Horticulturist

Job Details

Position Type:
Full Time

Sweet Briar College is a women’s liberal arts institution, located in Central Virginia approximately 12 miles north of Lynchburg and 60 miles south of Charlottesville. Founded in 1901, the College’s curriculum encompasses a comprehensive baccalaureate program in the arts, sciences and humanities, as well as graduate programs in education. It is one of two women’s colleges in the United States offering an ABET‑accredited engineering degree.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Sweet Briar College is committed to enhancing our community and encourages applications from qualified individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences and ideas who would increase the diversity of the College.

Job Title:

Horticulturist

Classification:
Non‑Exempt

Reports To:

Grounds Supervisor

Responsible for maintenance of campus grounds, primarily at Sweet Briar House, Garden Cottage, Main Entrance, Sweet Briar Drive and all building plants. Includes container plants, lawn, flower beds and hardscape features. Uses a variety of machinery such as lawn mowers, trimmers, edgers and hand tools to accomplish tasks.

Position Type / Expected

Work Hours:

Grounds. Full time, 40 Hours per week 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. with occasional weekend hours.

• Understands plant pathology, monitors and treats plant health problems.
• Plans, documents and performs garden operations including ornamental gardens and container plantings.
• Understands and performs Best Practices in water management, nutrient management, pesticide use and composting.
• Maintains exterior furniture, statuary and other garden ornaments.
• Interacts with contractors, vendors and College faculty and staff including guests.
• Works independently in allocating time and resources among several campus locations.
• Performs other grounds related functions as assigned by supervisor (listed below).
• May support mowing of large lawn areas with zero‑turn mowers, tractors and handheld equipment.
• Edging with a small push type edger, trimming turf away from sidewalks and curb edges.
• Shears shrubs using gas powered hedge clippers.
• Performs hand weeding in flower beds, mulching as needed.
• Cuts back brush, small saplings and small branches using hand held loppers.
• Uses a chain saw for removal of large branches and small trees.
• Plants flowers, shrubs and trees and encourages growth through watering.
• Uses leaf blowers, turf‑vacs, power sweepers and other tools to remove trash and debris.
• Operates power equipment such as ride‑on mowers, chippers, power sprayer, aerial‑lift truck, flail mower, edger, hedge trimmers, chainsaws and tractor/loaders as necessary.
• Responds promptly to work order requests and completes necessary records.
• Performs minor equipment repair and maintenance; sharpens blades, chainsaws chains, checks and maintains proper lubrication and oil levels.
• Understands and participates in maintenance and operation of irrigation and landscape lighting systems.
• Supports campus wide activities in areas of setups, trash collection, snow and ice removal as assigned.

Required Qualifications: A.S. in horticulture and/or VNLA Horticultural Certification with 3 to 5 years of directly related experience. Must be willing to receive additional training as required. Committed to following safety guidelines to protect self and others. Must be able to follow verbal and written directions and provide responses in writing. Ability to use computers to read and respond to emails and to use basic applications is also required.

Must have and maintain a valid Virginia operator's license. Possession of or ability to obtain Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License, Part A & B within 180 calendar days of hiring.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Plan and Coordinate -Realistically estimates the time required to accomplish tasks and keeps others informed of potential problems/delays. Takes appropriate steps to ensure that the College resources (e.g., workspace, equipment, tools, etc.) are in good working order. Makes an effort to ask questions to identify issues and solve work problems.
• Technical Skills -Demonstrates a higher level of knowledge and…