Horticulture Assistant

Description:

Job Duties

The Science Museum of Virginia seeks a dynamic individual to join our horticulture team. This position will assist the Science Museum Horticulturist with management of the plants and landscape on our Museum campus. This will involve all aspects of garden maintenance and development including soil preparation, planting & transplanting, mulching, watering, weeding, fertilizing, pruning, propagating, potting, raking, sweeping and blowing; operating and monitoring the irrigation system; maintaining landscape tools and equipment; and operating gas-powered landscape equipment and vehicles. This position will also assist with community and volunteer engagement and facilitating educational interpretation of our green spaces for our guests.

Minimum Qualifications

• A combination of horticultural and ecological knowledge, hands-on experience and the ability to perform the physical labor the work requires.
• Knowledge and use of basic horticultural tools and techniques.
• Must be able to work out-of-doors in Central Virginia seasonal extremes.
• Ability to lift heavy objects up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to continuously walk, stand, bend. twist and/or stoop, push, pull and perform manual labor during working hours
• The ability to perform multiple tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.
• Good organizational skills and the ability to communicate clearly are required
• Proficiency with computer software applications such as Google Suite and MS Office.
• The ability to effectively interact with the general public, school groups, volunteers and staff, and to collaborate productively with community partners.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High school graduate or GED with additional coursework in the field, or equivalent training and experience.
• Virginia Certified Horticulturist certification preferred
• Coursework in horticulture preferred.
• Experience working with community groups and volunteers.