Propagation Coordinator (Tropical)

Summary: Duties are directly related to coordinating propagation for approved acquisitions and propagation requests of woody, herbaceous, and tropical plant material, utilizing appropriate plant propagation, and production techniques, and accurate plant recording. The Coordinator, Propagation works independently and with team members as necessary, coordinates and performs all duties associated with propagation, production, and establishment of plants at consistent levels of high quality amongst nursery site(s). This position collaborates with nursery supervisor as part of ensuring overall nursery procedures and functions are efficient and effectively operational.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Researches, records and applies propagation techniques including but not limited to; Growing media, plant containers, propagation environment, scarification, stratification and the application of plant hormones and nutrients to aid in seed and cuttings propagation.
• Develops and implements propagation schedules to ensure plants are produced according to the time frame needed and if necessary re-propagate to ensure numbers requested are met.
• Sets up, monitors and records propagation using practical and experimental methodology that yields usable propagation data to create propagation protocols, enters propagation processes and results into the Living Collections Management System.
• Designs and applies propagation trials for knowledge building for species new to cultivation or without propagation information.
• Coordinates and guides the activities of other nursery staff involved in plant propagation and the establishment of propagules.
• Ensures backup collections of difficult to grow species are maintained using re-propagation to prevent loss from the collections
• Continually review and propose changes / upgrades to propagation processes, nursery environment and equipment to enhance successful propagation.
• Supports the testing and trialing of species on the edge of hardiness and climate survival envelope for St Louis for trialing on the Gardens grounds.
• Ensures the care, establishment and maintenance of woody, perennial and tropical plant material in the nursery, including but not limited to; watering, weeding, mulching, applying Integrated Pest Management (IPM), monitoring and scouting crops, growth regulator applications, achieving necessary plant nutrient levels, sowing seeds, sticking cuttings, dividing plants, grafting, transplanting, pruning.

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  • Identify and correct nutrient deficiencies.
  • Ensure optimum temperature, light and humidity levels.
  • Identify and treat pests and diseases.
  • Adjusts irrigation systems, shade and ventilation.
  • Maintain proper soil/media fertility.
  • Sterilize and clean greenhouses and their contents periodically.
  
  
  
  
• Utilizes the Garden's Living Collections Management System to manage and record data for plants in the Nursery.
  
  
  
  • Update the Living Collections Management Database when a plant status has changed
  • Maintain highest standards of plant record keeping; ensure that plants are labeled with accession numbers and/or proper labels at all times; coordinates plant propagation records.
  • Complete periodic inventories of the nursery and greenhouses.
  
  
  
  
• Follows and is mindful of all appropriate legal and ethical processes when acquiring and sharing plants for the Garden; obliges with national and international permits and regulations including patent laws, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
• Operates technical equipment, submits maintenance requests in a timely manner, and maintains general care of tools and equipment necessary for operations to include but not limited to vehicles, forklifts, pallet trucks, carts, lifts, Cushmans, tractors, cultivators, mechanical sprayers, and a variety of hand tools.
• Trains, assigns, leads and directs the work of staff, students/interns, and volunteers to deliver and complete projects.
• Develops and submits budgets associated with plant propagation and propagation environment improvements.
• If requested, conducts tours, lead presentations and answer visitor's questions about the Garden's plant collections and displays; participates in media outreach (TV, radio, newspaper, etc.) when required.
• Ability to remove snow, ice, leaves, and results of storm damage from work environment.
• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed; adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards; report all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.
• Ensures that all tool storage areas and work areas are kept clean and tidy.
• Responsible for assigned weekend watering rotation duties.
• Meets expected attendance guidelines.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: While this position does not have the full scope of supervisory responsibilities, proven ability to lead and direct the work of other horticulturists relating to plant propagation, and develop and direct a team of volunteers.

Core Competencies:

• Communication - Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations.
• Collaboration - Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences.
• Accountability - Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; Effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues' concerns.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision making process; Includes appropriate people in making decisions.
• Stewardship - Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes contributions during work hours.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Minimum of (5) years of hands on, relevant experience in plant production required.
• Thorough understanding of propagation skills, greenhouse and nursery propagation techniques, and greenhouse and nursery mechanical systems.
• Demonstrated experience in producing various greenhouse and nursery crops - annuals, tropicals, holiday crops, woody and herbaceous plant material, etc.
• Strong knowledge of appropriate and effective watering practices for a wide range of plant material.
• Foundational understanding of landscape design to assist in planning/scheduling of crops; thus, ensuring timely delivery.
• Strong knowledge of living collections, curation, and plant recording.
• Proficient ability to identify various greenhouse pests and pathogens, and applies sound, appropriate remedies; working knowledge regarding the use of biological pest controls is preferred.
• Knowledge and application of greenhouse horticultural practices to include plant height control, day length sensitivity, pest management.
• Proficient in operating and knowledge of safe operation procedures of various types of landscape maintenance equipment.
• Proven ability to lead and direct the work of others to complete general projects, including but not limited to volunteers is required.
• Demonstrates highest level of professional and ethical conduct; knowledge and understanding of organizational policies, procedures and systems.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels; must enjoy and feel comfortable interacting and working in close proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions regarding horticulture inquiries
• Knowledge of and adherence to all health and safety guidelines.
• Scheduling flexibility that allows working weekends and holidays as needed
• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:

• Associate's or B.S. degree in Horticulture, Biology, Botany, and/or related field required, M.S, degree preferred.
• An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Word, Excel, Outlook)

• Solid Internet research skills.
• Ability to use e-mail to communicate with Garden staff in order to answer questions and service their needs.

Language Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English (verbal and written).
• Ability to read and understand pesticide and chemical labels.

Mathematical Skills:

• Requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals.

Reasoning Ability:

• Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must have the ability to pass a background screening and motor vehicle report (MVR) to meet minimum insurance underwriting criteria.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 80 lbs. (i.e., load, unload and move gardening supplies, medium to heavy weight tools and equipment).
• Must be able to work in high heat and humidity.
• Requires standing, walking, bending, stooping and reaching for extended periods of time-- 80% or more of the workday is standing on feet.
• Ability to transport cumbersome potted plants and trays of varying weights.
• Ability to safely navigate narrow greenhouse aisles.
• Ability to operate equipment including tractors, forklifts, utility vehicles, sprayers, cultivators, and mowing machinery
• Ability to wear Garden-issued Personal Protective Equipment.
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb ladders, etc.)
• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing).

Work Environment:

• Ability to work in all weather conditions (i.e., humid conditions, temperatures over 100F as well as temperatures below 0F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed).
• Wet conditions much of the time as watering is frequent.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:

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  • Garden employees, volunteers, guests, green industry vendors, and contractors
  
  
  
  

Supervisor (title not person):

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  • Supervisor, Production-Nursery