Director of Horticulture and Living Collections - Superior, United States - Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Verified Company
Superior, United States

2 weeks ago

Mark Lane

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Mark Lane

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Description

Position Title:
Director of Horticulture and Living Collections


Reports To:
Executive Director


Supervises:
Horticulture Department


Job Category:
Full-time, Exempt


Location:
On-Site, 37615 E. Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85173


Salary:
$70,000; Full benefits


ABOUT US
In 1924, Boyce Thompson Arboretum (BTA )was founded by mining magnate Colonel William Boyce Thompson.

The desert landscape inspired Colonel Thompson to create the arboretum with the mission of educating people about desert plants and their uses in an arid environment.

This mission continues today, and Boyce Thompson Arboretum has grown in mission and size over its 100-year history. As an independent non-profit organization, the arboretum is located in Superior, Arizona.

Situated at the base of Picket Post Mountain and adjacent to the Tonto National Forest, the Arboretum is located approximately 40 minutes from Mesa and one hour from downtown Phoenix.

BTA welcomes over 145,000 visitors annually. At 372 acres, BTA is Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden. BTA's collection comprises 4,030 taxa, 405 rare/endangered species, and over 30,000 individual plants.

Along over 5 miles of trails, you will find plant exhibits from 11 of the world's deserts, a native riparian habitat, and colorful specialty gardens displayed alongside native Sonoran Desert vegetation.

As an Audubon Important Bird Area, you will encounter many of the 275 bird species identified at BTA along with other native wildlife.

It is not uncommon to see javelinas, bobcats, and a variety of native and migratory birds while working, hiking, and enjoying the grounds.

BTA is an equal-opportunity equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.


RESPONSIBILITIES:


  • Guide and manage strategic growth for the Horticulture Department including the development of collections, garden displays, research, propagation, and conservation priorities.
  • Provide direction to Horticulture staff in the development of programs that support the mission and goals of the arboretum. This includes collection planning, and setting research and propagation priorities that support the mission of the Arboretum.
  • Develop and oversee the Horticulture Department budget, including reporting of grant and donorrestricted funds.
  • Participate in fundraising and grantwriting activities that benefit Horticulture programs.
  • Directly supervise and provide leadership, management, and oversight for the daytoday activities of a 12+ Horticulture staff, including hiring, training, goal setting and appraisals/reviews.
  • Provide expertise on arid plants and landscapes and share that knowledge and skill through a variety of forms including but not limited to public and visitor engagement, staff mentorship, professional audiences, donors and public engagement.
  • Oversee plant records, mapping, and labeling; plant collection policy; and garden design aesthetic.
  • Provide direction and leadership on best horticulture and arborist practices in the overall management of the Arboretum including soil nutrition strategies that promote sustainable gardening practices, best practices for tree management and integrated pest management.
  • Participate in scholarly research of the collections and publish when appropriate.
  • Oversee the legume seed bank, herbarium and overall propagation programs and participate in seed collecting trips to maintain collections.
  • Work collaboratively with the Volunteer and Visitor Engagement Coordinator to develop longterm productive relationships with the Master Gardener program and Arboretum volunteers.
  • Collaborate across departments to identify opportunities for funding, programming, interpretation, and community outreach to activate the Arboretum and its audiences.
  • Develop, maintain, and promote positive and professional relationships with internal staff, volunteers, members, vendors, contractors, media, and the general public.
  • Participate in Board of Directors' meetings and provide leadership and direction to the Collections Committee.
  • Provide leadership and engagement in the larger public garden community and work collaboratively on shared goals and projects.
  • Collaborate with Assistant Director on safety and wildfire prevention measures and participate actively on the safety committee.
  • Provide direction and oversight for native wildlife management within the Arboretum. This includes the management of endangered species such as the desert pupfish residing in Ayer Lake and working collaboratively with Arizona Game and Fish and United States Fish and Wildlife Service as needed on wildlife management priorities.
  • Responsible for the husbandry and care of desert tortoise exhibit and domestic office cats.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor's degree in botany, horticulture, environmental studies, or related field required; Master's degree preferred.
  • Minimum of three (3)
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