Cultivated Areas Supervisor

About the position

The Cultivated Areas Supervisor will supervise assigned personnel and lead the essential functions associated with the installation, management, and maintenance of collections, displays, exhibits, lawns, and cultivated areas of the Garden. This includes irrigation, fertilization, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), shrubs, perennials, annuals, and arboriculture programs. The position requires collaboration with various departments to coordinate Garden initiatives and horticultural operations, as well as supervising staff and volunteers on related projects.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Natural Areas, Education Areas, Facilities & Grounds, Plant Conservation & Curation, and Learning & Public Engagement departments to coordinate Garden initiatives, maintenance, and horticultural operations.
• Supervise staff and volunteers on projects and tasks related to areas of responsibility, including scheduling, assignment of tasks, performance feedback, recognition, staff development, and training.
• Coach and enforce safety procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and hazard recognition skills.
• Collaborate with the Designer in Residence and Horticulture Manager to design and implement seasonal color displays.
• Consult the Curator for all plant selections anticipated to be in the ground for more than one year.
• Support and participate in the Garden’s strategic and master planning efforts.
• Assess, develop, implement, and evaluate necessary horticultural practices for arboriculture monitoring and care, and IPM for the cultivated areas of the Garden.
• Monitor irrigation systems and practices, and coordinate repair needs and priorities with the Horticulture Manager and Turf and Irrigation Technician.
• Train, coach, and develop staff and volunteers to adhere to best horticultural practices, procedures, and policies.
• Assist with the documentation and mapping of changes per Plant Records Workflow Manual.
• Manage the safe use, basic care, and storage of all departmental equipment and tools.
• Oversee and monitor the proper use of fertilizers and pesticides, including safe mixing and storage.
• Manage and execute assigned projects, supervising contractors and vendors to ensure deliverables meet schedule, budget, and quality requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or a related field from an accredited program.
• 2+ years of relevant landscape and management experience or 6+ years of relevant experience in horticulture, public gardens, or high-end landscapes.
• Demonstrated expertise in horticultural best practices.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. Zone 7 & 8 plants and their proper care.
• Coaching and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent certification in horticulture or a related field from an accredited program.
• 4+ years of relevant experience in horticulture, public gardens, or high-end landscapes demonstrating progression in the profession and crew management and leadership skills.