Calder Gardens Horticulture Manager (F/T)

Primary Function: 

The horticulture manager is the lead horticulturist supervising day-to-day horticulture planning, operations and the year-round care and maintenance of Calder Gardens landscape and living collections.  The horticulture manager’s responsibilities include all aspects of planning, monitoring, caring for, and reporting on the diverse plantings of herbaceous perennials, trees, shrubs, and hardscape elements, as well as supporting public use of the site along with related events and programs.  Through mentoring, role modeling and expertise in naturalistic planting design and maintenance, the horticulture manager provides leadership to a team of horticulturists, seasonal gardeners, and interns.

Featuring a building conceived by Pritzker Prize-winning architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron and gardens by internationally acclaimed Dutch landscape designer Piet Oudolf, Calder Gardens is dedicated to the art and ideas of Alexander Calder, a native Philadelphian who is considered one of the most innovative and influential artists of the 20th century.  Calder Gardens is scheduled to open in 2025.

Education/Training/Experience:

Required Qualifications

• Combination of education (horticulture degree or certificate/s) and work experience in horticulture, landscape architecture, botany, perennial plant production, ecologically informed horticulture, and/or related fields required. 
• Expertise in naturalistic planting design with emphasis in the seasonal and long-term care for diverse plantings of trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, grasses, and bulbs.
• Commitment to accepting responsibility to ensure the highest standards of garden management.
• A collaborative team-player and willing to maintain positive engagement with the public and colleagues.
• Detail-oriented, with proficient organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word.
• Demonstrated knowledge and advanced experience related to horticulture operations in an urban environment.
• Experience or willingness to lead horticulture-related tours and workshops, and teach classes.
• Willingness to work variable hours, weekends, and holidays as needed

Licenses/Certifications:  

Valid driver's license

Physical Demand Analysis:  

• Physical Requirements: Ability to walk, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and regularly lift and/or move 50 lbs with proper tools and equipment.  Able to traverse grounds and gardens daily. Ability to traverse grounds and gardens daily, working outdoors in all weather conditions, sometimes for extended periods of time. Ability to operate electric equipment and power tools in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.
• Visual Requirements: Pay attention to detail. 
• Verbal Requirements: Must be able to engage guests in conversational English; bilingual or multilingual skills a plus. Ability to provide verbal and written communication that is clear, concise and accurate.
• Working Conditions: Position operates on the grounds and in the building at the Calder Gardens and Barnes Foundation Philadelphia campuses.