Horticulturalist

Eligible for $500 Sign-On Bonus

Full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with ½ hr. lunch. 12 months per year. Schedule may vary according to departmental and Academy needs. This position is considered *Essential Personnel.

Position Purpose

This position assists with the coordination and execution of landscape improvements and horticultural care of the campus grounds. Oversees seasonal plantings and assists with monitoring of landscape contracts. Performs installation and maintenance of plantings and gardens throughout campus.

Job Responsibilities

• Assists in the design, planning, and execution of horticultural plantings on the Academy campus.
• Recommends planting schedules for miscellaneous planting beds and portable planters and is responsible for installation, upkeep, and overall health & appearance to accommodate the seasons and the needs of the Academy.
• Develops yearly planting schedules to include design of Academy gardens and planters.
• Maintains indoor plantings in specified locations as assigned by supervisor.
• Supports the operation of community garden and other sustainability projects.
• Consults and advises on campus landscaping projects for plant materials selection and placement.
• Responsible for maintaining all gardens during growing season to include weeding, edging, mulching, and tasks required for overall appearance.
• Cleans all gardens at the end of season.
• Provides in-service training to PEA Community and grounds personnel in proper horticultural methods and techniques.
• Assists grounds crew with winter maintenance tasks including snow removal.
• Maintains familiarity with grounds equipment including snow blowers and tractors.
• Supports grounds crew to maintain the upkeep and aesthetic of the property grounds.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Ability to work independently and achieve high results with minimal supervision.
• Respect for diversity of identities and experiences, an orientation toward equity and inclusion, and cultural competency in all aspects of Academy life.
• Ability to follow verbal and written directions, maintain a professional demeanor and restraint at all times, including stressful situations.

Direct/Indirect Reports

None.

Position Requirements

Education

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Education or training in horticultural or plant sciences.
• Minimum of an Associates’ degree preferred.

• Possess or obtain a NH Pesticide Applicator’s License.

Experience

• Minimum of three years’ experience in the horticultural field, including direct experience with plants, and gardens required.
• Experience with grounds equipment and machinery required.
• Knowledge of snow and ice removal operations preferred.
• Irrigation operation experience helpful.
• Ability to operate a standard transmission vehicle required.

• Experience in an institutional or campus setting
• Experience working with adolescents in an educational setting is preferred.

Physical Requirements

1. Must be able to remain on feet for extended periods of time, go up and down flights of steps, and well as stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, and lift. Requires standing, stretching, bending, walking, climbing stairs or ladders, and lifting and transporting a minimum of 50 lbs.
2. Must be able to climb and operate equipment.
3. Must be able to work in confined areas and areas subject to extreme heat and cold temperatures.
4. Will be required to wear personal protective equipment as appropriate for the work assignment.

Additional Requirements

1. Successfully complete a criminal background check (reviewed every 5 years).
2. Clean Driving record (reviewed annually) .
3. *Essential personnel are required to report to or remain at work if instructed directly by designated personnel during emergency events or inclement weather.

COVID Vaccine Policy:

Phillips Exeter Academy requires all community members to be fully vaccinated* against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters.

*With the exception of a PEA-approved medical or religious exemption.