Sr. Horticulturist, Conservation - Gainesville

Full-time DescriptionThe Atlanta Botanical Garden seeks an experienced and forward-thinking Sr. Horticulturist, Conservation to help lead the daily management, curation, and support the strategic direction of the Garden’s ex situ conservation collections in Gainesville, GA. Reporting to the Conservation Safeguarding Nursery Manager, the Sr. Horticulturist, Conservation will be pivotal in advancing the institution’s conservation efforts through expert horticultural management, collection curation, and propagation of rare and endangered plants. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in horticulture, plant collection management, and propagation, combined with leadership skills to oversee complex conservation initiatives and provide expert guidance on conservation projects. This senior-level position within the Conservation Horticulture team requires independent decision-making, strategic planning, and budget management.Kay ResponsibilitiesCollections & Facilities Management:Support the daily operations of the safeguarding conservation collections, overseeing plant care, outdoor collections management, CSN greenhouse support, and facility maintenance, ensuring high horticultural standardsDevelop and implement comprehensive horticultural protocols, including watering, integrated pest management (IPM), plant hygiene, and CSN infrastructure maintenanceConstruct and maintain irrigation and misting systems, ensuring operational efficiency and meeting multiple species unique watering needsProvide leadership in supervising and training interns, volunteers, and junior staff on nursery tasks, including propagation, pest control, and collection maintenanceDesign and implement novel propagation protocols for rare and endangered plants, ensuring their successful integration into the Garden’s collectionsCollections Management & CurationParticipate in the strategic planning and execution of plant collection management, working closely with the Conservation Safeguarding Nursery Manager to develop and implement a 5-year Conservation Horticulture Curatorial PlanManage the collection, entry, and analysis of plant records in the BRAHMS system, ensuring data accuracy and consistencyServe as a key advisor on horticultural conservation practices, providing expert technical guidance to senior management and stakeholdersImplement and enforce safety, risk management, and workplace policies for staff and volunteers, ensuring compliance with all protocolsLeadership & Strategic ContributionsCollaborate with scientists and colleagues to address propagation challenges, particularly with species new to cultivation or facing unique growing conditionsActively participate in multi-disciplinary conservation projects, providing horticultural expertise to ensure successful project outcomes and advancing the Garden’s strategic conservation goalsIndependent Project ManagementLead the design and execution of experimental protocols within the CSN greenhouse, ensuring that trials align with broader conservation objectivesRequirementsMaster’s (preferred) or bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Plant Biology, or a related field, plus 5-7 years of professional experience in horticultural conservation, botanical garden management, or plant propagationExpertise in plant health management; knowledge of IPM, disease control, and plant nutritionDemonstrated experience in collections management systems; BRAHMS, or equivalent databasesProven ability to develop and implement propagation protocols for rare and endangered speciesLeadership skills and experience managing staff, volunteers, and interns in a horticultural settingSolid knowledge of southeastern U.S. native plant species and the ability to identify plants using dichotomous keysExperience in greenhouse design, irrigation systems, and plant care under a range of environmental conditionsCertification as a Georgia Pesticide Applicator (or to be obtained within six months of hire)Desired QualificationsProficiency in GIS mapping for botanical collectionsFamiliarity with ecological restoration practicesStrong construction and creative problem-solving skills with the ability to build and maintain nursery infrastructure and perform general repairsWillingness to work in varied weather conditions and the flexibility to work weekends and holidays as neededValid driver’s license and ability to travel between Atlanta and Gainesville, and to field sitesPhysical RequirementsAbility to work independently for extended periods in a variety of weather conditions, with close attention to plant health and infrastructure needsCapacity to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform physically strenuous tasksMental RequirementsExceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple, often competing, tasksStrong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively with colleagues, volunteers, and the general publicThe above job duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work for employees in this position, but this is not intended as an exclusive or all-inclusive inventory of all duties required of employees in this job.It is the policy of the Atlanta Botanical Garden to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.ABG Core ValuesConservation: We value natural resources and ecosystems, making choices with the long-term sustainability of our planet in mindExcellence: We hold ourselves to high standards and expect commitment from each other to contribute to a positive image and reputation for the GardenInspiration: We inspire through the creation of an environment that supports imagination and expression of beauty, providing joy, delight, and a deeper appreciation of plants for everyoneIntegrity: We demonstrate honesty, transparency, accountability, trustworthiness, and ethical behavior, exercising good judgment in our actions and communicationRespect: We value the diversity of our coworkers, volunteers, and guests, holding each other in the highest regard