Horticulturalist

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art is located in Sarasota, Florida, and is a department of Florida State University. Learn more about The Ringling at https://www.ringling.org/about-ringling/careers/.

On The Ringling's 66-acre property, this role regularly:

• Maintains and enhances the health and aesthetics of our living collections and garden spaces
  • Provides expert advice on care, maintenance, and propagation
  • Performs planting, weeding, pruning, trimming, and other activities
  • Collaborates with the Grounds Supervisor for additional staff support
• Oversees gardens' spray program and pest management
  • Application of integrated pest management practices
  • Monitoring for the presence of pests
  • Taking appropriate measures to treat issues as they arise
• Serves as the subject matter expert on the campus grounds and gardens
  • Answers guest questions in a welcoming manner
  • Collaborates interdepartmentally to promote gardens/grounds, develop, and deliver programming and educational workshop
  • Serves as point of contact and supervises work performed by volunteers, community service workers, and interns
• Participates in community outreach initiatives
  • Cultivates relationships
  • Increases awareness of The Ringling
  • Increases volunteer support from outside groups (local garden clubs, universities, and horticulture facilities)
• Safely operates, cleans, and maintains/repairs equipment

As needed this role:

• Generates, responds, and completes emails and work orders regarding progress/completion of work order assignments
• Assists in reviewing project costing, monitoring supplies inventory and maintenance, and makes recommendations for long-range planning of grounds and gardens preventative maintenance
• Organizes, monitors, and inspects special garden projects to evaluate progress and ensure project quality
• Assists with grounds projects and grounds maintenance
  • May cover areas of responsibility for other grounds staff
  • Responds to and assists with emergency grounds needs
  • Performs other duties as assigned that support the Facilities department and operations of the museum

This position is responsible for performing hands-on garden work, managing, maintaining, and developing The Ringling's gardens and reports directly to the Associate Director of Facilities and Grounds.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in agronomy, arboriculture, horticulture, landscaping, landscape design, or landscape technology or a high school degree and four years of appropriate experience.
  • (Note: higher education can substitute for experience at the equivalent rate.)

Skills

• Public Speaking
• Knowledge of basic computer functions and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, & Outlook)
• Ability to:
  • Effectively train and direct the work of others.
  • Lift/carry up to 25 pounds frequently, climb ladders, walk significant distances, and work in extreme weather conditions.
  • Learn and use TreeKeeper software suite and maintain computerized records.

If hired, employees must complete Limited Lawn and Ornamental Pesticide License and Best Management Practices - Pest within first year of hire, with all training provided by The Ringling.

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.
Use our interactive tool to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at https://jobs.fsu.edu. If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service.
Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.

Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, receive preference and priority, and certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for post secondary educational requirements, in employment by the state and its political subdivisions and are encouraged to apply for the positions being filled. Veterans' Preference applies to University Support Personnel System (USPS) positions only.

IMPORTANT: To claim Veterans' Preference, select “yes” to the question on the application questionnaire and upload a DD-214 (or equivalent), the Veterans' Preference Certification form, and other documentation if applicable with your online application before midnight of the position closing date.

Click the links for eligibility information and required documentation, or call FSU Human Resources at (850) 644-6034.

Rate of Pay: Commensurate with the education, skills, and experience of the selected candidate. Find out more about our comprehensive benefits and leave package under the "FSU Total Rewards" section.

Working Hours: 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM Monday - Friday with a half-hour meal period. Please note, the incumbent may be required to work a flexible schedule including weekends based on the needs of The Ringling.

• This position is based in Sarasota, FL.
• This is a USPS (University Support Personnel System) position.
• This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check to include fingerprinting.
• This position is being readvertised. Previous applicants need not reapply.

For more information, technical assistance, or should you require accommodations for the application or interview processes, please contact Ringling Human Resources at 941-358-2773 or employment@ringling.org.

An Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled & Veteran Employer.

FSU's Equal Opportunity Statement can be accessed at: https://hr.fsu.edu/sites/g/files/upcbnu2186/files/PDF/Publications/diversity/EEO_Statement.pdf.