Bonsai Specialist

The North Carolina Arboretum is currently seeking a Horticultural Specialist for our Bonsai collection. This is a full time position with a Tuesday through Saturday work schedule. Benefits associated with the State of North Carolina and University of North Carolina System will be offered including employer-paid health and retirement options and paid time off. The description of work includes: Garden Maintenance The Bonsai Specialist performs all necessary operations to maintain and enhance an intensively planted, highly visible outdoor Arboretum facility. Garden maintenance work includes specialized pruning of valuable specimen landscape plants. Other work consists of fertilization, mulching, planting, weeding, watering, pesticide application, deadheading perennials, plant waste removal, trash removal, monitoring for health and vitality of the overall landscape, and being a first responder to all issues relative to the appearance, functionality, and guest experience within the specified area of responsibility. Garden Enhancement Because gardens are dynamic, living entities, this position also calls for the ability to adapt to on-the-ground circumstances and make necessary adjustments to the bonsai garden’s presentation. Annual plants require selection, procurement and planting on a yearly basis. Perennial plants call for regular thinning out and division. Woody plants must be managed to remain viable in a confined site, which sometimes requires substantial reshaping or even removal and/or replacement. This position must be sensitive to the overarching importance of aesthetics in this particular garden and always strive for refinement. Decisions regarding these matters are conducted in coordination with the Bonsai Curator. Bonsai Watering The Bonsai Specialist is responsible for proper watering of plant material in the bonsai collection, which includes many valuable and even irreplaceable specimens. This responsibility carries potentially severe consequences for failure, which may occur quickly (within a 24-hour period) under certain circumstances. This position is responsible for watering all bonsai holdings when the Bonsai Curator is absent. Watering responsibilities are shared with the Bonsai Curator, at the Curator’s discretion, any time both the Curator and Specialist are present. Bonsai Maintenance The Bonsai Specialist works at the Curator’s direction to help with maintenance of the bonsai collection. This activity entails pruning, wiring, wire removal, repotting and general cleanup of plant material. This position also participates in the seasonal movement of bonsai specimens between the four locations on the property where they reside (bonsai garden, bonsai hoop house, production greenhouse, exhibit greenhouse). Clerical Support The Bonsai Specialist works at the Curator’s direction to facilitate all record-keeping, including but not limited to maintaining up-to-date plant accession information and materials inventory, as well as assisting with the procurement of materials and supplies. Communication The exchange of pertinent information between the Bonsai Specialist and the Bonsai Curator is critical to conducting normal operations within the bonsai department. This is also a highly visible position that requires personal interaction on a daily basis. The Bonsai Specialist is expected to facilitate a positive visitor experience by being welcoming and answering questions as needed. Professional and personable relations with staff and volunteers are routinely required. Leadership The Bonsai Specialist is sometimes required to oversee and direct the activities of Bonsai Volunteers.