Job description
The primary location of this position is in Highlands, NC.The HBS Horticultural Specialist is primarily responsible for maintenance of the gardens and grounds of the Highlands Biological Station, a multi-campus center of Western Carolina University located in Highlands, North Carolina. This includes the native plant Highlands Botanical Gardens composed of the Historic Woodlands, Lakeside Bog, thematic demonstration gardens, and landscaping areas around buildings. Maintenance of the gardens and grounds is of utmost importance to maintain the safety of visitors and the integrity and health of the plant collections. Routine maintenance activities include non-native invasive plant management, Hemlock tree management, weed control, and pruning. The diverse native plant collections of the HBS gardens and grounds are valuable assets used for education, research, conservation, and public enrichment, and should be maintained using sustainable best practices, nurtured, and kept in excellent condition. The Horticultural Specialist also assists in the monitoring and upkeep of walkways, trails, boardwalks, and driveways on the HBS campus, being alert to safety hazards (downed limbs, ice and snow, etc.), and provides oversight and care of relevant tools and other equipment needed for grounds maintenance. The Horticultural Specialist also oversees lawn maintenance, coordinates projects relating to the gardens and grounds, recruits and supervises summer Botanical Garden Assistants, works with volunteers, and conducts garden tours. The Horticultural Specialist reports to the Executive Director of the HBS with daily supervision provided by the Associate Director. This position will work with the HBS Facilities Manager and other staff as projects or needs dictate. The Horticultural Specialist will be a key member of the HBS Gardens & Grounds Planning and Advisory Committee.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position
Must have excellent horticultural / landscape maintenance, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. A degree in botany, plant ecology, native plant horticulture, or related field is preferred. A minimum of three to five years of horticultural or related experience is a plus. Must be capable of working independently or as part of a team. Maintaining positive working relationships with colleagues, interns, volunteers, as well as an excellent rapport with diverse HBS users and visitors (students, faculty, researchers) and the general public is necessary. Must be able to operate tools, vehicles, and equipment required for use by the needs of the position. A valid driver’s license is required.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalency and demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
May require North Carolina Pesticide License and/or North Carolina Commercial Driver’s License.
NC Pesticide License required within 6 months of employment
Preferred Qualifications
A degree or commensurate experience in botany or native plant horticulture is preferred.
Anticipated Hiring Range $44,514
Position Type Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours per Week 40
Number of Months per Year 12
Salary Band Range $23,332 - $49,547
Salary Grade For administrative purposes during the implementation of Career Banding, this Advanced position is considered a Salary Grade 63
Posting Text
Open Date 02/22/2023
Close Date 03/08/2023
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicants
To be considered, you must apply online. In order to complete the application process, please attach a cover letter, resume, and listing of references (include their complete contact information).
Applicants who wish to claim veteran’s preference must upload a copy of their DD-214.
PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.
If no applicants apply, who meet the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Competencies and Training and Experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants.
Effective October 1, 2015 all new hires into positions subject to the State Human Resources Act (SHRA) will serve a 12 month probationary period as defined by the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR).
Background/E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
AA/EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.
Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
jackharris.com is the go-to platform for job seekers looking for the best job postings from around the web. With a focus on quality, the platform guarantees that all job postings are from reliable sources and are up-to-date. It also offers a variety of tools to help users find the perfect job for them, such as searching by location and filtering by industry. Furthermore, jackharris.com provides helpful resources like resume tips and career advice to give job seekers an edge in their search. With its commitment to quality and user-friendliness, jackharris.com is the ideal place to find your next job.