12/13/15 Director of Horticulture, Theodore Payne Foundation
http://theodorepayne.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Director_of_Horticulture.pdf
POSITION OBJECTIVES
The Director of Horticulture will work to maintain and preserve the vision and qualities that make the
Foundation unique, will help to implement the Foundation’s mission, and will be a key player in the
Foundation’s efforts to develop TPF as a public garden and educational center. This is a full-time
position, reporting to the Executive Director, to oversee management of the nursery, grounds, and seed
and professional development programs.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
 The Director of Horticulture’s primary responsibilities will include the following:
 Recruit, manage, and work with employees on the daily maintenance of the sales yard, production
nursery, and gardens, upholding standards of horticultural excellence.
 Especially during the first year at TPF, the Director of Horticulture will be responsible for generating
and monitoring quarterly work plans and establishing maintenance standards.
 Provides direct reports with annual reviews.
 Expand development of retail nursery sales through directing propagation and acquisition of plants
for resale, in collaboration with production and sales yard staff, to provide a wide variety of plants
for gardeners at all stages of expertize.
 Oversee maintenance of nursery production, stock gardens, and sales areas. Ensure that
merchandizing in the sales yard is visually compelling and labeling is accurate.
 Expand the Local Source Initiative program through onsite and partnership opportunities.
 Establish a plant introduction program. Develop the gardens in order to present a compelling and
diverse example of native plant horticulture.
 Direct new plant acquisitions, installation, and design; supervise and assist as needed with
maintenance of physical plant; including irrigation systems, garden equipment and supplies.
 Supervise the work of the gardener.
 Create interpretive signs for the in-ground plants.
 Develop and participate in programs to promote the garden and strengthen its educational outreach
through educational programs, lectures, tours, and workshops.
 Work in partnership with ED and Education staff to plan, execute, and schedule professional
development programs.
 Write plant information for brochures, website, and other publications.
 Cultivate relationships with relevant organizations to develop partnerships.
 Help create and support collaboration with educational institutions and other partner organizations
to foster research and exchange of information.
 Support development of seed program for conservation, restoration, and retail ends.
 Provide guidance and assist with fundraising to expand program through strategic partnerships and
targeted expansion.
 Support public visitation, membership, tours and revenue generation by greeting visitors and giving
tours; develop, enhance, and install changing exhibits on the grounds that support programming;
seeing that garden is prepared for visitors and plant sales; collaborating on funding proposals.
 Conduct private horticultural tours; answer questions. Support development of the volunteer
program by training docents and garden volunteers.
 Develop meaningful opportunities for volunteer participation in the maintenance and development
of the garden, including propagation and nursery management.
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Manage the living collections through leading and overseeing the plant record keeping system.
Maintain and update plant records.
Lead the effort of TPF to make the most effective use of plant collections information.
Accession plants and record location, source, cultural information, status, maintenance needs and
schedule, propagation information, and photographs.
Develop photographic record of collections.
Update and maintain plant labels and accession tags.
Monitor condition of collections.
Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
 Enthusiasm and passion about native plant horticulture and garden design and an ability to
communicate this to professionals and the public.
 Knowledge of horticultural practices, especially relating to California native plants.
 Degree preferred in horticulture, plant science, public garden management, landscape architecture,
or closely related field. Advanced degree a plus.
 Managerial skills and work experience of at least 5 years of relevant experience including
supervising staff and volunteers; prior public garden management experience desirable.
 Ability to supervise and lead employees, including organizing and prioritizing work assignments,
identifying objectives, and evaluating results.
 Communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with staff and volunteers and
to represent the garden through public speaking, writing, and teaching.
 Strong interpersonal skills; must be a team player able to work effectively with a diverse group of
individuals.
 Ability to work to a plan and adapt as conditions warrant.
 Documentation and technical expertise.
 Facility with plant recordkeeping systems and plant identification skills.
 Strong computer skills and facility with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Access and PowerPoint.
Strong recordkeeping and organizational skills required.
 Physical fitness and ability to operate equipment. The garden is a labor-intensive work environment
and some aspects of the job could involve heavy lifting and the use of power equipment. Proficiency
in safe operation and proper maintenance of hand tools and power equipment as well as valid
driver’s license required. Ability to traverse 22-acre site on gravel and unpaved areas in all weather
conditions.
BENEFITS
• Salary, non-profit range, commensurate with experience
• Medical and dental insurance
• Retirement plan eligibility after six months
• Sick time, holiday time, vacation time
TO APPLY
Send cover letter, resume, and references to Kitty Connolly at kitty@theodorepayne.org Review of
applications will begin January 8, 2016.
THEODORE PAYNE FOUNDATION The Theodore Payne Foundation is a non-profit nursery and
educational organization whose mission is to promote the understanding and use of California native
plants. The Foundation has approximately 3,300 members and an outreach to nearly 13,000 via its enewsletter; it has a paid staff of 16 and a corps of 250 volunteers. The Foundation owns and operates a
22-acre educational facility and nursery in Sun Valley in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, CA,
and has an operating budget of over $1 million. Major activities include operating a public nursery/seed
room and bookstore, plant propagation, adult education and K-12 nature education classes,
demonstration gardens, an annual native plant garden tour with 2,000 attendees at 40 gardens, fall and
spring plant sales, as well as donor, member, and volunteer appreciation events. Outreach activities
include a quarterly newsletter, web site, e-newsletter, social media, and offsite sales. For more
information, visit theodorepayne.org The Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all TPF
activities are conducted without discrimination based on race, color, genetics, religion, gender, gender
identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected
veteran. TPF is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship
and immigration status.