Horticulturist

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County was the first museum in L.A. to open its doors 111 years ago and is poised for an exciting new era as it plans for the future. Having recently completed a new strategic framework, the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County-including NHMLA at Exposition Park, La Brea Tar Pits and museum in mid-Wilshire, and the William S. Hart Museum in Newhall-is looking forward to new building projects and campaigns, exhibitions, community outreach, and innovative audience engagement.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County values and endeavors to support diversity, equity, inclusion, and access within its organization and communities. Candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC), neurodiverse, gender, a person with disability, a veteran, and/or a part of the LGBTQAI+ community are welcome and encouraged to apply.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is seeking a Horticulturist for our Operations department. The Horticulturist works closely with the Senior Manager of Horticulture to provide skilled maintenance of landscape areas at the Natural History Museum using sustainable landscape practices. It is an exciting time as we embark on new journeys of becoming a museum of, for, and with L.A.

Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:

Perform daily maintenance of the garden displays, including planting, pruning, watering, fertilizing, propagating, transplanting, weeding, soil amending, mulching, litter pickup, pest management, and pathway cleanup; with consideration of wildlife habitat, and the safety of visitors.
Assume responsibility for prioritizing and accomplishing daily care for assigned garden displays. Work with Senior Manager, Horticulture in identifying and scheduling tasks regularly and reviewing completed work. Plan for seasonal tasks as appropriate.
Safely operate and maintain hand tools and small machinery such as string line trimmer, lawn mower, and chainsaw. Communicate any issues or repairs needed.
Assist with upkeep, repairs, and operation of all components of a computerized irrigation system. Identify problems and perform repairs and replacements of parts as needed.
Assist with monitoring and treating plant pests and diseases using Integrative Pest Management techniques.
Contribute to the design and plant selection for garden displays.
Train and supervise volunteers and interns who help care for the garden displays. Comply with all safety measures, procedures, and regulations. Participate in scheduled safety trainings.

This position has the following requirements:

Minimum two year technical degree in horticulture, landscape management or closely related field.
Minimum of two years' experience in garden maintenance.
Will consider a combination of education and work experience.
Knowledge and experience with using and maintaining a wide range of gardening tools and equipment.
Thorough and current knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of horticulture and landscape maintenance, particularly sustainable practices.
Knowledge of a diverse range of landscape ornamental plants grown in Southern California including understanding of scientific nomenclature. Familiarity with California native plants preferred.
Ability to program smart controllers and repair irrigation systems.
Basic experience using a personal computer with MS Office and its Word, Excel and Outlook functions.
Must be able to work flexible hours including some evenings, holidays, and/or weekends.
Must work on-site. This position is essential for Museum operation.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is especially interested in candidates whose background and experience have prepared them to contribute to our commitment to engagement and inclusion at culturally diverse audiences in museums and in sciences.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is seeking applicants who have demonstrated experience and commitment working with a diverse community. Hourly range for this position is $23.31 - $25.07 based on experience plus excellent benefits. NHMLAC, in good faith, believes that this posted rate of compensation is the accurate range for this role at this location at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future. Actual compensation within that range will be dependent upon the individual's relevant skills, experience, qualifications, and applicable laws. This is a full time regular, non-exempt position.

A cover letter, current resume, and list of 3-4 references are required for all applicants. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Interested candidates please visit www.nhmlac.org/careers-our-museums and click the link of the position for which you are interested or go directly to the online application.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History Foundation jobs

Horticulturist