Nursery Plant Propagator Technician

Holden Forest & Gardens is seeking a Nursery Plant Propagator Technician in Willoughby, OH. The role involves overseeing plant propagation, providing quality plants for various internal clients, and assisting the Nursery Manager with daily operations. Responsibilities include propagating plants, maintaining records, and training seasonal staff. Candidates should have 3 years of nursery experience and a background in horticulture. Strong customer service and various propagation techniques knowledge are required.
Opportunity:

The Nursery department seeks a skilled, professional Plant Propagator Technician to oversee all propagation at Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G). This person will work with our internal nursery clients which include collections, horticulture, conservation, education, and plant sales. The technician will provide healthy quality plants to fulfill the mission and goals of HF&G. This position plays a key role in the preservation and management of our collections and serve as a resource for departments and staff across HF&G campuses. This position will advise or assist clients with their plant needs. Appropriate propagation methods and best practices will be utilized to reach outcomes in a timely manner. In addition, this person will assist the Nursery Manager in the day-to-day operations of the nursery including plant care, and various nursery & greenhouse maintenance tasks. This individual will supervise and train seasonals, volunteers, and interns in propagation techniques. We are seeking a professional with a positive can-do attitude that leads to successful teamwork, superb customer service and a high-quality aesthetic.

Key responsibilities of the Nursery Plant Propagator Technician include, but are not limited to:

Propagation:
• Propagate plants using various techniques for HF&G from seed, cuttings, grafting and division
• Schedule propagation calendar based on plant finished size and desired availability date
• Act as a resource to staff across HF&G on proper techniques and timing for their projects
• Research and develop protocols for difficult to propagate species
• Collaborate and coordinate the outsourcing or propagation when appropriate
• Provide plant care daily as directed by the Nursery Manager
• This includes watering, pruning, weeding, and repotting
• Shares responsibility for weekend watering duties in rotation with other nursery staff
• Cover after-hour emergencies in Nursery Manager's absence

Administration:
• Maintains and provides accurate records of plants received and propagated for the plant collection database (BG-Base program), and ensures that plants are accurately labeled
• Tracks appropriate metrics such as treatments, germination, rooting, grafting, and attrition rates to be utilized to establish propagation protocols and to increase our propagation success and knowledge

Professional Involvement:
• Participate on and contribute to HF&G committees
• Participate in and represent HF&G in appropriate professional organizations such as International Plant Propagator Society (IPPS)
• Share expertise with staff and public through collaboration with education, marketing, and interpretation teams
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Skills:
• 3 years experience propagating plants in a nursery setting, required
• Degree in horticulture or 5-10 years direct related experience. •
• A Bachelor's degree in horticulture, botany, related field or a minimum of five years direct experience propagating plants
• Experience providing outstanding customer service
• A solid foundation of various propagation techniques such as: seed stratification & scarification, seed sowing, division, cuttings, rooting hormones, and various grafting methods
• Comfortable utilizing digital tools and computer to maintain nursery records
• Proficient use of Microsoft 365 products, specifically Teams, Outlook (email and calendar), Word, Excel, SharePoint, and OneDrive, preferred
• Ability to take initiative, identify opportunities and implement solutions
• Possess strong oral and written communication skills that support and enhance a positive guest experience and work culture
• Be able to work in a team or independently as needed
• An observant initiator and self-starter
• A passion for nature, the environment, and the outdoors with interest in working outdoors year-round performing manual labor in all weather conditions
• A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to participate within a multi-disciplinary team
• Valid driver's license and clean motor vehicle record
• Criminal background check pass required
• Ability to read, write, and communicate using English language

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:
• Regular lifting and carrying of up to 30 - 50 lbs.
• Climb ladders
• Kneel, bend, stoop, grab, and reach
• Perform tasks in all weather conditions
• Good finger, hand, and arm dexterity
• Walk and work on wet, uneven, slippery terrain
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs