College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Horticulture

Join Our Team as a Trial Garden Curator! 

Are you passionate about caring for the finest woody ornamentals and contributing to the success of the globally recognized Proven Winners® ColorChoice® brand? Since 2004, this brand has been at the forefront of innovation in ornamental shrubs and trees. This role offers a unique opportunity to work hands-on with a wide range of plant genera in a dynamic and forward-thinking environment.  

The entry-level salary for this role is $45-55K annually.  The amount is not inclusive of the total compensation package. This job offers a great work-life balance.

As the Trial Garden Curator, you will be responsible for maintaining all aspects of the SMN Trial Garden — a vital component of our research and development process.

Reporting to: Stock and RD Manager 

Summary:

 Maintain all aspects of the Spring Meadow Nursery Inc. Trial Garden. Demonstrate the ability to operate lawncare machinery, manage irrigation needs, record data, and track inventory in order to maintain a high level of quality in the Trial Garden. Daily management of the crew and assigning/prioritizing responsibility for tasks performed throughout the year.  

Primary Responsibilities:

• Meet regularly with the Garden Master to identify and discuss tasks to be accomplished in the Trial Garden
• Assign jobs for crew to complete, both as part of daily garden maintenance and in accordance with projects discussed with the Garden Master
• Maintain records of completed jobs and track progress of projects
• Coordinate and set up for multiple events throughout the course of the season. This includes setting up for dinners, placing plant identification bench cards, identifying walking paths for tours, setting up and preparing displays, and communicating with RD team to ensure the garden is ready for tours
• Create yearly IPM program for Trial Garden. This includes organizing pesticide sprays and monitoring for insects/diseases/and other pests that may be affecting the quality of the garden, as well as fertilizer applications to maintain plant health 
• Execute planting and trash lists requested by Garden Master, coordinating with the R&D team to pull plant orders
• Coordinate with the R&D team in the propagation of specialty plants located in the Trial Garden 
• Maintain and install landscape irrigation when needed
• Work with the Garden Master to understand plant trimming preferences to maintain desired size, branching, and shape of plants, and communicate these trimming instructions to crew
• Use NAV to update and monitor inventory of the entire Trial Garden. This includes filling out inventory sheets, recording planting sheets and trash sheets in Excel
• Maintain equipment and facilities that are used in the Trial Garden
• Operate a golf cart, UTV, Skid Steer, Zero Turn mower, Lawn Edger, Tank Sprayer and various powered hand tools as needed

Additional Responsibilities:

• Involvement in tour sessions throughout the course of the year. Responsibilities may include leading tour groups through the Trial Garden and assisting the Marketing/Licensing team during events.
• Collect trial data to assist the RD/Breeding team, including taking photos and recording flowering and other plant information
• Handle the ordering and coordination of supplies such as irrigation parts, small engine tools, mulch, inventory stakes, etc..
• Communicate within the RD department regarding labor and supplies needs
• Organize and maintain a clean work space
• Perform yearly reviews of crew members
• Follow Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc. Employee Handbook
• Follow Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc. Safety Handbook

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• 2 or 4 year Horticulture or related degree
• 1-3 years of experience as a landscaper or in a landscape-related role preferred
• This is position requires daily movement and involment in the Trial Garden
• Computer skills are required, use of NAV inventory system, Excel and Word will be expected
• Bilingual English-Spanish Skills are highly desirable
• Driver’s License

Performance Requirement:

• Must maintain a level of performance equivalent to company standards, that being a “Meets Expectations” in all areas of your performance evaluations (including but not limited to, Self and Management reviews)

*The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.