Horticulture Specialist

FUNCTION:
The Horticulture Specialist provides day-to-day care and maintenance to greenhouse and garden plants.  The Horticulture Specialist also collaborates with the Residential Recovery team to provide therapeutic and interactive opportunities for clients in various stages of the recovery program.

ORGANIZATIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES:

The primary responsibility of all staff is to ensure the safety and well-being of all Ramey-Estep/Re-group (RE) clients. Supports the mission, vision, and values of RE.  Facilitates and adheres to the agency’s code of ethics, policies, and procedures. Supports all functions that attain and maintain accreditation and compliance with regulatory agencies. Supports and facilitates positive interaction with clients and staff by exhibiting both in-office and in-public when carrying out job duties:  individual maturity, respect for others, a team-centered approach, maintenance of confidential information, and awareness and sensitivity to cultural and other differences in clients and staff. Exhibits effective communication skills, including proper use of agency communication systems. Participates in appropriate professional development programs to attain and maintain competency. Effectively manages financial and physical resources to achieve the mission of RE. Reports incidents of abuse or potential abuse involving clients to the appropriate authorities and RE.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides daily care to greenhouse and garden plants, including planting, transplanting, pruning, watering, fertilizing, controlling insects and disease, ventilating, controlling weeds, and managing plant nutrient levels. Maintain the greenhouse at the appropriate temperature, humidity, and light level. Inspect plant material for disease and insect problems, nutrient requirements, and mechanical damage. Spray, dust, shade, and fumigate crops. Prepare proper soil mixes as needed by seasonal plant varieties.  Perform routine maintenance on and modifications to various greenhouse equipment. Maintain inventory and order materials as needed. Maintain the work area in a clean and orderly condition. Teach clients about the greenhouse and gardening and train them on the basic functionality of tools and equipment. Collaborate with recreation and clinical staff to plan therapeutic activities or groups involving the greenhouse, garden, and plant cultivation.  Mentor clients that express an interest in horticulture as a vocation.  Assists in planning special events for clients and their families/visitors that may involve greenhouse activities or horticulture educational opportunities. Performs other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT:

The typical schedule is dayshift, Monday – Friday. Holidays, weekends, and extra hours may occasionally be required. Intense, unpredictable population with the possibility of verbal and physical aggression. Fast-paced environment with the need for quick decisions to deal with any crisis that may arise. Environment is both indoor and outdoor.  The environment is, at times, loud and stressful.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or GED required. 

EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in horticulture, arboriculture, retail greenhouse/nursery, or similar job experience is required. 

SPECIFIC SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:

Must be at least 21 years of age. Must have strong organizational skills. Must have strong customer service skills. Must be motivated to work independently with little supervision. Must have excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills. Ability to understand and relate to the needs of clients from diverse backgrounds. Must maintain a valid Driver’s License and insurability. Technical requirements include proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other applications the organization or regulatory agencies use. Ability to read, write and converse in English. Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen. Successful completion of a background screening. Successful completion of a TB skin test or proof of a negative chest x-ray or other documentation.

SPECIALIZED LICENSES OR TRAINING:

• Successful completion of Excellent Foundations.
• Maintain 20 hours of annual training.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk, hear, and smell.  The employee frequently is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb stairs.  The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance or run.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or more.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision. 

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS:
N/A