The selectee will be responsible for broad knowledge of rare and historical plants as well as the specialized living accessioned collections assigned to the Collections Section. Collections include but are not limited to: plants from the Orchid family, Cacti and Succulents, Tropical /Subtropical plants, Mediterranean plants, Carnivorous Plants, plants with known medicinal or economic properties, plants of historical significance or institutional importance, rare and endangered species, and collections utilized to support mission functions. The incumbent will perform duties in any of the following areas: propagation, acquisition, cultivation, program development and maintenance for one or more of the three collections. Learn more here: US Botanic Garden
***This position is essential—Employee is required to report to work during emergencies and inclement weather situations***
The tour of duty will include weekends, evenings, and holidays on a regular and recurring basis. The tour of duty of will begin as a Tuesday through Saturday schedule.
The position may be filled at the Gardener journey-level or worker-level. Developmental assignments will be given with the goal of attaining the full performance level. Duties quoted below are at the WG-8 level.
Major Duties
Grows Specialized Plant Groups
Grows, manages, maintains, develops, and cultivates a specialized plant collection. Propagates and cultivates unusual plants, seeds, and plant materials. This process includes daily watering, fertilizing, and maintaining proper greenhouse conditions including temperature, humidity, ventilation, and light levels. Considers the unique needs and characteristics of plants in providing an optimum growing environment. Utilizes a computer-controlled greenhouse environmental control system to manipulate the production environment to optimal plant growth conditions. Responsible for growing and maintaining one or more of the USBG accessioned plant collections.
In conjunction with the plant curator, exchanges materials, ideas, and information with other conservatories, museums, universities, and botanic gardens.
Serves as an authoritative source of information on important practical horticultural issues. Explores methods to improve planting, cultivating, fertilizing, spraying and disease control to achieve optimum plant quality and recommends priorities and strategies for optimum growth.
Re-plants, divides, and prunes plant specimens to achieve and maintain optimum plant health. Performs propagation of the collection by division, cuttings, seeds, tissue culture and air layering at the appropriate time. Allocates space for plant production and ensures proper growing conditions for the living collections. Directs the work of other gardeners in propagating and growing plants in the collection.
Recognizes unusual plant diseases and unusual or poor plant growth and treats the conditions accordingly. Uses technical knowledge to recommend possible solutions to routine problems involving a broad variety of tropical plant genera. Records corrective procedures used and the results achieved. Monitors pest population and life cycles; determines threshold level and applies the appropriate physical, cultural, and biological or chemical controls.
Operates a motor vehicle when transporting plants and equipment to designated facilities. Completes property passes to ensure accountability of plants transported. Records the date, plant name, accession number, quantity, and plant destination.
Modifies and adapts existing procedures for preventative maintenance and greenhouse scheduling.
Installs Aesthetic and Educational Displays and performs other Mission Critical Duties
Designs aesthetic and educational plant displays, which include the layout and design of the display, selection and labeling the plants, and maintaining and rotating plants in the exhibit.
Takes the initiative to inform the public about plants cared for through leading classes, workshops, and tours for the USBG visitors. As required, directs a small group of staff, volunteers, and summer employees in the performance of plant maintenance and care projects.
Performs duties to maintain clean and orderly horticultural standards. Ensures that assigned areas are free of weeds and related problems. Organizes work areas, sweeps and cleans greenhouse floors with disinfectants, removes trash and debris, and coils hoses.
Responsible for collaborating with other sections and divisions of the USBG to develop, execute, and maintain educational horticultural exhibits.
Removes snow and ice from sidewalks and steps in inclement weather. Applies salt, sand, and other melting agents to clear areas and ensure safe conditions.
