Horticulturist (Boerner Botanical Garden) Department: Parks Full-time, Hourly Hourly Range: $19.35 - $30.99/hrClosing Date: 4/8/2024 or upon receipt of 50 applicant submissions Parks Equity Statement: Milwaukee County Parks is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse work force that is demographically and racially representative of Milwaukee County residents. Milwaukee County Parks leadership is committed to honoring diverse experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, while fostering work environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.Job SummaryBoerner Botanical Garden is located 15 miles outside of Milwaukee. The horticulturist is tasked to maintain and preserve horticultural and botanical facilities using sound horticultural practices and to educate visitors; preserve and enhance department assets; ensure quality service and product delivery.Job Responsibilities Perform day-to-day operations of the given areas of responsibility including cultivation, propagation, fertilization, pruning, transplantation, pest and soil management, mowing, trimming, snow removal, building maintenance etc. Carry out administrative duties including managing inventory supplies and collections, maintaining logs and databases, verifying nomenclature and accession plants according to the plant collections policy, labeling and mapping plant collections whilst ensuring relevant safety codes and regulations are followed.Inspect and maintain all equipment and tools related to the performance of job duties.Attend group meetings and participate in as well as coordinate group activities including events and talks.Assist with grant writing and create, organize and lead educational talks, tours and programs.Develop displays and collaborate with relevant societies as well as provide customer service.Develop and maintain original outdoor seasonal floral and plant displays that engage visitors and help increase attendance using knowledge, creativity, and expertise to accommodate weather, site, and grounds conditions.Participate in special project teams and execute community outreach efforts as well as marketing and communication efforts. Perform presentations and conduct tours for horticultural groups.Develop and manage an assigned material budget based on the maintenance and design of seasonal floral displays by entering requisition and purchasing data.Manage purchases and coordinate with the Garden Director and other facility staff in adhering to comprehensive assigned budget.Use of Equipment, Tools, and Machinery – Operate vehicle, motorized and heavy machinery, computers, general office equipment, hand tools as well as power tools, etc. Other duties as assigned.Required Education, License/Certification and ExperiencesCurrent residency within the State of Wisconsin upon application requiredValid Wisconsin Driver's License required and must be maintained throughout incumbencyAssociate degree or higher in Horticulture, Botany, Natural Sciences or closely related field required. At least three (3) years or more work experience in Horticulture or Horticultural Maintenance required.Associate or Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Botany, Natural Sciences or closely related field preferred and not required only if the related work experience is relevant to that of at least three (3) years or more work experience in Horticulture or Horticultural Maintenance.Category 3.0 (Turf & Landscape) Pesticide Applicator certification required or must be obtained within six (6) months of hire.Category 3.1 (Greenhouse & Nursery) Pesticide Applicator certification required or must be obtained within six (6) months of hire.Previous botanical garden experience preferred.Previous Tree maintenance experience preferred.Previous Greenhouse operations experience preferred. Previous Educational programming experience preferred. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills required.Availability to work rotating shifts, weekends, and overtime is required.Note: This Original Examination is open to current residents of the State of Wisconsin. The selection process will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: education and experience evaluation; written, oral, or performance tests, or other assessment methods.APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION
