Description

Montgomery Parks-Horticulture, Forestry and Environmental Education Division is currently seeking a motivated, highly organized, and professional Conservatory Manager to perform a broad range of Conservatory work for Brookside Gardens. This position reports directly to the Assistant Director of Production and Display. Go to our website to learn more about Brookside Gardens. www.brooksidegardens.org    
 
Brookside Gardens, a horticultural display garden in Wheaton, Maryland, seeks a passionate and enthusiastic Conservatory Manager with broad horticultural knowledge and experience.  The potential candidate should be a highly collaborative team member that will put Brookside Gardens’ mission first and help to deliver remarkable experiences to our guests.  The Conservatory Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Conservatory.  We are seeking an individual who possesses a unique blend of horticultural creativity and managerial skills to oversee a staff of two experienced horticulturists as well as part-time staff, interns, and many volunteers.

Throughout the year, Brookside Gardens hosts more than 1,000,000 visitors, many at engaging programs and events for children and adults, including the summer live butterfly exhibit and winter light display. We welcome applicants who reflect the diversity of our community and can help us become a more inclusive garden for staff and visitors.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a six-time National Recreational and Parks Association Gold Medal Award Winner.  Behind the vast and diverse Montgomery County Department of Parks system is a career staff complement of nearly 800 employees, 420 parks and over 37,000 acres of park land that serves a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington DC area. Go to our website to learn more:  https://www.montgomeryparks.org/

DIVERSITY STATEMENT The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor. We will do what we can to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at 301-495-4525 to request accommodation. 

Please Note: The salary range listed represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience. Candidates will be placed in appropriate classification based on experience compared to minimum qualifications. 

Examples of Important Duties

  • Efficiently oversee the day-to-day operation of a 10,000 square foot Conservatory
  • Maintain frequent interactions with guests, actively participating in conversations, addressing their questions or concerns, and ensuring a positive and enriching experience. Candidate should possess exceptional skills in fostering meaningful connections with visitors.
  • Effectively manage the Conservatory budget.
  • Supervise a team consisting of two full-time horticulturists, part-time staff, interns, and volunteers, ensuring their tasks are managed effectively.
  • Organize and manage the design of rotational conservatory displays for seasonal exhibits and permanent collections of tender tropical plants, creating visually dynamic showcases.
  • Develop interpretive exhibits and stories that connect people to the importance of plants.
  • Supervise and manage all aspects of a comprehensive six- month long butterfly exhibit, ensuring its smooth operation and effective management.
  • Collaborate with Facilities Maintenance to address and resolve issues, as well as assist with installations when necessary.
  • Demonstrate hands-on skills in horticultural best practices and establish high standards for meticulous maintenance of conservatory displays
  • Maintain healthy permanent plants and rotating seasonal display crops.
  • Regularly monitor and maintain optimal temperature, humidity, and moisture levels in the conservatory environment.
  • Maintain accurate records, files and inventories related to the conservatory operations.
  • Use IPM practices to identify, monitor and manage pests, diseases, and weeds
  • Implement and coordinate a biological control program within the Conservatory.

Important Skills and Characteristics

  • Extensive knowledge of plant identification, garden design, plant display installs and removal, conservatory control systems, plant cultural requirements, and disease/pest recognition.
  • Broad knowledge of diverse plant material for indoor display gardens and exhibits
  • Willingness to share horticultural knowledge with visitors, volunteers, and staff in informal settings and through formally scheduled programs
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including use of Microsoft Office suite and other specialized programs.
  • Organized, reliable, accurate and detail oriented with ability to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to perform strenuous work in all weather conditions. Working in extreme high and low temperatures, apply pesticides, operate equipment, interact with visitors in a formal/informal setting, stoop, bend, stretch, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Some evening and weekend work is required, including assisting with special events

Preferred Qualifications

  1. Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related field and 3 years of progressively responsible experience in working in a conservatory setting.
  2. Multilingual

 

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related field; and

2. Three years of progressively responsible professional experience in horticulture or closely related field; or

3. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

4. Valid driver’s license.

5. A Maryland State Pesticide Applicator’s License may be required within six months of employment.

Supplemental Information

Class/Specification: Horticulturist II

Very competitive and flexible benefits programs available!
This position is eligible for an employment sign-on bonus!
Get to know Montgomery Parks and the opportunities available:

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.