Employment Opportunities

Arborist

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Arborist to manage the Botanical Garden’s arboriculture program. The Arborist will be responsible for overseeing the health and care of the Garden’s tree collection, managing a team, and ensuring that the Garden meets environmental sustainability standards. The successful candidate will have expertise in tree care, maintenance, and a strong understanding of horticultural practices as they pertain to a botanical garden setting.

About Us

The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a 3-acre urban oasis in the heart of Miami Beach with nearly 500 diverse trees.

Duties & Responsibilities

Responsibilities:

• Tree and Plant Care: Manage and oversee the health of trees and other plants within the botanical garden, ensuring their proper care, pruning, and maintenance according to industry best practices.
• Team Leadership: Lead and supervise a team of horticultural staff, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure the highest quality of work.
• Arboriculture Management: Develop and implement tree care programs including pest management, disease prevention, and long-term tree health strategies. Conduct regular inspections and assessments of trees, diagnosing any issues and recommending solutions.
• Planting and Restoration: Plan and execute tree planting programs, as well as restoration projects, to enhance the garden’s plant diversity and maintain a sustainable ecosystem.
• Educational Programming: Collaborate with the education team to provide educational content related to tree care, arboriculture, and sustainable gardening practices. Lead public tours, workshops, and presentations on arboriculture topics.
• Inventory Management: Maintain accurate records of the garden’s tree inventory, including species, health status, pruning history, and any pest or disease issues. Use specialized software for tree management.
  Collaboration with Other Departments: Work with other departments to ensure the integration of arboriculture practices across all areas of the garden.
• Safety Compliance: Ensure all arboricultural work is conducted following safety protocols and OSHA guidelines. Monitor the safety of staff and visitors, especially in areas where large trees or hazardous conditions may be present.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Support the garden’s sustainability initiatives, including creating green spaces, improving biodiversity, and reducing the environmental impact of the garden’s operations.
• Overseeing volunteer program.

Education and Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Arboriculture, Horticulture, Environmental Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Certifications: ISA Certified Arborist (International Society of Arboriculture) required; additional certifications in tree risk assessment (TRAQ) and pesticide application are a plus.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in arboriculture, with at least 1 year in a managerial or supervisory role. Experience in botanical gardens, parks, or arboretums is highly desirable.
• Skills:
  
  • Strong knowledge of tree species, tree health diagnostics, pruning, and tree care techniques.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills.
  • Ability to develop and implement maintenance schedules and long-term care plans.
  • Knowledge of plant pest and disease management practices.
  • Familiarity with budgeting, scheduling, and inventory management.

Application Instructions

Please email a resume to CEO Amy Rosenberg at amy@mbgarden.org with ‘Arborist’ in subject line.

Application Deadline:

January 17, 2025

_________________________________________________________________

Gardener (with Artistic Vision)

Job Description

We are seeking a Gardener with a refined sense of aesthetics to join our horticulture team. This role is ideal for a creative, skilled gardener who has a passion for both horticulture and design, with a keen eye for artistic expression in garden layouts and plant arrangements. The ideal candidate will have experience in maintaining high-end garden spaces while considering both the health of the plants and their aesthetic impact. You will play a key role in curating visually striking gardens that enhance the beauty and atmosphere of Miami Beach Botanical Garden.

About Us

Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a lush urban oasis that offers an engaging and educational experience for visitors while promoting environmental sustainability. We are dedicated to providing a space that nurtures the community, fosters education about nature, and showcases the beauty of plants and gardens in a tropical environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

Garden Design & Maintenance:

• Curate and maintain garden spaces with an emphasis on aesthetic appeal, seasonal changes, and visual harmony.
• Plan and design new planting arrangements, ensuring a balance between color, texture, and form, while considering plant health and environmental factors.
• Create focal points, themed displays, and unique garden features that inspire visitors and elevate the garden’s overall design.
• Oversee the artistic arrangement of plant materials, including flowers, shrubs, trees, and ground cover.
• Collaborate with the horticulture team to refine garden layouts and implement thoughtful design elements.

