Horticulturist

• Tasks include: daily inspection of gardens and walkways; planning planting harvesting pruning applying soil amendments; water management; debris removal; weed and pest control; mulching; and assisting with invasive plant management.
• Uses current best practices and responsible stewardship when performing the tasks outlined above.
• Work with team members to identify and control insects diseases and weeds. Apply insecticides fungicides and herbicides safely and properly and maintain pesticide records.
• Understands basic soil structure and soil health and the relationship to plant health.
• Operates and maintains equipment and power tools as needed.
• Maintains records of work activities and submits information for monthly reports.
• Responsible for staying up-to-date and informed on the latest horticultural practices and pesticides.
• Interacts positively with visitors answering questions and giving directions.
• Practices and maintains safety standards and procedures in all work areas and assures others work safely as well.
• Works independently and with minimum supervision; however certain tasks require the individual to work closely with other departmental staff in a team setting.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation within the Gardens and Landscapes department and throughout the Estate with co-workers management and volunteers.
• Conducts all work in accordance with the Mount Vernon Ladies Associations procedures and guidelines.
• Performs other related duties as requested by the 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 and storm-damage clean-up as needed.

• A bachelors degree in horticulture or a related field of study; a minimum of two years work experience in horticulture or a similar field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in planting growing and harvesting vegetables and field crops.
• Knowledgeable in the cultivation practices of native and non-native trees shrubs herbaceous plants and possess an awareness of environmental practices that enhance local ecosystems. The ability to identify invasive plants and experience with controlling them is a plus.
• Ability to implement proper pruning techniques for all types of woody plants.
• Experience in operating a variety of equipment including assorted hand and power tools chainsaws electric and diesel gators tractors loaders aerial lifts and dump trucks is ideal.
• 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.

Required Experience:

IC