About the Position

The Grower is responsible for all aspects of the daily care and maintenance of a diverse collection of native plants in our greenhouse and outdoor nursery growing areas. They produce herbaceous and woody plants for use in our gardens, plant sales program, external conservation partnerships, and nursery industry. The Grower coordinates staff, students, and volunteers to perform plant maintenance tasks, operating under the guidance of the Greenhouse and Nursery Manager. They work efficiently on detail-oriented tasks to ensure plants are maintained to the high standard of Mt. Cuba Center, with emphasis placed on data collection and organization of plant records in all phases of production.

_Those interested canview a supplemental document with a more detailed overview of the role by clicking this link. _

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Essential Functions of the Role

The following outlines key responsibilities of the role:

Plant Production

• Apply proper irrigation and fertilization to produce a diverse group of native plants. Evaluate plant health and make or propose adjustments to production practices.
• Perform and oversee production tasks for all crops through plant care and maintenance activities such as potting, spacing, moving, pruning, and staking.
• Monitor and operate environmental controls to maintain proper temperature and light levels.
• Maintain sanitary and organized workspaces and growing areas.
• Collect production data and ensure an accurate inventory of crops.
• Assist with all aspects of plant propagation as needed in collaboration with the Conservation Propagator.

Program and Project Facilitation

• Coordinate, guide, and train employees, interns, and/or volunteers performing plant production tasks.
• Administer Integrated Pest Management program. Scout for pests, diseases, and weeds. Prepare beneficial insect orders, coordinate release, and complete chemical applications as needed.
• Contribute to conservation and nursery industry research objectives in collaboration with the Greenhouse team.
• Organize support logistics of the plant sale program, including deliveries, back stocking, and day-to-day communication with sales staff.

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Major Objectives/Projects for the First 6-12 Months

The incoming Grower will be expected to make significant impacts in the following key areas during their first year:

• Integrate into the Greenhouse team and assume responsibility for task delegation to support staff, students, and volunteers.
• Execute scheduled croplist requests for the gardens, conservation partners, research, and plant sales.
• Master Mt. Cuba Center specific workflows and processes related to plant production and data management.
• Take ownership of the integrated pest management program and exhibit independence in pest scouting and control.

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Education and Experience

Associate degree in horticulture or plant science from an accredited college, university, or recognized certificate in horticulture and 2+ years of growing experience required, or equivalent combination of education and work experience. Demonstrated interest in native plants and conservation horticulture. Experience growing plants in a greenhouse setting preferred. Must possess a valid driver's license.

Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated ability in herbaceous and woody plant production techniques.
• Sound working knowledge of native plant identification, plant cultural requirements, and environmental factors affecting plant growth.
• Capacity to learn about the growing requirements of a wide range of species.
• Familiarity with greenhouse operations.
• Skill in pest and disease identification and management.
• Ability to operate a wide range of tools safely and effectively.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Ability to learn and adapt to various software and technology programs to complete work duties.
• Self-motivated, organized, attentive to details, and able to manage time effectively without close supervision.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.

About the Role: Compensation, Benefits, and Per ks

• Salary commensurate with experience with a starting range of $22.00 - $25.00 per hour.
• Non-Exempt, full-time position, fully on-site.
• Rotational weekend and holiday work is required.
• Candidates must have unrestricted work authorization in the U.S.
• Benefits include medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k) with up to 8% employer contribution, PTO, free garden admission, and professional development opportunities.

Application and Hiring Process

To apply, please submit:

• Resume
• Cover Letter required
• Responses to our application questions

Interview Process:

• Resume & Application Review
• Initial Screening Questionnaire
• Video Screening Interview with Hiring Manager and Human Resources
• Final Round Interview (In-person) with Greenhouse Tour with Hiring Manager and peers of the role

Timing:

• Application review begins March 16th on a rolling basis, with the posting closing April 1st. We recommend that interested applicants submit their applications as early as possible.
• Mt. Cuba is targeting a start date for the final candidate in early May 2026.
• All candidates will receive a status update via email after their application has been reviewed.

All candidates will receive a status update via email after their application has been reviewed. While we aim to move quickly through our process, our focus is on finding the right fit for both Mt. Cuba Center and our candidates.

If you require any accommodations during the interview process, please email us.

Commitment to Diversity: Mt. Cuba Center is committed to diversity and inclusivity. We encourage qualified candidates from all cultures and communities to apply. For accommodations or assistance, please email careers[a]mtcubacenter.org.