Iowa Arboretum, Inc., located 40 miles northwest of Des Moines, Iowa seeks a Horticulture/Project Manager. The Horticulture/Project Manager will be responsible for the Arboretum’s extensive plant collection, recordkeeping and the design, construction, and ongoing maintenance of new plantings. The Horticulture/Project manager will report to the Executive Director and will be responsible for coordination and supervision of the horticulture staff and volunteers. This position will also work with the Executive Director developing programs and preparing the budget.
Qualifications: Candidate must have A) a four-year baccalaureate degree or commensurate experience; B) horticultural, organizational, fiscal, and managerial experience in a professional setting; C) Strong public speaking, communication, and presentation skills and D) supervisory, collaborative and interpersonal skills. Knowledge in gardening, horticulture, habitat restoration, and the environment is necessary. Computer experience including knowledge of Excel and FilemakerPro or other database programming is preferred. A valid driver’s license is required.
Horticulture/Project Manager
Primary tasks include but are not limited to:
Develop and implement a maintenance program for the care of the plant collection.
Grow plants for outdoor garden displays and for plant sales in the Arboretum’s greenhouse.
Coordinate plant collection documentation to include labeling, mapping, inventory, and other forms of recordkeeping.
Plan and coordinate projects ranging from small garden renovation to major construction projects.
Establish horticultural goals and develop and manage the annual budget based on these goals.
Serve as a leader for the horticulture staff. Supervise, coach, and appraise the horticulture staff (staff evaluations).
Develop environmentally friendly and sustainable management practices.
Assist in training and educational programs by planning and participating in lectures, workshops, and tours.
Support special events.
Write articles for publications on behalf of the Arboretum.
Serve as a technical resource for the public and for professional colleagues.
Ensure all gardening resources are available, well maintained and organized. Implement and oversee inventory control systems.
Write requests for project proposals, specifications for contracts and supervise all horticultural contractors working on the site. Ensure that written specifications are fulfilled and work is conducted in a safe and timely manner.
Collaborate with the staff of other non-profit organizations on projects related to the mission of the Arboretum.
Stand-in for the director in his absence.
Implement the policies established by the Board of Directors and provide reports on projects, programs, business activities and strategic goals.
Work with the Plant Committee to ensure plant collection policies are implemented.
Compensation: Commensurate with experience and qualifications. Position is full time; occasional weekends and evenings will be required.
Interested candidates should email a resume, cover letter and list of three references to the Executive Director, Mark Schneider at mark.schneider@iowaarboretum.org
