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CURATOR, SARAH DUKE GARDENS

Job Title: CURATOR, SARAH DUKE GARDENS
Job Code: 1019
FLSA: E
Job Level: 12
Revised Date: 04/01/2017
Job Family: JF 28

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Occupational Summary

Provide leadership and vision for specialized areas and/or collections within the Sarah P Duke Gardens. Participate in the design development of enhancements to the collections/Gardens and oversee the culture, interpretation and maintenance of a variety of botanical specimens for teaching, research and ornamental purposes at Duke University. Reports to the Director of Horticulture.

Work Performed

Provide leadership and vision for specialized areas and/or collections within the Sarah P Duke Gardens.

Participate in the design development of enhancements to the collections/Gardens and oversee the culture, interpretation and maintenance of a variety of botanical specimens for teaching, research and ornamental purposes at Duke University, including the planning and development of horticultural procedures and methods.

Curate specialized plantings and permanent botanical collections; conduct regular and special tours; give instruction in areas of specialized garden interest in collaboration with the gardens education department. Procure, install and maintain plants including trees, shrubs, herbaceous plantings and a variety of botanical specimens in greenhouses, nurseries, formal and informal garden areas to include preparation of soil, planting, watering, fertilizing, and pruning. Identify plant pests and diseases and make suggestions for their treatment.

Must be familiar with Integrated Pest Management.

Must be familiar with calibrating application equipment.

Have a working knowledge of plant nutrition, plant physiology, and basic soil chemistry.

Should have a familiarity with low impact design and best management practices.

Safely operate and maintain a variety of mechanical equipment to include trucks, tractors and specialized garden tools and a variety of hand-held power tools required to maintain botanical specimens.

Must be familiar with all necessary PPE.

Conceptualize, develop and prepare budgets for general operations and special projects; assist in development of funding in collaboration with the gardens development office.

Oversee work assignments; review the work of lower rated employees and insure the training of new personnel, students, interns and volunteers.

Must be able to work with and lead contractors on garden projects.

Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education/Training

Work requires knowledge acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program in horticulture, plant and soil science, botany or a related field. Master's degree preferred.

Experience

Work generally requires three years or more experience in horticulture in a public garden setting or a related field to acquire ability to develop and manage collections of botanical specimens.

OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE.

Skills

Possess North Carolina's drivers license or equivalent

Must be able to obtain North Carolina Pesticide License

Must be able to lift 50lbs


The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.


Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.