Horticulture Special Collections Associate
Description
Classification: Non-Exempt
Organizational Description: The Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre world-class paradise, featuring the flora and cultures of the tropics and subtropics between the latitudes of 26 degrees north and 26 degrees south, including Brazil, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and Florida. The Garden’s mission is to connect people and plants through display, education, conservation, and science. The Garden’s 90 acres of beautifully restored native habitats, formal Gardens and walking trails offer education and enjoyment for people of all ages. Naples Botanical Garden is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Position Summary: The Horticulture Special Collections Associates’ primary responsibility will be for the care and display of orchids and other collection plants in the Evenstad Horticulture Campus, the existing Orchid House, and Orchid Garden. Orchids are one of our most diverse and valued collections and a major visitor attraction. The Horticulture Special Collections Associate may also assist as needed in other Garden areas under the responsibility of the Director of Collections and the Assistant Director of Horticulture. Travel will be required between the Garden and the offsite Lipman facility.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Design and create artistic displays of orchids and other plants.
- Understand the cultural needs of orchids, monitor and maintain them.
- Fertilize and apply pesticide/herbicide (under the direction of IPM staff).
- Follow best practices and recognize and report potential problems or deficiencies.
- Propagate and step up other plants in the collection.
- Mount orchids and other epiphytes in the Garden.
- Assist with conservation efforts, including surveying and collecting orchid seeds in the wild.
- Assist in the laboratory to propagate orchids from seeds.
- Meet and lead volunteer assistants.
- Communicate with orchid and other vendors and order plants and supplies.
- Serve on and consult with the Color Committee.
- Other duties as required and assigned.
Requirements/Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or equivalent work experience is preferred.
- A demonstrated interest in orchids and other plants and ongoing interest in learning more.
- Self-motivated, energetic, and independent worker.
- Attention to detail, especially following sanitary protocols and labeling.
- Knowledge of plant material, proper maintenance techniques, and correct horticultural practices, with strong aesthetic sensibility.
- Ability to work well within a diverse and multicultural workforce, including volunteers.
- Ability to work as part of a team or individually with little or no supervision.
- Ability to work in a laboratory setting, experience preferred.
- Good interpersonal communication and literacy skills
- Normal work hours are 8 hours a day; must have a flexible schedule as work priorities or seasonal needs change. Schedule may include evenings or weekends.
- Must be able to work the required overtime, often with little advance notice (e.g., storm damage).
- Must be able to work outside in challenging conditions—extreme heat, high winds, rain, and in water.
- Must be able to perform physical work including bending, stooping, reaching, and climbing ladders.
- Ability to lift a minimum of 30 lbs.
- Must be willing to apply herbicides and pesticides under supervision.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and good driver's record and be capable of operating pickup trucks and other essential equipment safely.
- Pre-Employment background check required.
Benefits:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Short-Long Term Disability
- PTO
- Paid Holidays
- Garden Perks
Naples Botanical Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Garden has a long-standing policy of employment and advancement based solely upon qualifications to perform the essential elements of a position without regard to age, creed, gender, national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, veteran status, pregnancy, marital status, HIV status, genetic information, sexual orientation, handicap or mental or physical disability, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin or disability.
Are you passionate about plants and the beauty of orchids? Join us as a Horticulture Special Collections Associate at the Naples Botanical Garden, where you can cultivate your love for horticulture in a stunning 170-acre paradise that showcases the flora of the tropics and subtropics. In this engaging role, you'll be responsible for the care and display of our famed orchids and other special collections. You'll work on the Evenstad Horticulture Campus and take charge of the existing Orchid House and Orchid Garden, making sure our vibrant displays attract and delight visitors. Your main tasks will include designing artistic arrangements, monitoring plant health, propagating seeds, and collaborating with a diverse team of volunteers and specialists. We value your creativity and expertise, so expect to innovate ways to enhance our collections while also assisting with vital conservation projects. We're looking for someone with a keen attention to detail, knowledge of horticultural practices, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. While you’ll be operating mainly within the Garden, expect some travel to our Lipman facility. This position is perfect for an energetic self-starter who enjoys working outdoors, even in challenging conditions. If you're ready to share your passion for horticulture in a unique environment, we’d love to see you thrive at Naples Botanical Garden!
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