Director of Horticulture and Living Collections

Description The Boyce Thompson Arboretum is seeking a Director of Horticulture and Living Collections. This position oversees all aspects of Boyce Thompson Arboretum's (BTA) Horticulture Department, including botanical collections, garden design, research and conservation priorities, and project management. As a visionary leader, the Director of Horticulture and Living Collections provides leadership to staff and volunteers on the development of plant collections and departmental priorities. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about arid landscapes, desert ecology, horticulture design principles, greenhouse and propagation best practices, and research techniques. A love of desert landscapes and wildlife is a must. Position Title : Director of Horticulture and Living Collections Reports To : Executive Director Supervises: Horticulture Department Job Category : Full-time, Exempt Location: On-Site, 37615 E. Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85173 Salary: $80,000/year; Full benefits Responsibilities

Guide and manage strategic growth for the Horticulture Department including the development of collections, garden displays, research, propagation, and conservation priorities. Provide direction to Horticulture staff in the development of programs that support the mission and goals of the arboretum. Develop and oversee the Horticulture Department budget, including reporting of grant and donor-restricted funds. Participate in fund-raising and grant-writing activities that benefit Horticulture programs. Directly supervise and provide leadership, management, and oversight for the day-to-day activities of a 12+ Horticulture staff. Provide expertise on arid plants and landscapes and share that knowledge and skill through a variety of forms including public and visitor engagement. Oversee plant records, mapping, and labeling; plant collection policy; and garden design aesthetic. Provide direction and leadership on best horticulture practices in the overall management of the Arboretum. Participate in scholarly research of the collections and publish when appropriate. Oversee the legume seed bank, herbarium, and overall propagation programs. Work collaboratively with the Volunteer and Visitor Engagement Coordinator to develop long-term productive relationships with the Master Gardener program and Arboretum volunteers. Collaborate across departments to identify opportunities for funding, programming, interpretation, and community outreach. Develop, maintain, and promote positive and professional relationships with internal staff, volunteers, members, vendors, contractors, media, and the general public. Participate in Board of Directors meetings and provide leadership and direction to the Collections Committee. Provide leadership and engagement in the larger public garden community. Collaborate with Assistant Director on safety and wildfire prevention measures. Provide direction and oversight for native wildlife management within the Arboretum. Responsible for the husbandry and care of desert tortoise exhibit and domestic office cats.

Requirements

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in botany, horticulture, environmental studies, or related field required; Master's degree preferred. Minimum of three (3) years managing and supervising horticultural staff in a public garden environment, required. Demonstrated experience in arid and desert plant ecology and landscapes. Demonstrated knowledge of horticulture and public garden best practices. Experienced in managing and completing multiple active projects while staying within budgetary constraints. Strong management and leadership skills with a desire to succeed in a collaborative environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills. Excellent computer skills: MS Office, Powerpoint, Excel. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to work in a challenging, fast-paced environment. Detail-oriented, collaborative manner, and strong work ethic. Ability to work as part of a team. Ability to demonstrate initiative, establish priorities, and meet deadlines. Must have a valid AZ Driver's License. A clean driving record is required.

Physical Requirements

Ability to work outside in extreme weather conditions. Must be able to work at least one weekend day and occasional evenings. Must be able to do basic office tasks such as typing, writing, using a computer. Ability to lift and move 50 lbs. and traverse uneven terrain. Must be able to stand, walk, sit, reach, climb, stoop, kneel, talk, and hear. Fully functional vision is required (prescription lenses are acceptable).

Benefits

Health Insurance, Dental Insurance PTO, 11 Paid Floating Holidays 401k, Paid Parental Leave Free BTA membership and employee discount in gift shop. Employee options for Vision, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance. #J-18808-Ljbffr