Manager of The Center for Historic Plants Purpose: The Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello has an exciting opportunity for an innovative individual to manage the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants at Tufton Farm adjoining Monticello Mountain. The Center is devoted to historic and native plant preservation, providing plants for sale to the public, and educating the public on propagating historic plants and their use at Monticello. The manager will supervise existing nursery/greenhouse operations and display gardens to collect, preserve, and sell historic plant varieties and native plants while ensuring production meets product orders and sales goals. The manager will promote greater appreciation for these plants by engaging local and regional communities in educational activities. The manager will also supervise the existing 2-acre vegetable production as well as an apiary, which contribute to value-added products and seed production, for the Foundation's retail operations.
We will look to you to: - Oversee the daily operation and maintenance of the historic and native plant nursery, retail seed program and display gardens for the Center for Historic Plants at Monticello, including greenhouse maintenance, propagation, production, pest management, landscape maintenance & design,
- ordering, vendor relations, and staffing.
- Develop and supervise educational activities and programs that engage multiple communities to inspire and instruct participants in the work done by the Center for Historic Plants. Groups will include those not traditionally associated with horticulture, propagation, and food production.
- Supervise monthly production/procurement/inventory of seeds and plants for fulfillment of retail orders, to meet sales goals mutually established with Director of Retail Sales.
- Supervise the preparation and transportation of plants and seeds, including educational materials, to the Museum Shop and catalog distribution center.
- Supervise management, interviewing, hiring and evaluation of assigned staff and volunteers. Assure preparation and maintenance of monthly schedule of staff and volunteers.
- Promote CHP and the farm to a national audience through open houses, publications, and educational programs.
Skills and Abilities: - A minimum of five years of experience in agriculture and/or horticulture.
- B.S. degree in a related field such as, Agriculture, Agricultural Business Operations, Farm Management, Biology, Horticulture, Environmental Sciences, etc.
- Experience in producing plants from seeds, cuttings, grafting or other means.
- Experience with greenhouse operations.
- Experience with vegetable production.
- Experience with inventory management systems and/or point-of-sale systems.
- Experience with small engine/farm machinery preferred.
- Certified Pesticide Applicator.
- Knowledge of plant pathology.
- Retail nursery or related farm market experience.
- Botany or plant taxonomy knowledge.
- Staff management and team building experience.
- Advanced computer skills with MS Office and spreadsheets.
Physical Demands and Work Considerations: Work outside year-round. Lifting may be required. Ability to perform rigorous activities, such as shoveling, edging, etc. in extreme weather conditions.
We provide the following benefits for our full-time employees: - Excellent benefits package (including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement savings plan plus 6% match, life insurance, and more!).
- Fitness club membership discount.
- Discount in the Monticello Caf, gift shop, and Monticello online catalog.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - free for employee and dependents.
- $500 employee referral bonus.
- Exciting quarterly social events for all employees.
If you believe this opportunity is the right fit for you, we encourage you to apply!