Mt. Cuba Center is seeking highly qualified instructors to teach classes at our botanical garden in Hockessin, DE. Classes can fall under one or more of the following categories: gardening, horticulture, landscape design, plant conservation, art, or wellness. Instructors with expertise in one of these specific fields and who teach with an ecological perspective are invited to apply online. These are contract positions.

Greenhouse & Nursery Production Manager (Full-time)

We are looking for a passionate and enthusiastic Greenhouse & Nursery Production Manager to oversee and maintain high quality production programs and effective operation of the greenhouse & nursery facilities.

The Greenhouse & Nursery Production Manager implements and supervises all plant production activities associated with the greenhouse and outdoor production areas, and schedules staff for production. This position works closely with the Propagation Manager to receive propagules to be grown and finished for research, display and various Mt. Cuba Center needs.

We are seeking highly collaborative team members that put our mission first and will help us deliver remarkable experiences to our guests!

What you’ll do:

 Plant Production Management

• Implement best practices and technologies for effective crop production, including sanitation, watering, potting, media, Integrated Pest Management, and beneficial insect program.
• Grow trees, shrubs and perennials in the nursery
• Manage the plant shipment process in accordance with necessary protocols. Work with Propagation Manager to produce gifting list.
• Oversee long-term greenhouse collections.  Manage native display containers in collaboration with Formal Gardens Horticulturist.
• Process plant orders received from nurseries in collaboration with the Collections Department. Maintain database regarding production records. Produce current plant availability to facilitate garden planting.
• Support Propagation Manager in plant conservation projects with local and regional colleagues to produce rare species and assist with research as needed.

Effective Plant Operations Management

• Responsible for overall effective greenhouse operations management including reporting greenhouse building maintenance issues, ordering production supplies, managing the greenhouse & nursery budget, and staffing the plant production facility to provide continuous care based on production needs.
• Lead initiatives and oversee all projects related to modernizing the greenhouse, including practices as well as production facilities improvements.
• Act as primary back-up to the Propagation Manager to support effective propagation operations, including mist system, seedling care, and raised beds. Manage staff in the absence of the Propagation Manager.

General Staff & Organization Management Pertaining to the Plant Production Facilities

• Provide knowledge and guidance to support guest and organizational initiatives related to profession.
• Lead, guide, and train employees, interns, and/or volunteers performing related work.
• Lead the planning and execution of department initiatives and budget in alignment with Mt. Cuba Center’s mission and goals, including effective policy and procedural development.
• Work cooperatively with the management team on adopting and implementing organization-wide systems, and help guide and execute the strategic goals of the institution to support Mt. Cuba Center’s mission.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture, botany or related plant science field
• 5 years of greenhouse or nursery production experience, or equivilent combination of education and work experience.
• Proficient working knowledge of plant identification, plant growth, plant cultural requirements, and disease/pest recognition
• Skill in all phases of crop  production
• Exceptional managerial and teambuilding skills
• Demonstrated ability in the production of native plants and general greenhouse and nursery management practices
• Ability to safely and effectively operate and maintain a wide range of hand tools, power tools, vehicles
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn and adapt to various software and technology programs to complete work duties
• Demonstrated ability in organizing, managing and motivating employees, contractors and others
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with Mt. Cuba Center staff and the public
• Self-motivated, organized, attentive to details, and the ability to manage time and effectively function without close supervision
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays and special events as needed

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

Requires moderate physical work; Frequent/Significant time spent standing and limited reaching, carrying, and lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 pounds

About Us:

Mt. Cuba Center, a premier native plant garden, is dedicated to supporting the environment through the practice and promotion of ecological horticulture.  Mt. Cuba Center’s gardens and programs inspire an appreciation for the beauty and value of native plants and commitment to protect the habitats that sustain them.

Benefits:

We offer staff competitive pay, access to our employee discount program, a fun atmosphere, a balanced work-life environment, and an AMAZING benefits package (401k matching up to 8%, health, dental, vision, life insurance, paid parental leave, and generous time off amounts).

HAVING TROUBLE APPLYING? PLEASE EMAIL CAREERS@MTCUBACENTER.ORG FOR HELP!

Facilities Maintenance Technician (Part-time)

The Facilities Maintenance Technician is responsible for performing maintenance, event support and custodial duties for the Main House and supports the facilities of Mt. Cuba Center. This position will provide general maintenance and repairs utilizing basic plumbing, electrical, and carpentry skills.

We seek highly collaborative team members who put our mission first and will help us deliver remarkable experiences to our guests.

Schedule Generally, 16-20 hours per week scheduled over 3-4 days. We can work with the availability & preference of qualified candidates to set a mutual beneficial schedule.

What you’ll do

Facilities Maintenance & Operational Support

• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on buildings and systems such as minor carpentry, painting, gutter cleaning, equipment cleaning, changing light bulbs, seasonal adjustments, routine checks and utility readings
• Support facilities operations by conducting utility mapping and onsite recycling management
• Attend to plumbing, electrical, and carpentry repair and maintenance needs; Coordinate with and oversee outside vendors for extensive repairs

Event and Custodial Support

• Perform set up and break down for events, including tables, chairs, tents, etc.
• Perform light custodial duties as needed
• Maintain a high standard of cleanliness and appearance of Mt. Cuba Center facilities at all times

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• 3+ years’ experience in facilities maintenance or related field
• Knowledge in methods and principles of general building maintenance
• Carpentry, plumbing, and electrical skills and general knowledge base
• Ability to safely and effectively operate and maintain a wide range of hand tools, power tools, vehicles and equipment
• Ability to learn and adapt to various software and technology programs to complete work duties
• Self-motivated, organized, attentive to details, and the ability to manage time and effectively function without close supervision
• Ability to meet or exceed the company’s attendance and punctuality standards
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays and special events as needed

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

Requires moderate physical work; Frequent standing bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, reaching, carrying, lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 pounds

About Us

Mt. Cuba Center, a premier native plant garden, is dedicated to supporting the environment through the practice and promotion of ecological horticulture.  Mt. Cuba Center’s gardens and programs inspire an appreciation for the beauty and value of native plants and commitment to protect the habitats that sustain them.

Benefits:

We offer staff competitive pay, access to our employee discount program, a fun atmosphere, and a balanced work-life environment.

HAVING TROUBLE APPLYING? PLEASE EMAIL CAREERS@MTCUBACENTER.ORG FOR HELP