Senior Horticulturist

• Areas of responsibility include the Lower or Kitchen Garden and incumbent will also assist with tasks or projects in the other historic gardens and the historic and non-historic landscape as needed.
• Tasks include: daily inspection and grooming planning planting harvesting pruning applying soil amendments water management debris removal weed and pest control mulching and mowing.
• Use current best practices and responsible stewardship when performing the tasks outlined above.
• Work with other members of the team to identify and control insects diseases and weeds. Apply insecticides fungicides and herbicides safely and properly and maintain pesticide records. This position requires seasonal after-hours spraying of fruit trees to mitigate disease.
• Understand basic soil structure and soil health and the relationship to plant health.
• Operate and maintains equipment and power tools as needed.
• Develop and maintain planting schedules keep daily records of work activities and submit information for monthly reports.
• Oversee part-time staff and volunteers working in the historic gardens and train them on various aspects of work as needed.
• Interact positively with visitors answering questions and giving directions.
• Practice and maintain safety standards and procedures in all work areas and assure others work safely as well.
• Work independently and with minimum supervision however certain tasks require individual to work closely with other horticulture staff in a team setting.
• Behave and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation within the Horticulture department and throughout the Estate with co-workers management and volunteers.
• Conduct all work in accordance with the Mount Vernon Ladies Associations procedures and guidelines.
• Perform other related duties as requested by immediate supervisor and carries out the completion of special assignments.
• This position is classified as essential and the incumbent must be able to participate in ice and snow removal as well as storm damage clean-up as needed.

• A bachelors degree in horticulture or related field of study; and minimum of five years work experience in public/historic gardens or similar field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficient in the cultivation and harvest of vegetables fruits and herbs.
• Knowledge and ability to implement proper pruning techniques for woody plants including espaliered fruit trees.
• Experience in operating a variety of equipment including assorted hand and power tools chainsaws electric and diesel gators tractors loaders and dump trucks is preferred.
• A background in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices experience and knowledge of pesticides including the proper application of pesticides and possession of or the ability to obtain a Virginia pesticide applicators license is essential for this position.
• Detail oriented with the ability to prioritize manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite such as Word Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to perform strenuous work in a variety of weather conditions including extreme high and low temperatures.
• Work requires frequent walking standing bending stooping squatting kneeling and the ability to navigate uneven terrain.
• The incumbent will frequently handle objects weighing up to 30 pounds (occasionally 50 pounds) unassisted. On a regular basis drag lift and carry heavy debris and watering hoses and load or unload heavy items from powered and hand operated carts.
• Must be available to work occasional weekends holidays and evenings.
• Valid drivers license.

• 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
• Employee recognition at 5 years of service
• Monthly employee events
• Employee referral program
• On-site Library
• Discount on Public Event Tickets
• Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops
• Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and Food Court Pavilion
• Free Parking
• Health Vision and Dental insurance
• Short Term Disability Long Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Paid leave for Sick Time Vacation and Holidays
• Flexible spending account for medical care

Required Experience:

Senior IC