Horticulture Manager

Position Overview:

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is seeking a passionate and experienced Horticulture Manager to oversee the estate's horticultural program, including gardens, glasshouses, grounds, and wildlife management. The role involves managing horticultural operations, developing plant collections, and creating engaging visitor experiences while preserving the historic landscape. Responsibilities include supervising staff and volunteers, collaborating with other departments, representing Stan Hywet at industry events, and ensuring safety and best practices. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, with a deep knowledge of horticulture and historic preservation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities.

• Maintain a professional attitude with the public, volunteers, and staff.
• Support diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging.
• Lead and manage the Horticulture team, ensuring a safe, productive environment.
• Oversee daily operations according to the strategic plan, safety guidelines, and practices.
• Supervise and mentor staff, interns, and volunteers, including recruitment, training, and evaluations.
• Manage scheduling, budgeting, expenses, and payroll for the Horticulture team.
• Ensure high-quality historic plant care and garden preservation.
• Promote sustainable horticulture practices for garden and natural area preservation.
• Collaborate on long-term planning for exhibits and special features.
• Schedule garden maintenance, select materials, and manage supplies and equipment.
• Assist with exhibit fabrication, installation, and signage in collaboration with other teams.
• Inspect and maintain exhibits for wear, damage, and preservation.
• Coordinate seasonal installations, ensuring timely completion and budget adherence.
• Assist with annual goals and budget planning.
• Report regularly to the Superintendent and leadership team.
• Share horticultural expertise through various forms to diverse audiences.
• Support public and private events in collaboration with estate leadership.
• Serve as a liaison and provide lectures for garden clubs and community outreach.
• Attend and lead horticultural seminars, representing Stan Hywet.
• Document garden restoration efforts per the master restoration plan.
• Oversee horticulture-related projects and coordinate with contractors.
• Maintain inventory of tools, supplies, and materials.
• Support curatorial, educational, and outreach programs.
• Ensure compliance with safety guidelines and practices.
• Participate in public events.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications: To succeed in this role, the individual must be able to perform all essential duties. Below are the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Ability to relate to individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
• Expertise in plant care, with a preference for experience in historic plant conservation.
• Creative horticulture design skills are a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365.
• Knowledge of equipment and tools used in horticulture.
• Extensive knowledge of plants, fertilization, pest, and disease control.
• Ohio Certified Pesticide Applicator's License required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Skilled in goal setting, budgeting, meeting deadlines, and multitasking.
• Strong leadership and management abilities.
• Valid Ohio driver’s license.

Education and/or Experience:

• 1. Bachelor's degree in botany, landscape architecture, biology, horticulture, agronomy or related field, or equivalent experience and knowledge in horticulture.
• 2. At least 5 years of documented work experience in the horticulture or landscape industry working with living collections in a public garden environment.
• 3. Minimum 3 years of management experience.
• 4. Experience working with interns and volunteers.