Horticulture Supervisor

• Directly supervises horticulturists assistant horticulturists gardeners and volunteers; assigns and schedules work activities; provides technical guidance and training; monitors work quality and productivity; completes performance evaluations; and participates in hiring disciplinary actions and performance management processes as appropriate.
• Leads and participates in daily and seasonal horticultural operations to ensure the successful completion of maintenance activities and landscape projects.
• Oversees and participates in planting pruning mulching watering soil amendment weeding seasonal color changes debris removal composting and general landscape maintenance activities.
• Responsible for monitoring and maintaining the health appearance and horticultural integrity of designated historic and non-historic landscapes gardens trees shrubs turf and herbaceous plantings.
• Implements current horticultural best practices responsible stewardship and environmentally sustainable landscape management practices while supporting the preservation and presentation of culturally significant landscapes.
• Identifies and controls insects diseases weeds and invasive plant species through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices and the safe and proper application of pesticides fungicides and herbicides. Maintains accurate pesticide records and ensures compliance with all applicable regulations and organizational policies.
• Ensures employees are properly trained and licensed in pesticide application equipment operation and safe work practices. Maintains and promotes a safe working environment for staff and volunteers.
• Works closely with the Senior Manager to identify landscape areas requiring enhancement restoration renovation or replanting; recommends plant selections and landscape improvements appropriate to site conditions and operational needs.
• Coordinates assigned horticultural and landscape projects from planning through completion. Works collaboratively with contractors Operations and Maintenance staff Preservation staff Greenhouse staff and other departments as needed.
• Monitors plant growth surrounding historic and non-historic structures pathways utilities lighting and security infrastructure to prevent encroachment drainage concerns or potential damage to structures and systems.
• Assesses irrigation and watering needs during establishment periods and drought conditions and coordinates watering activities as necessary.
• Coordinates with the Greenhouse Supervisor and Senior Manager regarding plant production needs for seasonal displays landscape enhancements and reforestation efforts.
• Ensures horticultural tools vehicles carts and equipment are maintained in safe and proper working condition; coordinates maintenance and repair requests as necessary.
• Maintains records of work activities and ensures staff complete required operational records and reporting documentation.
• Remains informed on current horticultural techniques environmental stewardship practices landscape management strategies and pesticide regulations.
• Interacts positively with visitors guests volunteers and staff by answering questions and providing directions and information as appropriate.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes professionalism teamwork accountability and cooperation throughout the Gardens and Landscapes department and the estate.
• Conducts all work in accordance with Mount Vernon Ladies Association policies procedures and guidelines.
• Performs other related duties and special assignments as assigned.
• This position is classified as essential and the incumbent must be able to participate in storm response ice and snow removal and emergency clean-up operations as needed.

• Bachelors degree in horticulture landscape management environmental sciences historic preservation or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five years of professional horticultural or landscape management experience including at least two years in a supervisory or team leadership role.
• Strong working knowledge of horticultural principles and practices related to the cultivation and maintenance of trees shrubs turf annuals perennials and herbaceous plant material.
• Experience with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) pesticide application procedures and safe chemical handling practices.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a Virginia pesticide applicators license within 6 months of hire date.
• Experience working with landscape equipment and tools including hand tools power equipment chainsaws carts utility vehicles and tractors.
• Ability to supervise staff effectively establish priorities coordinate multiple projects and maintain high operational standards.
• Strong organizational interpersonal written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and maintain effective working relationships across departments.
• Experience working at a public garden museum property historic site arboretum or preservation-focused institution preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word Excel and Outlook.
• Valid drivers license required.

• Ability to perform strenuous physical work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.
• Work requires frequent walking standing bending stooping squatting kneeling climbing and navigating uneven terrain.
• Ability to frequently lift carry drag and move materials tools hoses debris and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• Must be available to work occasional weekends holidays evenings and emergency response situations as operational needs require.

• 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
• Employee recognition at 5 years of service
• Employee referral program
• On-site Library
• Employee Discounts
• 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:

Manager