Title: Horticulturist/Gardener

Schedule: Part-time *see schedule below

Pay: $25 an hour

Start Date: August 2024

About Morven Museum & Garden:

A National Historic Landmark, Morven is situated on five pristine acres in the heart of Princeton, New Jersey. The home of Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and former New Jersey Governor’s Mansion, Morven showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Garden State through regular exhibitions, educational programs, and special events.

Our Belief is that history is an anchor to the past and a beacon to the future. Preserving and examining the past is vital for educating good citizens who will build a greater society.

Our Vision is that one day all citizens will know and understand America’s history and pursue civic duty actively and responsibly.

Our Mission is to preserve and celebrate Morven’s legacy by sharing its authentic stories.

Morven is located at 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ and is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. www.morven.org

Job Description:

Morven Museum & Garden has an immediate opening for a part-time horticulturist/gardener. The successful candidate will work alongside the co-horticulturist in developing and maintaining Morven’s historic property, including serval themed gardens.

The four aspects of this position include:

I. Garden and Grounds Maintenance

II. Garden Design

III. Garden Interpretation

IV. Volunteer Coordination

The Horticulturist/Gardener will:

· Ensure the grounds are presentable for daily visitation, following a maintenance/work calendar developed with the co-horticulturist, and volunteers, to ensure consistency in grounds presentation.

· Perform tasks such as weeding, planting, mulching, pruning, watering, spraying, etc. to ensure that Morven's gardens and grounds are kept in the best possible condition.

· In collaboration with Morven’s Curator of Education & Public Programs, the Gardener will train Garden Tour Guides to give historic and/or Horticultural Garden and Landscape Tours; and conduct several historic-themed garden tours themselves.

· In partnership with Curator of Education & Public Programs, plan and conduct Garden Related Programming. (i.e., wreath making workshops)

· Have a friendly, polite, service-oriented demeanor and interact with the public when appropriate.

· In collaboration with staff, manage the annual Morven in May On-line Plant Sale, including sourcing plants, creating content for the website, managing deliveries, and overseeing the picking of orders.

· Plan, with the other co-horticulturist, the annual Plants and Grounds budget.

· Conduct research as necessary in Morven's files, Morven's archives, and elsewhere about the site's past landscapes, historic design, and historic plant choice.

Duties:

· Purchase and/or order plant material and supplies as needed. Maintain inventory of perennial and woody plants at Morven.

· Manage the landscape contracts for mowing and special treatments.

· Monitor the health and condition of shrubs and trees and arrange appropriate professional care.

· Coordinate grounds preparation for special occasions with the Private Events Manager.

· Supervise and work alongside garden volunteers, as well as work independently.

· Train Garden Tour Guides together with Curator of Education & Public Programs

· Plan and order plants for the annual Morven in May On-line Plant Sale, manage deliveries, and coordinate with team to create online catalogue descriptions, illustrations, pricing. Assist in volunteer management and staff the event.

· Observe and remember details, establish, and meet garden project completion schedules on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.

Work Environment:

· Outside; continually exposed to heat, cold, humidity, dust, etc.

· Exposed to plant and tree pollens, bee or wasp stings, poison oak, ivy, or sumac and/or other allergy causing agents.

· Subject to working on or around slippery surfaces such as wet sidewalks, mud and oil.

· Exposed to hazards due to lifting, cleaning, and using tools and/or equipment.

· Exposed to toxins and chemical irritants such as fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, etc.

Schedule:

· 16 hr. per week January - March

· 20 hr. per week April – September

· 12 hr. per week October

· 8 hr. per week November- December

Qualifications:

· Horticulture background preferred.

· Formal training/education a plus

· General knowledge of health and safety requirements as it relates to gardening tasks and equipment.

· Must be able to lift, push, pull or carry objects weighing up to sixty pounds.

· Must be able to bend, twist, or reach.

· Ability to communicate clearly and concisely.

· Must have a valid Driver's License (Required)

Skills and Abilities Required

· Enjoy working outdoors and be prepared to work in inclement weather.

· Skill in using various types of tools.

· Skill in following procedures used to repair or replace various items.

· Ability to perform preventive maintenance repairs.

· Ability to work with others.

· Ability to follow safety procedures, rules, and regulations.

· Ability to make independent decisions.

· Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

· General word processing skills.

· Experience in the use of standard office equipment.

How to apply:

Please send a cover letter & resume to jobs@morven.org by July 12, 2024.

Morven is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the

workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex,

religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or an

other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies

to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting,

promotion, termination, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and internships.

Hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, ability, and business needs at

the time. All qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

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Horticulturist/Gardener