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Job Description:
When joining the City of Steamboat Springs, you can expect to work for an organization with:
A team that strives to make this the best place you’ve ever worked!
A focus on supporting our employees’ mental, physical, and financial well-being
A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that creates a welcoming city
A highly engaged workforce proudly serving our community with excellence and distinction
A passion for strategically providing outstanding municipal services
A promise to each other to support the work we all do for the city, community & Yampa Valley
Uniqueness Fuels Our Innovative Spirit
Our commitment to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and experiences drives us forward every day. It's the collective sum of our experiences that makes Steamboat Springs and the Yampa Valley a powerful, insightful, and welcoming community.
The City of Steamboat Springs Yampa River Botanic Park Division in the Parks & Recreation Department is pleased to announce we are hiring a Plant Records Coordinator and Horticulturist.
Put your talents and skills to work to contribute to our vibrant community!
We offer excellent benefits and competitive pay, but being a part of our amazing team of people is even better.
Pay Range: $27.90 - $33.91
Do you want to work in a beautiful environment outdoors in the fresh air? Then stop and smell the roses and join the team at the Yampa River Botanic Park, where a unique collection of plants that are native to Colorado and similar environments worldwide are showcased providing education, inspiration, and serenity. We are a small, friendly team that works to beautify the only botanical garden in Northwest Colorado welcoming thousands of visitors throughout the summer. A place of community, this riverside botanical garden is a very rewarding place to work where visitors will stop and thank you for the work you do. All of this combined with our flexible schedule makes it one of the best places to work in Steamboat.
GENERAL PURPOSE
The Plant Records Coordinator is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the comprehensive plant records management system. This role ensures that all plant data is accurately documented, organized, and accessible to support garden operations and education initiatives.
The Horticulturist performs the daily tasks and responsibilities of a public garden horticulturist. Members of the horticulture team work hands-on with unique plants from all over the globe, as well as the local flora that sets the stunning stage of the Rocky Mountain West.
This is a seasonal, full time position up to 40 hours per week with occasional evenings and weekends. The position runs from approximately April through the end of October. While consistency is important, the schedule can be flexible to adapt to employee’s needs.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the general supervision of the Lead Horticulturist.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Working with the Lead Horticulturist, supervises gardeners and volunteers.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Plant Records:
Develop and Maintain Plant Records Systems:
Implement a robust plant records database, Hortis, to catalog plant collections.
Establish standardized protocols for data entry, nomenclature, and labeling to align with industry best practices.
Documentation and Labeling:
Record plant acquisitions, installations, relocations, and deaccessions, including botanical names, common names, source information, and locations.
Oversee the creation and maintenance of plant labels for public display.
Works with the horticulture staff to identify sign replacement needs and coordinates the tracking process and procedures.
Manages memorial plant records program.
Mapping and GIS Integration:
Develop and maintain accurate maps of plant collections using GIS or related tools.
Collaborate with garden staff to ensure plant locations are accurately recorded.
Collaboration and Communication:
Work closely with the horticulture team to ensure plant records meet operational and strategic needs.
Collaborate with IT staff and vendors to optimize software functionality and troubleshoot issues.
Compliance and Standards:
Ensure plant records comply with national and international standards, such as BGCI (Botanic Gardens Conservation International) and plant conservation protocols.
Stay updated on trends and advancements in plant records management and conservation.
Horticulturist:
Serves as a section gardener responsible for assigned gardens within the Botanic Park.
General gardening and grounds maintenance tasks including planting, weeding, mowing, edging/weed whacking, plant propagation, nursery management, seeding, fertilizing, top dressing, watering, compost maintenance, and pest control. The requirements of the gardener alternate between physically demanding tasks and detailed oriented horticultural care.
Operates equipment including tractors, mowers, and string trimmers as assigned.
Interacts with visitors and answers visitor’s questions about the Botanic Park, plants, and culture.
Performs janitorial and custodial work as required including trash removal, cleaning the building and restrooms, opens and closes, locks and unlocks facilities as needed.
General assistance with Botanic Park special events as needed.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Lawn and landscaping equipment including; tractors, mowers, chain saw, edgers, weed trimmers, electric motors, pumps, sprinklers, irrigation systems; miscellaneous hand and power tools for turf maintenance.
DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
(A) College degree in related field.
(B) Two (2) years of experience relating to landscaping, gardening, nursery management, or similar.
(C) Experience with GIS.
Necessary knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
(A) Knowledge of various plants and weeds.
(B) Knowledge of botanical nomenclature.
(C) Some knowledge of equipment, materials and supplies used in garden and grounds maintenance.
(D) Some knowledge of first aid and applicable safety precautions.
(E) Ability to adapt, take initiative, work independently, and complete daily activities according to work schedule.
(D) Skill in operation of some of the listed tools and equipment.
(E) Ability to perform heavy manual tasks for extended periods of time;
(G) Ability to work safely;
(H) Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
(I) Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, volunteers, other departments and the public;
(J) Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions
The City of Steamboat Springs is an equal opportunity employer
If you like serving in a role that will directly and positively impact our great community, you'll enjoy your career with us!
Pay Range:
$27.90 - $33.91Offers will be negotiated based on each candidate's qualifications.