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HORTICULTURIST

Job Title: HORTICULTURIST
Job Code: 1210
FLSA: E
Job Level: 10
Revised Date: 03/01/2021
Job Family: JF 28

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Occupational Summary

Supervise and participate in the installation, maintenance, interpretation and documentation of a variety of botanical specimens for teaching, research and ornamental purposes at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke University.

Work Performed

Supervise and participate in the installation, maintenance, interpretation and documentation of a variety of botanical specimens for teaching, research and ornamental purposes at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke University, including the planning and development of horticultural displays, procedures and methods.

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.

Identify, document, and accurately label plants in the Sarah P. Duke Gardens.

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.

Conduct regular and special tours; give instruction in areas of specialized garden interest.

Maintain supply inventories and operational records.

Make work assignments; supervise and review the work of lower rated employees, students and volunteers; train new personnel.

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 of plant materials and care generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program in horticulture, agronomy, botany or a related field.

Experience

Work generally requires two year's of experience in horticulture or a related field. Public garden or estate landscape maintenance experience is preferred.

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.