Public Horticulture

                                    Valparaiso Department of Parks and Recreation

 

Posting Date: February 7, 2008                                 To be hired: spring of 2008    

 

Position Horticulturist/Grower                                                          Earning Range: $29,000 - $31,000    

Position Status: Regular Full time                                                    Benefits:  Health/Dental, Paid time off                            

Reports to: Horticulture Superintendent.                                        FLSA Status: Non-exempt

 

The Horticulture Division is seeking a motivated individual to assume a leading role in the care of our botanical garden and several other garden displays around the city.  This full time position involves designing, planting and seasonal care of annuals, perennials, natives, and spring/summer bulbs. 

 

Ogden Gardens is a 4 acre botanical garden established in the 1950’s.  Exhibits include perennial beds, seasonal flowers, trees, gazebo, and a Japanese garden with a 22,000 gallon koi pond.   Our Horticulturist/Grower selects the annual flowers each season as well as guides the continued development of the perennial gardens.   He/she is responsible for daily maintenance of the gardens and provides guidance to the seasonal staff.

 

This is an opportunity to join a team of three full time horticulture staff plus seasonal assistants.  Working together, the Horticulture Division is responsible for garden displays, tree planting, tree pruning, landscape installations, landscape design, wildland management, and plant propagation.  Propagated plant materials include seasonal flowers, ornamental perennials, and native forbs/grasses.

 

Valparaiso Parks maintains an in-house greenhouse operation where all the flats of annuals are produced from seed and plugs each year.  The successful candidate will be trained in growing procedures with the ultimate goal of managing the greenhouses.

 

 

Education, Job Standards, and /or experience

·         Degree in horticulture, natural resources or related field.

·         Enthusiasm for all aspects of growing and displaying plants

·         A professional commitment to excellence in horticulture

·         Keen observation skills

·         Willingness to master a range of IPM techniques including application of conventional pesticides

·         Willingness to learn greenhouse growing procedures

·         Knowledge of native and ornamental north american perennials hardy to USDA zone 5a

·         Knowledge of prairie, woodland, and wetland plants native to northern Indiana.

·         Knowledge of annual flowers and their care.

·         An understanding of wild land management including removal of invasives and the use of prescribed fire.

·         Must have Indiana 3A pesticide license or ability to obtain during probationary period

·         Professional communication skills.  Direct contact with seed/plant vendors is expected.

·         An ability to make judgments about work in progress in order to achieve department standards of presentation.

·         An ability to interpret technical publications.

·         An ability to practice tact and diplomacy when dealing with the public, contractors, and other city employees.

·         An ability to work with others and complete job responsibilities as assigned.

·         Must be willing to work in adverse weather conditions

·         Work requires manual dexterity, and fitness for physical labor such as bending and occasionally lifting 50 lbs.

·         Must be willing to perform non-horticulture related maintenance tasks at times

·         Valid drivers license

·         Must posses good communication skills

·         Must be familiar with Microsoft Office applications

 

Contact:

Valparaiso Department of Parks and Recreation

3210 Campbell Street

Valparaiso, IN  46385

(219)531-4678

smartinson@valparaisoparks.org                             http://www.valparaisoparks.org/horticulture