Conservatory Horticulture Technician Full Time

Overview: Position Type Full Time Category Site Development

Description: The Conservatory Horticulture Technician (CHT) assists with the development and care of living plant collections. The CHT works closely with the Director of Conservatory & Greenhouse Operations (DCGO) for the day-to-day involvement in the growing of plants and implementation of reliable growing processes. The CHT will be involved with pesticide applications, watering, monitoring temperature, growing media, fertilization, nutrition and monitoring the overall health of plants in the conservatory and greenhouses as well as plantings in the plaza area and the butterfly and fodder houses located at the Creation Museum. Additionally, the CCHT will support the DCGO with preparations for educational and teaching programs for Creation Museum guests. This position will allow one to impact others through a service mindset centered on making an eternal difference. This position should display our Core Values of SERVE (Serve, Equip, Relate, Value, Engage) when interfacing with both internal and external customers to ensure that the message and mission of Answers in Genesis is portrayed in an effective and God-honoring fashion. This position provides opportunities for spiritual, personal, and professional development.

Responsibilities: Promote the mission and standards of Answers in Genesis. Create a SERVE culture environment in all work done. Approach all tasks with a second mile mindset. Prioritize personal integrity in all interactions and assignments. Receive instructions and work assignments from DCGO.Prepare the conservatory for daily operations, special events and educational programs. Maintain specimens, collections, and crops using appropriate horticultural techniques and follow Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies including applying pesticides. Assist in planning, implementing, and monitoring a fertilizer program including the safe handling of chemicals. Maintain accurate and current plant records including mapping, fixing/replacing labels and signs, and similar responsibilities. Participate in the weekend watering rotation and assist with conservatory and greenhouse operations including indoor watering, cleaning floors, removing compost, moving plants, etc. Assist with setting up interior beds for events which may include shift change for bed and prop setup/tear down. Operate power equipment including utility vehicles, trimmers, leaf blowers, etc. Work in multiple conditions and tolerate the physical challenges of a garden and greenhouse work environment. Look after the welfare of the greenhouse facilities and equipment and assist in the maintenance of equipment. Fertilize, irrigate and care for all conservatory and greenhouse areas. Trim trees, hedges, and shrubs; prepare and treat soil for planting annual color. Trash removal. Follow standard operating procedures for all tasks. And all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Requirements: Must agree with and be able to sign our Statement of Faith. Maintains a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Regularly attends a local Bible-believing church. Able to stay calm and work well under pressure, determine priorities and produce results.1+ years of experience in horticulture, gardening, landscape maintenance, nursery or greenhouse plant production. Team player, able to get along with a diverse group of people working towards a common goal. Detail oriented. Flexible work schedule based upon project needs which may require longer or off-peak hours. Able to communicate effectively with guests, contractors and management and respond quickly to all areas of plant need. Ability to obtain a pesticide application license. Occasionally move and safely transport potting soil and plants. This position will require lifting 50–80-pound objects; frequent bending, walking, and standing; exposure to a variety of weather conditions for extended periods of time; exposure to chemicals which may present health hazards if not handled properly; exposure to dangerous power and hand equipment if not used properly.

Preferred: Ability to: direct and monitor the work of volunteers; perform general gardening and grounds keeping work; use and maintain tools and equipment; communicate with the Museum guests on facility information, vendors, and contractors, follow written and verbal instructions; perform heavy manual labor; plan and perform basic landscaping functions; learn specialized procedures related to irrigation systems, lake management, equipment, landscaping, pesticide applications, etc.