Fairchild Horticulturist

Position Title: Fairchild Horticulturalist

Department: Horticulture

Reports To: Director of Collections

Position Objectives: Manage, improve, interpret, and promote Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden as a world-class horticultural exhibit. Provide leadership and vision to guide volunteers and staff members in the Garden.

ABOUT FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is among the world’s best tropical botanic gardens where you fill find internationally renowned collections of palms, flowering trees, tropical fruits, vines, aroids, and endangered species, which provide a living laboratory for scientists, and the opportunities for discovery for everyone. Fairchild is also a beautiful venue for family-friendly annual events such as the award-winning light spectacular, NightGarden, Chocolate Festival, Mango Festival, and more. With its picturesque paths, vistas, and displays combined with engaging events and activations, Fairchild provides an unforgettable experience for each and every guest.

Job Responsibilities:

Horticulture

• Grow plants to the highest possible standard, maintaining the health and diversity of Fairchild’s scientific collections while maximizing aesthetic appeal.
• Work with the Horticulture team to design new installations, choose plants from the nursery, install new plants, and update Plant Records.
• Work with Grounds and Horticulture teams on fertilizing, pruning, and preserving plant health. Troubleshoot pest, disease, and nutrition issues as they arise.

Maintenance

• Inspect the exhibits regularly and address any issues that might affect visitor safety (e.g. slippery pathways, dangerous hanging limbs).
• Work with the Grounds team and volunteers to ensure pathways are kept clear, palm fronds and fallen branches are removed, and weeds and vines are controlled. Open new planting areas by removing invasive and undesirable plants as determined by Director of Collections.
• Keep irrigation and systems in working order. Work with Director of Collections and Director of Grounds to follow a routine inspection schedule. Conduct troubleshooting, repairs, and preventative maintenance as needed. Communicate with contractors and service providers who work on these systems.
• Lead storm preparation efforts prior to arrival of tropical storms or hurricanes. Lead triage and cleanup activities when storm damage occurs.

Exhibit Development

• Establish a unique and cohesive visitor experience within the Garden as a world leading example of tropical horticulture.
• Introduce visitors to the greatest tropical plant diversity possible. Develop encyclopedic displays of tropical orchids and expand diversity of key plant groups including palms, cycads, aroids, and gingers.

Education and Outreach

• Assist Education, Marketing, and Special Events departments in interpretation.
• Assist in the development of educational resources about the exhibit and its plants, including signage.
• Participate in Fairchild’s teaching programs, leading classes and tours for students and the public.
• Assist with Fairchild’s initiatives to establish, curate, and interpret tropical plant collections in public and private landscapes throughout South Florida.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• A degree in Horticulture preferred, but not required.
• Previous experience of working in a garden, zoo, museum, or themed attraction is a plus.
• Must be able to commit to a flexible schedule.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods standing.
• Must be able to lift, push, and/or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, climb, reach, and lift up to 40 pounds at a time.

*Salary Commensurate with experience.

If you have a passion for horticulture and enjoy working outdoors, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to join our dedicated team of Horticulturists.