Botanical Exhibits Fabricator

TITLE:                      Botanical Exhibits Fabricator

DEPARTMENT:        Horticulture

REPORTS TO:           Associate Director of Exhibits

GENERAL SUMMARY: The Botanical Exhibits Fabricator will assist the Associate Director of Exhibits in the creation and implementation of seasonal flower shows. Responsibilities include sourcing materials; creating horticultural displays, floral arrangements, and exhibit elements that enhance and complement the plant collections; designing interactive display components; organizing exhibit materials; and assisting with gallery exhibitions. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create a working environment that is inclusive, equitable and welcoming as we honor employee experiences, perspectives, and unique identities.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Create and maintain horticultural display elements, including topiaries, dried floral arrangements, preserved plant installations, and other botanical features that enhance seasonal flower shows using a variety of materials including preserved plant material, and coordinate volunteers to assist in fabrication as needed.
2. Assist in designing and implementing horticultural displays and interactive elements that support the interpretation and appreciation of plants within seasonal flower shows, Tropical Forest exhibits, and Winter Light Garden.
3. Create show install schedules and coordinate with other departments.
4. Source and organize botanical and exhibit materials for seasonal flower shows and maintain exhibit inventory.
5. Coordinate with horticulturists to collect plant material from gardens for use in horticultural props, and experiment with plant preservation and preparation for use in props and arrangements.
6. Ensure exhibit components, interactive elements, and fabricated materials enhance and showcase the horticultural collections while maintaining plants and floral displays as the primary focus of the visitor experience.
7. Coordinate with Facilities fabrication staff on prop details and fabrication needs
8. Assist Associate Director of Exhibits and other Horticulture staff in installing seasonal flower shows.
9. Field interviews and marketing requests.
10. Assist in handling art work and installing gallery exhibits.
11. Administrative support in communication with vendors, contractors and outside artists.
12. May perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

1. Education in floral design, exhibition design or horticulture with art/design experience.
2. Computer skills – proficiency with internet and email software.
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
4. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with attention to details.
5. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under deadlines and stress.
6. Ability to communicate and respond both in person and over the phone to the general public, staff, volunteers and board members in a friendly manner.
7. Ability to prioritize and work independently.
8. Must be committed to team oriented, visitor sensitive approach to exhibit development.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SENSORY DIMENSIONS

1. Physical mobility: sitting, standing, kneeling, walking, lifting/carrying objects up to 80 pounds, climbing up to 15 ft.; manual dexterity to operate keyboard.
2. Mental effort: reading, writing, analyzing, and visualizing.
3. Sensory requirement: Ability to communicate and respond to staff in a friendly and fair manner.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Ability to provide own transportation to perform principal responsibilities.
2. May require evening, weekend and holiday work if needed.
3. May require additional hours in the 2-3 week period prior to show openings.
4. Will have occasion to work inside and out or pass through any area of the conservatory or growing houses.

MINIMUM POSITION GUIDELINES (Education, Experience and Certification)

1. Degree in Floral Design, Exhibition Design or appropriate field.
2. Minimum of two years work experience in the design field.

Revisions, additions or deletions to this job description may be made at any point.