Horticulture Manager

Horticulture Manager – Full-Time (Exempt)

Rate: Pay Grade: E – $22.0870 hour/$45,941 annual to $34.7084 hour/$72,194 annual – minimum starting salary based on prior experience and education

Location: Farmpark, Kirtland, OH 44094

Position Description: 

Under direction of the Farmpark Administrator, the Horticultural Manager plans and implements all horticultural operations related to Lake Metroparks Farmpark. These duties include, but are not limited to, facility management, the coordination of staff, and programming of the Plant Science Center while meeting the programming and aesthetic requirements of the park. This includes the layout, design, and maintenance of all gardens, landscapes, and displays throughout the park, while providing the necessary support for our horticultural education programs. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Directs and manages staff: including working with fellow supervisors to select, hire, train and coach new employees; assures adequate performance and morale.         
• Manages and directs ornamental horticulture, fruit and vegetable production, landscaping and pesticide application.
• Designs, develops and completes set-up off-site horticulture demonstrations and displays.
• Designs, develops, and maintains public and interpretive horticulture facilities, areas and exhibits including hydroponics and propagation greenhouses, All American Select Seed Display Garden, and various displays and program gardens, flower beds and landscaping throughout the park.
• Assists with the development of the horticulture budget. Monitors and controls expenses.
• Stays up to date on knowledge related to horticulture trends; conducts research to ensure programs are relevant to current standards.
• Maintains all required records of planting sites.
• Writes articles and takes photographs for Almanac, and other publications. 
• Collaborates with staff to coordinate and execute special events.
• Develops horticulture programming for public and schools in collaboration with interpretation and education manager.
• Serves as a duty officer, providing weekend management coverage as required. 
• Maintains staff trainings in coordination with the interpretation and education manager; ensuring the staff is up to date on program modifications and changes in horticultural programing.
• Assures compliance with all USDA, ODA, EPA, safety and health regulations.
• Maintains catalog of MSDS for all agricultural chemicals.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related field preferred.
• 3+ years of previous horticulture related experience, including greenhouse management, fruit and vegetable crop production, and landscape design required.
• 1-2 years of supervisory experience preferred. 
• Certified Pesticide Applicator License preferred or the ability to obtain within the time limit agreed to by management.

Position Requirements: 

• In-depth knowledge of horticulture practices.
• Knowledge of turf management, arboriculture, nursery, greenhouse management, fruit and vegetable crop production and landscape management.
• Demonstrated understanding of all related ODA and EPA and local Health District regulations.
• Demonstrated understanding of entomology, with an emphasis in the understanding of bees pertaining to the park’s programs.
• Knowledge of native Ohio plants and biodiversity.
• Knowledge of plant propagation, seeding practices and growing schedules to meet the demands of plant and seedling availability for thousands of students for exact time periods. 
• Demonstrate design skills in visual arts and/or landscaping.
• Excellent presentation and verbal & written communication skills.
• Must be comfortable speaking in public in front of small and large groups.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for working with families and children of all ages.
• Must be self-motivated, self-directed, flexible, creative, able to perform with poise under pressure and to deliver strong and measurable results.
• Must possess strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to manage all types of employees. 
• Ability to stimulate interest and excitement about program subjects and the park district in visitors and other staff.
• Ability to be creative, flexible, well organized, energetic, and to relate to the public.
• Ability to interact with others with tact and courtesy and maintain integrity and appropriate behavior in dealing with conflicts and challenges with the public, co-workers, and managers.
• Ability to supervise others on tasks and setting priorities.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, pay close attention to detail, while working in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to work in a team setting to accomplish park-related goals. 
• Ability to work independently with little supervision.
• Proficiency in computer software programs including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• May be occasionally required to work flexible hours, weekends, evenings and holidays.
• Must possess a valid drivers’ license and insurable on the Agency’s liability policy. Pre-employment drug screening and background check required.

Benefits: 

Lake Metroparks offers a generous comprehensive health insurance package to all full-time employees. Other benefits include OPERS membership, employer paid life insurance, and paid leave policies including vacation, personal, sick and holiday. Optional benefits include additional life insurance, short-term disability, and a deferred compensation plan.

Employees additionally receive Northeastern Ohio Inter-Museum Council membership, agency-wide discounts, and tuition reimbursement.