Horticulturist

Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.

About The Position

This position is a key member of a crew within the Landscape Department responsible for maintaining historic gardens and landscapes to the highest horticultural standards. Assist Lead Horticulturist with the maintenance and management of all specified areas to include the proper cultural practices for all plants, including heirloom, modern varieties, fine gardening, plant conservation, landscape restoration, soil management, and hardscape maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for maintaining the overall health and appearance of the gardens and landscape in specified areas, keeping them pristine and safe.
• Responsible for planting, pruning, shearing, weeding, and amending the soil.
• Maintains a variety of hardscapes (shell, gravel, bank-run, etc.) and a variety of plants (trees, shrubs, herbs, vegetables, perennials, and seasonal flowers).
• Attend daily briefing meetings to prioritize work and perform all work in a timely and efficient manner to ensure efficient completion of projects and garden-related activities.
• Work with little direction or supervision and solve problems in a timely manner.
• Interact positively and professionally with fellow staff members and Colonial Williamsburg visitors, answering questions and giving directions.
• Assist with giving talks and tours to garden clubs, garden programs, and special guests.
• Responsible for following the best management practices for the cultivation of trees, shrubs, ground covers, vines, turf grasses, perennials, annuals, and herbs. This includes planting, watering, fertilizing, grooming, pruning, and soil management.
• Remains informed of current techniques and practices in the horticultural field.
• Responsible for the identification, control, and treatment of weeds, diseases, and pests.
• Coordinate with IPM Specialist to ensure the safe and proper use of insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides.
• Observe OSHA guidelines to assure specified areas are safe for employees and visitors.
• Ability to operate large equipment such as, but not limited to, tractors, loaders, dump trucks, snowplows, and similar machinery.
• Guide the work of interns and volunteers in daily gardening activities and provide directions to ensure efficient completion of garden-related activities and special projects.
• Assure interns and volunteers have the proper tools and equipment and the proper training to use and maintain all tools and equipment safely.
• Responsible for tool inventory, maintenance, and upkeep.
• Proficient in the operation and care of equipment and power tools and can train others on the proper use and safety of assigned equipment.
• Perform research on Colonial Williamsburg’s properties, and 18th-century gardens and gardening methods.
• Conduct work in accordance with Colonial Williamsburg policies and procedures and in accordance with Virginia state regulations.
• Practices and maintains safety standards.
• Performs other related duties as requested by immediate supervisor and carries out or directs the completion of special assignments.
• This position is deemed essential personnel (24/7) and will be required to report to work whether the Foundation is open or closed. Will be required to respond to emergencies or other non-routine situations outside your normal schedule to handle unexpected issues such as the removal of snow, ice, or storm damage.

Requirements

• High school diploma/G.E.D., plus four years’ experience in direct garden and landscape maintenance or two-year degree in a horticulture-related field plus two years’ experience with direct garden and landscape maintenance. Industry-related internship can count towards years of experience.
• Experience in landscape and garden maintenance at comparable large institutions where the fine art of gardening is practiced.
• Strong knowledge of landscaping tools, equipment, and horticultural practices.
• Must possess or obtain a Virginia Department of Consumer Services Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate within 90 days of employment.
• Require a valid Virginia driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• May not have more than 1 moving violation or at-fault accident within 12 months.
• May not have more than 2 moving violations or at-fault accidents within 36 months.
• May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experienced gardener having grown and applied proper cultural practices to a variety of plants including flowering annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, vegetables, and fruit.

Skills

• In-depth knowledge of landscape maintenance and advanced skills in ornamental gardening practices.
• Research skills are a plus as is experience making holiday decorations.
• Good communication (verbal and written) and public speaking skills.
• Ability to read directions and complete reports accurately and in accordance with deadlines.
• Must be familiar with Microsoft Office; proficiency in Microsoft Word preferred.
• Willing and able to work outside in all weather conditions, work flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays, must be available for work on emergency basis seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
• Must be a fast learner who is able to demonstrate proficiency with new equipment/tasks.

Physical and Environmental Demands

• Stand: Frequently
• Walk: Frequently
• Sit: Frequently
• Use hands/fingers: Frequently
• Climb or balance: Occasionally
• Stoop/kneel/crouch/crawl: Occasionally
• Reach with hands/arms: Frequently
• Talk or hear: Frequently
• Lifting up to 10 lbs.: Frequently
• Lifting up to 25 lbs.: Occasionally
• Lifting up to 50 lbs. (with assistance): Occasionally
• Lifting up to 100 lbs. (with assistance): Rarely
• More than 100 lbs. (with assistance): Rarely
• Wet/humid conditions: Frequently
• Work near moving mechanical parts: Frequently
• Fumes/airborne particles: Rarely
• Extreme cold: Frequently
• Extreme heat: Frequently
• Risk of electrical shock: Rarely
• Driving requirement: Frequently

Schedule

40 hrs./week; Monday through Friday 6:00am-2:30pm; overtime may be required.

Pay

Range: $17.00 to $25.00 per hour. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the selected candidate’s skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and the specific requirements of the role.