Horticulturist - Research and Education Garden, Griffin

High school diploma or equivalent and 5 years of related experience

• The Horticulturist position will serve as a primary representative of the Griffin Research and Education Garden. This position will regularly interact with the public and specialized groups by providing garden tours, responding to inquires, and promoting the garden's education mission. This position plans and coordinates multiple annual events hosted at the research garden and support a wide range of workshops, education programs, and outreach activities. This position will supervise, train, and direct assigned staff, temporary workers, and volunteers. The Horticulturist will serve on the UGA Griffin Campus Research and Education Garden Steering Committee, which involves meeting with faculty and staff to make recommendation for garden activities, policies, and procedures.

• Knowledge of horticulture plant pests, such as weeds, insects, and diseases.
• Knowledge of proper pesticide safety and usage.
• Knowledge of plant identification, horticultural practices, soil fertility, and testing.
• Knowledge of tractors, mowers, landscape equipment, and maintenance techniques; ability to operate and properly maintain landscape machinery and equipment, including, but not restricted to, tractors, mowers, and landscaping equipment.
• Willingness to work as part of an effective team and grow professionally.
• Ability to prioritize, plan, organize, and direct the work of subordinate personnel and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to interact, prioritize, plan, and organize large groups for planned events and workshops.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

• Work outdoors at hard manual labor under varied climatic conditions, including heat and cold.
• Heavy lifting (50lbs).
• Bending.
• Driving as needed to perform work tasks.

• Review operational needs of the UGA Research and Education Garden and plan daily work activities.
• Assign tasks to full-time and part-time employees, as well as volunteers, to ensure that the demonstration garden, shade house, research areas, and greenhouse are properly maintained and fully operational.
• Complete payroll duties and evaluate the performance of direct reports.

• Coordinate with the Senior Agricultural Specialist to establish and maintain research and demonstration plots within the garden. This includes maintaining annual and perennial flower beds, turfgrass, and research areas within the research and education garden. Develop spray schedules according to best management practices for pest management.
• Communicate with research and extension faculty and staff regarding plot needs and requirements. Coordinate with scientists to establish and maintain plots for research studies conducted in the garden.
• Conduct regular walkthroughs of garden facilities and submit work orders for maintenance issues as needed. Ensure walkways and public areas are clean, safe, and free of debris.

• Plan and support annual events held at the Research & Education Garden and serve as an active member of the Griffin Research & Education Garden Steering Committee.
• Communicate regularly with the public and provide guided garden tours for groups and individuals.

• Inventory, map, and label flower beds, trees, shrubs, and other plant materials throughout the Research and Education Garden.
• Knowledge of the use and maintenance of the engraving machine.
• Ensure accurate plant identification and proper labeling.
• Plan and submit purchasing requests for materials and supplies, including P-Card purchases for emergency repairs and general maintenance needs at the Research and Education Garden.