Job Overview
The Garden Manager/Horticulturist works to maintain and preserve the vision and qualities that make the 23-acre Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Heritage Center (SCBG) unique. The Manager will oversee horticultural staff and volunteers, facilities management, preventive maintenance, and security procedures to ensure a safe and secure environment.
Reports To
The President of the Soos Creek Botanical Garden Foundation’s Board of Directors
Responsibilities and Duties
Direct management and leadership of staff, including proper garden maintenance scheduling and daily workflows ensuring productivity.
Motivates, trains, and supervises staff to adhere to high safety standards and assesses each individual’s performance through routine mentoring sessions and evaluations.
Ability to interact in an appropriate and professional manner with visitors, staff, and volunteers.
Foster an appreciation and understanding of the Garden for visitors; able to interpret botanical and horticultural subjects.
Ensure accurate accession records of the collections within the Garden.
Oversee the operation and maintenance of small engines, irrigation, and pump equipment, plus garden equipment: tractor, chainsaw, weed eater, and lawn mowers.
Supervise the selection and application of herbicides and insecticides, adhering to sustainable and environmentally conscious practices.
Lead garden volunteers, ensuring they have the necessary tools, skills, and information and create a collaborative and supportive environment where teams work well together.
Manages the annual operating budget.
Contribute content for social media, blogs, and print.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
A degree in Horticulture or related field, with a track record of proven management experience.
A minimum of two years in a leadership role at a public garden, showcasing a proven track record of strategic planning and operational management.
Plant identification skills and knowledge of local maintenance practices for perennials, shrubs and trees.
Skilled in management/best practices in an environmentally friendly garden.
The position involves physical labor. You must be in good condition and able to bend, squat, dig and kneel as well as stand and walk for extended periods of time. You must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
Good communication skills and strong interpersonal skills; must be a team player able to work effectively with a diverse group of individuals.
Have your own cell phone that can be reliably used for garden-related communication.
About the Garden
Spanning 23 picturesque acres in northeast Auburn, WA, the Soos Creek Botanical Garden offers a serene and enriching retreat to the local residents and visitors alike. The garden is home to an extensive collection of rare perennials and expansive native open spaces, highlighting the beauty of the Pacific Northwest's natural landscapes. Meandering nature paths lead visitors through a diverse landscape, including tranquil meadows, lush native woodlands, and the soothing presence of a year-round creek. Additionally, the garden's thoughtfully designed pond garden provides a unique aquatic environment, attracting local wildlife and offering educational opportunities about ecosystems. By preserving and showcasing native plants and habitats, the garden fosters an appreciation for conservation and biodiversity.
Another key feature is the demonstration vegetable garden, maintained by local Master Gardeners. This garden provides hands-on education for the local community, teaching sustainable techniques for growing food at home. All produce harvested is donated to the Auburn Food Bank.
The garden hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including docent-led tours that offer deeper insights into the garden’s flora and history. Free monthly horticultural lectures provide valuable gardening knowledge for enthusiasts of all levels. Cultural events such as Shakespeare in the Garden, performances by the Auburn Symphony and Seattle Jazz Band, and a day of fine art curated by the Arts Alliance Northwest add a cultural flair to the space.
The garden also honors the rich history of the region through its Heritage Center building. This unique attraction provides visitors with a fascinating glimpse into the early days of the Soos Creek Plateau's settlement, housing a thoughtfully curated collection of early photographs, historical maps, and artifacts, offering a vivid portrayal of the area's development and the lives of its early inhabitants. Through these exhibits, visitors can explore the cultural and historical roots of the community while gaining a deeper appreciation for the land that now supports this vibrant garden.
Importantly, admission to the garden is free, ensuring everyone in the community can enjoy its beauty and resources as often as they like. Overall, Soos Creek Botanical Garden serves as a peaceful haven, promoting wellness, inspiration, and a deeper connection to the natural world, while enriching the historical, cultural and environmental fabric of the south sound community.