Horticulture Supervisor
Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Position Overview:
The Horticulture Supervisor ("Supervisor") is a full-time, non-exempt status position working within the Gardens and Landscapes Department under the direct supervision of the Senior Manager for Horticulture ("Senior Manager"). The Supervisor supports the overall mission of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association and the Department to preserve, care for, and interpret the Association's historic, cultural, and natural resources.
The Horticulture Supervisor is responsible for the daily supervision, coordination, and leadership of horticulture staff, including horticulturists, assistant horticulturists, gardeners, and volunteers engaged in the care and maintenance of Mount Vernon's historic and non-historic landscapes and gardens. The position provides operational and technical leadership in horticultural maintenance, landscape stewardship, plant health management, seasonal displays, landscape enhancement projects, and environmental best practices. Primary responsibilities include daily monitoring of designated areas; planning, plant selection, planting, regular grooming, pruning, soil amendment applications, water management, and weed control.
Compensation:
$25.00-$32.00/hour
Expected hours:
40 hours/week. A typical week is Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Must be available to work occasional weekends, holidays, and evenings.
Essential Duties:
- Directly supervises horticulturists, assistant horticulturists, gardeners, and volunteers; assigns and schedules work activities; provides technical guidance and training; monitors work quality and productivity; completes performance evaluations; and participates in hiring, disciplinary actions, and performance management processes as appropriate.
- Leads and participates in daily and seasonal horticultural operations to ensure the successful completion of maintenance activities and landscape projects.
- Oversees and participates in planting, pruning, mulching, watering, soil amendment, weeding, seasonal color changes, debris removal, composting, and general landscape maintenance activities.
- Responsible for monitoring and maintaining the health, appearance, and horticultural integrity of designated historic and non-historic landscapes, gardens, trees, shrubs, turf, and herbaceous plantings.
- Implements current horticultural best practices, responsible stewardship, and environmentally sustainable landscape management practices while supporting the preservation and presentation of culturally significant landscapes.
- Identifies and controls insects, diseases, weeds, and invasive plant species through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices and the safe and proper application of pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides. Maintains accurate pesticide records and ensures compliance with all applicable regulations and organizational policies.
- Ensures employees are properly trained and licensed in pesticide application, equipment operation, and safe work practices. Maintains and promotes a safe working environment for staff and volunteers.
- Works closely with the Senior Manager to identify landscape areas requiring enhancement, restoration, renovation, or replanting; recommends plant selections and landscape improvements appropriate to site conditions and operational needs.
- Coordinates assigned horticultural and landscape projects from planning through completion. Works collaboratively with contractors, Operations and Maintenance staff, Preservation staff, Greenhouse staff, and other departments as needed.
- Monitors plant growth surrounding historic and non-historic structures, pathways, utilities, lighting, and security infrastructure to prevent encroachment, drainage concerns, or potential damage to structures and systems.
- Assesses irrigation and watering needs during establishment periods and drought conditions and coordinates watering activities as necessary.
- Coordinates with the Greenhouse Supervisor and Senior Manager regarding plant production needs for seasonal displays, landscape enhancements, and reforestation efforts.
- Ensures horticultural tools, vehicles, carts, and equipment are maintained in safe and proper working condition; coordinates maintenance and repair requests as necessary.
- Maintains records of work activities and ensures staff complete required operational records and reporting documentation.
- Remains informed on current horticultural techniques, environmental stewardship practices, landscape management strategies, and pesticide regulations.
- Interacts positively with visitors, guests, volunteers, and staff by answering questions and providing directions and information as appropriate.
- Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes professionalism, teamwork, accountability, and cooperation throughout the Gardens and Landscapes department and the estate.
- Conducts all work in accordance with Mount Vernon Ladies' Association policies, procedures, and guidelines.
- Performs other related duties and special assignments as assigned.
- This position is classified as essential, and the incumbent must be able to participate in storm response, ice and snow removal, and emergency clean-up operations as needed.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in horticulture, landscape management, environmental sciences, historic preservation, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of five years of professional horticultural or landscape management experience, including at least two years in a supervisory or team leadership role.
- Strong working knowledge of horticultural principles and practices related to the cultivation and maintenance of trees, shrubs, turf, annuals, perennials, and herbaceous plant material.
- Experience with Integrated Pest Management (IPM), pesticide application procedures, and safe chemical handling practices.
- Possession of or ability to obtain a Virginia pesticide applicator's license within 6 months of hire date.
- Experience working with landscape equipment and tools, including hand tools, power equipment, chainsaws, carts, utility vehicles, and tractors.
- Ability to supervise staff effectively, establish priorities, coordinate multiple projects, and maintain high operational standards.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and maintain effective working relationships across departments.
- Experience working at a public garden, museum property, historic site, arboretum, or preservation-focused institution preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Valid driver's license required.
Work Environment:
This role is performed entirely outdoors and is subject to a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and humidity. Exposure to pollen, dust, and various plant materials is common. The environment may be noisy due to equipment use.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to perform strenuous physical work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
- Work requires frequent walking, standing, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, climbing, and navigating uneven terrain.
- Ability to frequently lift, carry, drag, and move materials, tools, hoses, debris, and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds unassisted.
- Must be available to work occasional weekends, holidays, evenings, and emergency response situations as operational needs require.
Benefits:
- 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
- Employee recognition at 5 years of service
- Employee referral program
- On-site Library
- Employee Discounts
- Free Parking
- Health, Vision, and Dental insurance
- Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance
- Paid leave for sick time, vacation, and Holidays
- Flexible spending account for medical care
The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.