Director of Horticulture

Responsibilities

• Leads efforts to position the Garden as a recognized leader in horticulture, amplifying the department's work and impact through professional engagement and other public-facing opportunities.
• Collaborates across departments to develop communications and programs that elevate the visibility and impact of the Garden's horticulture team.
• Manages and oversees all aspects of the Horticulture Department, including the care and maintenance of themed gardens, natural areas, living plant collections, and departmental events and plant sales.
• Assigns responsibilities and ensures all maintenance and horticulture practices align with industry standards and best practices.
• Upholds departmental goals, priorities, timelines, and safety protocols while promoting the efficient use of water and other resources.
• Ensures smooth departmental operations and fosters effective collaboration within the department and with other Garden departments.
• Provides continuous support for staff development through coaching, training, mentoring, goal setting, regular feedback, and performance evaluations.
• Promotes a safe work environment by ensuring all tasks are performed safely and that safety concerns are addressed in a timely manner.
• Serves as a professional horticulture resource and may interact with donors and participate on committees or boards with green industry partners.
• Collaborates with the Red Butte Garden Landscape Architecture and Facilities team to identify, prioritize, and implement necessary maintenance of the Garden's outdoor facilities.
• Manages the department budget, prioritizes expenditures, and ensures procurement practices comply with University of Utah requirements.
• Verifies the accuracy of specified information, including irrigation design and components, subsoil preparation, topsoil and amendment quality, planting specifications, and plant schedules.
• Assists with project oversight, particularly regarding irrigation system installation, soil and subsoil standards, plant procurement, and installations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture, Botany, related field, or equivalency, plusAt least 10-12 yrs experience in Horticulture;4-6 years of progressively more responsible management experience;
• Strong knowledge and understanding of horticulture, including knowledge of Latin names, ability to identify major plant genera and species, characteristics and cultural requirements for a wide range of ornamental and native plants suitable for landscapes in the intermountain west;
• Understanding of best practices and skill sets required to maintain a premier Botanical Garden, including landscape maintenance, water conservation, tree care, pest diagnostics and controls, landscape irrigation, greenhouse production, landscape equipment and tools, etc.;
• Demonstrated success or interest in developing or collaborating on projects that elevate horticultural expertise;
• Knowledge of safe practices and a commitment to ensuring staff work safety;
• Effective interpersonal and personnel management skills; ability to communicate and collaborate effectively in both written and verbal formats;
• A commitment to providing excellent customer service;
• Demonstrated budget management skills and procurement experience (preferably in a university setting);
• Proficient with computers, including Microsoft Office Suite and other software programs;
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Preferences

• Advanced degree in Horticulture or related field;
• Experience working in a public garden or nature center;
• Experience in teaching and training others, to both experts and novices;
• Experience In Writing Newsletter Articles And/or Other Written Content.