Lead, Horticulture

St. Louis Community College

Part-time,Full-time - Entry Level

Educational Services

About the position

The Lead, Horticulture at St. Louis Community College is responsible for leading the horticultural team in managing exterior gardens and labs for educational purposes. This role involves establishing high horticultural standards, overseeing staff and volunteers, and ensuring the health and sustainability of plant life. The Lead will also engage with students to help them achieve their educational goals in horticulture.

Responsibilities

• Establishes and maintains high horticultural standards and practices, providing direction for the horticultural staff, students, and volunteers.
• Oversees crews to ensure quality work is being performed in a safe and efficient manner, monitoring and giving feedback daily.
• Trains all staff on equipment use, maintenance practices, and safety procedures.
• Manages and supports overall plant health and soil nutrition strategies for all gardens, including sustainable gardening practices and integrated pest management.
• Maintains a systematic plant record database and plant inventory collection.
• Monitors that all operational facilities, systems, and equipment are kept organized, clean, and operating properly.
• Plans, applies, and documents all chemical usage in the outdoor and indoor gardens.
• Collaborates with the Greenhouse Lead, College grounds and facilities departments, or outside contractors as necessary.
• Implements and monitors the operational department budget, strategic planning, and horticultural capital projects.
• Collaborates and participates with department team in public engagement and off-campus activities to promote the program.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Horticulture, Biology, Agriculture, or a related field with 1 - 3 years of experience.
• Must have, or acquire within 60 days, a state of Missouri certified applicators license.
• Must have a valid Class F driver's license.
• ISA Certified Arborist certification required.

Benefits

• 100% match on retirement contributions
• Two health insurance plan options at no cost to the employee
• Low-cost life insurance with a 3x salary benefit
• Low-cost dental and vision insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Tuition waivers for employees and their dependents
• Tuition reimbursement for other institutions after 6 months of service
• Annual professional development allotment
• Generous time off package including holidays, vacation, personal days, and medical leave
• Paid winter holiday at the end of the calendar year
• Access to an employee assistance program (EAP) for employees and their households.