Longwood Gardens has an opening for a full-time propagator/greenhouse grower. They will join 11 other growers, producing almost 1400 unique florist crops, in 4.5 acres of greenhouses and container fields, used to create Longwood’s world-renown displays.
Internationally recognized for innovative, and dynamic horticultural displays, our property consists of over 1100 acres, both public and non-public. In addition to the greenhouses, the public gardens consist of indoor and outdoor gardens and landscapes designed by Longwood’s Founder Pierre S. du Pont and some of the greatest landscape and garden designers of the 20th and 21st centuries. Longwood also has considerable natural lands and perimeter properties.
This is a unique hands-on position requiring attention to detail. This grower will oversee vegetative and seed propagation for the Floriculture team including about 650 crop varieties as well as crop production in 6,000 square feet of state-of-the-art greenhouses. This grower will be involved in all aspects of propagation and crop production including: sowing seeds, collecting and sticking cuttings, transplanting, potting, repotting, staking, tying, grooming, watering, fertilizing, pest management, setting mist and environmental control parameters, and receiving and delivering plant material. Periodic weekend, holiday, and evening duty is required.
Minimum requirements include: a two-year or four-year post-secondary degree in Horticulture with emphasis on Floriculture. Ideal candidates will have strong organizational, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, as well as demonstrated experience working proactively to meet deadlines. They will be equally effective working as part of a team or independently and will supervise and mentor students, seasonal employees, and volunteers in proper greenhouse propagation and growing techniques on a regular basis. A proven track record in propagating a broad group of floriculture crops preferred. Must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to obtain a Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator’s license and a forklift operator’s training certificate.