What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Horticulturist position at Duke?
Occupational Summary
Perform horticultural duties involved in the preparation and maintenance of plants to include preparation of soils, planting, pruning and spraying; assist the horticulturist with various activities.
Work Performed
- Perform horticultural duties involved in the preparation and maintenance of plants to include preparation of soils, planting, propagating, pruning, mulching, weeding, watering, and treatment of pest issues as required. Assist in maintaining plant collection records include updating information and labeling plants.
- Confer with curator and horticulturist to determine planting needs, resolve special problems and provide technical knowledge and assistance.
- Safely operate and maintain a variety of mechanical equipment to include trucks, tractors and specialized garden tools and a variety of hand-held power tools required to maintain botanical specimens. Must be familiar with all necessary PPE.
- In the absence of the curator and horticulturist, make decisions concerning garden maintenance, equipment use and resolving and reporting mechanical problems.
- Assist in training employees, interns, student workers, and volunteers. Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.
Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
If interested in this position, apply via Duke Careers and enter the requisition number 252623. Please also send a copy of your resume and cover letter to GardensJobs@duke.edu.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
Work requires knowledge of botany or horticulture normally acquired through a two year Associate degree program in horticulture or two years post secondary education in botany or a related field. Must be able to obtain North Carolina Pesticide License
Experience
Work requires one year of experience in horticulture or related area to preferred. acquire technical skills necessary to perform such duties as plant cultivation, plant propagation, plant selection and other duties consistent with greenhouse maintenance. Public Garden experience A valid driver's license is required OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE.
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