of transforming lives through the arts and horticulture.
Responsibilities:
Gardener:
- Shows up on time every day and works full scheduled shift
- Follows instructions given by Head Gardener or the Gardener in charge of that section if assisting a fellow Gardener
- Works in a safe manor adhering to all safety precautions and procedures
- Listens, learns, and asks questions about techniques, plant material, and the history of the Living Collection
- Trouble shoots and comes up with multiple solutions and/or ideas when any issue arises before bringing the issue to the Head Gardener’s attention
- Manages your time efficiently when doing assigned tasks
- Assists in the development, maintenance and daily care of the grounds including turf, general landscape maintenance, cultivation of plant material, planting, transplanting, pruning, plant health care, composting, snow removal, development of plans for maintenance and upkeep of grounds, and overall maintenance of plant material both indoors and outdoors
- Assist in the direction and management of subcontractors working in assigned section
- Applies knowledge of plant identification for correct labeling, selection and cultivation of plants in ideal locations
- Demonstrates competency in propagation methods and procedures for maintaining and increasing the Living Collection of both herbaceous and woody plant material
- Takes action to initiate watering, fertilizing, and integrated pest management
- Helps monitor and maintain plants records, inventories, labels and special collections using knowledge of electronic plant record systems
- Assists with the coordination of students, volunteer activities, and educational in addition to providing instruction and demonstrating gardening practices, use of tools, plant features and landscape applications
- Provides information to visitors such as botanical names, characteristics, and proper care of plants in an engaging manner to promote the mission of the Foundation
- Works closely with other departments to facilitate, coordinate, and implement construction, instillation, and other work for landscape, gardens, public and special events, and educational programs
- Demonstrates safe handling of gardening hand tools and power equipment in addition to pesticides per instructions, and
- Performs other duties as required.
Arboretum Volunteer Supervisor:
- Reviews volunteer applications, interviews, and recommends candidates to the Head Gardener and Volunteer and Gallery Guide Manager for approval
- Evaluates need for volunteers in the Arboretum and schedules accordingly, coordinates with other departments as needed, supervises time cards
- Oversees training, activity, and evaluation of the Arboretum volunteers
- Liaises with Volunteer and Gallery Guide Manager in addition to Human Resources as appropriate
Skills and Knowledge:
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in horticulture science or related field or equivalent from a formal gardener training program
- At least three years of experience in ornamental horticulture and familiarity with herbaceous/woody plants/tropical ornamentals and their names
- At least three years of working with volunteers in a public garden setting
- Knowledge of plant database computer applications
- Knowledge of gardening methods and practices, plant disease and pests, tools and materials
- Valid Driver’s license required
- PA Commercial Pesticide Category 6 Applicator’s License preferred or obtained within six months
Competitive Benefits Include:
Group health, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; short- and long-term disability and group life insurance; 403(b) with matching contributions; Employee Assistance Program; voluntary benefits; as well as paid vacation, personal time, sick time, and holidays