Gardens Manager

Job Description

Mt. Cuba Center is a public garden that highlights the beauty and value of native plants to inspire conservation. Once the private estate of Pamela and Lammot du Pont Copeland, the gardens opened for general admission in 2013 and now spans more than 1,000 acres. It features captivating blooms along garden pathways in formal and woodland settings, picturesque meadows and ponds with stunning vistas, and more than two miles of scenic trails throughout its natural lands. Mt. Cuba is recognized as a leader in native plant research and open space preservation, having protected more than 14,000 acres in the mid-Atlantic region. Learn more at mtcubacenter.org.

Gardens Manager

The Gardens Manager is responsible for developing, managing, and leading the Gardens Team in caring for the gardens of Mt. Cuba Center to a remarkable standard. They collaborate with the Director of Horticulture in the design, development and execution of strategic initiatives pertaining to the gardens.

Essential Functions:

Manage the Quality and Care of the Gardens

Develop and oversee the execution of the gardens management plan and monitor the care and health of the living plant collections

Develop design enhancements in coordination with the Gardens Team and Director of Horticulture to strategically improve the inspirational and motivational potential of the garden

Manage garden renovations and planting projects, plant sourcing, purchasing, coordinating deliveries, scheduling, coordinating staffing, and overseeing contractors

Assist the Director of Horticulture in siting plant material in gardens

Support the Living Collections Policy by ensuring plant record documentation is maintained

Lead Guest and Organizational Programs

Provide knowledge and guidance to support guest and organizational initiatives

Lead, guide, and train employees, interns, and/or volunteers performing related work

Staff Leadership

Recruit, lead, motivate and develop employees who can successfully collaborate with all internal and external constituencies to help achieve the core objectives, inclusive of making all personnel action decisions

Program & Project Administration

Lead the planning and execution of department initiatives and budget in alignment with Mt. Cuba Center’s mission and goals, including effective policy and procedural development

Work cooperatively with the management team on adopting and implementing organization-wide systems, and help guide and execute the strategic goals of the institution to support Mt. Cuba Center’s mission

Education / Years & Type of Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or related field and 5 years’ experience in a public garden setting with at least 3 years of supervisory experience.

Qualifications:

Strong horticultural knowledge

Exceptional managerial and teambuilding skills

Ability to safely and effectively operate and maintain a wide range of hand tools, power tools, and small and large engine equipment and vehicles

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn and adapt to various software and technology programs to complete work duties

Demonstrated ability in organizing, managing and motivating employees, contractors and others

Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with Mt. Cuba Center staff and the public

Self-motivated, organized, attentive to details, and the ability to manage time and effectively function without close supervision

Ability and willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions

Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays and special events as needed

Physical Requirements:

Requires moderate physical work; Frequent bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, reaching, carrying, lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 pounds

Please note this is a Full Time, exempt position with a 37.5 hour week.

Mt. Cuba Center’s total rewards program includes competitive benefits, compensation, and perks. It is designed to promote transparency and strengthen our culture, values, vision, and mission. The starting compensation for this Full Time position is expected to be $80,000 - $85,000 per year. We craft offers with the uniqueness of our final candidate in mind and determine a compensation package based on their experience, skills, and abilities. Full Time staff members also enjoy participation in our incredible Medical, Dental and Vision benefits, 401k plan with an employer contribution of up to 8%, generous paid time off and leave policies, free admission to our garden, access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), professional development opportunities and more!

Mt. Cuba Center is committed to diversity and inclusivity, and we encourage qualified candidates from all cultures and communities to apply. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application or need help applying, please email