Conservatory Technician

Conservatory Technician Position type: Full-time employment, average of 40 hours per week. Non-exempt under Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Description:

The Conservatory Technician is responsible for the specialized care, maintenance, and presentation of plant collections within assigned conservatory biomes. This role supports the mission of Norfolk Botanical Garden by applying advanced horticultural knowledge to sustain healthy, diverse collections while ensuring each biome reflects high standards of aesthetic excellence and a commitment to environmental stewardship. Working closely with the Conservatory Management team, the Conservatory Technician assists with the planning, installation, and ongoing refinement of biome-specific displays, supports both the short-term maintenance and long-term development of assigned biomes, monitors and adjusts environmental conditions, advances collection development, and leads improvement projects within the conservatory and the surrounding gardens to include but not limited to the BEEC, Sentara Plaza, Sky Meadow, Parking Garden, rain gardens and outdoor areas within the footprint of the Conservatory, BEEC, Welcome Center/Bistro and Parking Garden. This position also provides guidance and mentorship to interns, volunteers, and other staff, fostering a collaborative and educational work environment. Typical schedules include Tuesday-Saturday or Sunday-Thursday. The schedule may include evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to support the operational needs of the conservatory.

Essential Functions:

Maintain and enhance assigned conservatory biomes (Tropical or Desert) and outdoor areas using advanced horticultural techniques, including watering, pruning, soil management, and integrated pest management, while ensuring optimal plant health in controlled environments; participate in cross-training to develop a foundational understanding of the other conservatory biome and provide support as operational needs arise. Work closely with the Conservatory Management team to help monitor & maintain environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, light, and irrigation systems to meet the specific needs of each biome, with general familiarity across multiple biome systems through cross-training. Plan and execute planting, rotation, and maintenance schedules for biome-specific collections, ensuring year-round visual interest and plant health. Assist with leading and supporting conservatory-based projects, including exhibit installations, collection enhancements, and environmental system improvements. Conduct routine plant health assessments and proactively diagnose and treat pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies, with a focus on greenhouse and enclosed-environment challenges. Maintain accurate plant records, including inventory, labeling, and database updates, supporting collection tracking and conservation efforts. Train and mentor interns, volunteers, and staff in proper plant care techniques, conservatory protocols, and safe equipment use. Engage with guests as a subject-matter resource; support tours, educational programming, and interpretive experiences within the conservatory. Safely operate and assist in training on tools and equipment appropriate for conservatory work, including small machinery and specialized horticultural tools. Assist with Garden-wide events, seasonal displays, and other duties as assigned to support overall organizational operations.

Essential Physical Functions:

Must be able to safely operate a golf cart. Must be able to work indoors or outdoors for up to 8 hours, regardless of varying weather conditions such as heat, cold, or light rain. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. to carry equipment or supplies. Must be able to continuously walk, stand, bend, twist, and stoop. Must be capable of performing physically demanding activities, including pushing, pulling, and handling manual labor tasks for extended periods. Must be able to safely climb up and down ladders. Must be capable of operating heavy machinery and small power equipment safely and responsibly.

Qualifications:

Must have a valid driver's license and the ability to commute to the Garden daily. Associate's degree in Horticulture (or related field) with 4+ years of hands-on experience, or Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, Environmental Science, or a related field with 3+ years of relevant experience. Progressive experience working in greenhouse or conservatory settings, including monitoring and maintaining environmental control systems (e.g., temperature, humidity, irrigation, lighting, and shading). Demonstrated expertise in tropical and arid environment plant identification, horticultural techniques, and seasonal display planning. Strong knowledge of tropical and/or desert plant species, including environmental requirements and cultivation best practices, with a track record of successfully maintaining plant health and growth in controlled biome environments. Professional certifications such as VNLA, Certified Professional Horticulturist (CPH), or ISA Certified Arborist (from International Society of Arboriculture) preferred. Virginia Registered Pesticide Applicator's license required at time of hire or must be obtained within 6 months. OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification preferred. Strong knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, and integrated pest management (IPM) practices. Experience leading horticulture projects, educational classes and mentoring peers in a public garden or comparable setting. Proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, and plant records databases. Experience with public engagement, including tours, classes, or outreach programs. Availability to work occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed.

Benefits:

Health insurance including an HSA or copay option (NBG pays 70% of individual premium and 65% of dependent/family premium) 403(b) retirement plan with discretionary 4% match Company sponsored life-insurance coverage. Group rates on voluntary benefits such as dental, supplemental medical expense insurance, FSA, DCA, vision, STD, LTD, accident and critical illness. Paid vacation, sick leave and holidays. Professional development opportunities. Staff discounts on programming & gift shop. NBG logo wear for work provided. EAP services for all employees.

Reports to:

Assistant Managers of Biomes This position is represented by International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, AFL-CIO. Equal Employer Opportunity (EEO) statement: NBG is committed to the principles and ideals of equal employment opportunity. It is, and shall continue to be, the policy and practice throughout NBG to foster equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for applicants, employees, and volunteers without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, status as a veteran, or other protected status, if qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Pay:

$23.00 per hour

Benefits:

403(b) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid sick time Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person