Plant Care & Selection:

• Select plants and materials that align with the garden’s aesthetic vision while ensuring they thrive in the Miami Beach climate.
• Implement sustainable gardening practices while caring for plants, including pruning, fertilizing, watering, and pest management.
• Ensure that plants are in peak condition and showcase their best features throughout the year.
  Experiment with seasonal plantings to bring dynamic, evolving beauty to the garden.

Artistic Collaboration & Presentation:

• Work closely with the education and events teams to integrate creative design into garden tours, exhibits, and special events.
• Contribute ideas for temporary or permanent art installations that complement the garden’s visual landscape.
• Maintain high standards of aesthetic quality in all areas of the garden, ensuring visitors have a consistently beautiful experience.

Visitor Engagement:

• Act as a visual ambassador for the garden, enhancing the visitor experience through stunning and thoughtful garden designs.
• Assist in educating visitors about garden aesthetics, plant care, and design principles through informal interactions or guided tours.
• Provide input on the creation of educational materials that highlight the artistic and ecological importance of the garden.

Education and Experience

• Proven experience in garden design, horticulture, or a related field with an emphasis on aesthetic sensibility.
• Strong artistic vision and an eye for detail, with the ability to create harmonious and visually compelling garden spaces.
• Knowledge of tropical, subtropical, and native plants of South Florida and the ability to choose plants that suit both aesthetic and environmental needs.
• Experience in both formal garden design and informal, naturalistic plantings.
• Understanding of sustainable gardening practices and eco-friendly horticultural methods.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with the gardening team to implement creative projects.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to share your design concepts and knowledge with visitors, staff, and volunteers.
• Physical ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform gardening tasks that may require lifting, bending, and physical stamina.

Application Instructions

Please email a resume and photos of previous work to CEO Amy Rosenberg at amy@mbgarden.org.

Application Deadline:

January 17, 2025

_________________________________________________________________

Education Associate & Part-Time Gardener

Job Description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and versatile Education Associate & Part-Time Gardener to join our team. This hybrid role combines garden care and educational outreach, providing an exciting opportunity to contribute to both the physical upkeep of our beautiful gardens and the development of engaging educational programs for a variety of audiences. The ideal candidate will be passionate about plants, gardening, and environmental education.

About Us

Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a lush urban oasis that offers an engaging and educational experience for visitors while promoting environmental sustainability. We are dedicated to providing a space that nurtures the community, fosters education about nature, and showcases the beauty of plants and gardens in a tropical environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

Education Associate Responsibilities:

• Assist in the development, coordination, and implementation of educational programs for schools, community groups, and general visitors.
• Lead hands-on garden tours, workshops, and events focused on horticulture, sustainability, and environmental conservation.
• Create and distribute educational materials, including brochures, lesson plans, and online content to promote the garden’s educational mission.
• Support the organization of special educational events, seasonal programs, and garden-themed activities.
• Work with local schools and community groups to arrange group tours and tailored educational experiences.
• Support the creation of educational content for social media, newsletters, and website updates.
• Assist in the development and implementation of a volunteer program focused on education and outreach.

Part-Time Gardener Responsibilities:

• Assist with daily maintenance tasks in the garden, including planting, weeding, mulching, and pruning.
• Care for a variety of garden areas, including tropical plants, native species, and seasonal displays.
• Monitor plant health, and assist with pest management and disease control using organic and sustainable practices.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education, Horticulture, Biology, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience in garden maintenance and horticulture practices (e.g., planting, pruning, mulching).
• Strong passion for plants, sustainability, and environmental education.
• Ability to lead engaging educational programs and work with diverse audiences (children, adults, and community groups).
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to lift and carry heavy items (up to 30 lbs) and work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and basic digital tools.
• Spanish-speaking skills are a plus.

Application Instructions

Please submit a resume and cover letter to CEO Amy Rosenberg at amy@mbgarden.org.

Application Deadline:

January 25, 2025