About this role
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
• 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.
• 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.
• Create show install schedules and coordinate with other departments.
• Source and organize botanical and exhibit materials for seasonal flower shows and maintain exhibit inventory.
• 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.
• 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.
• Coordinate with Facilities fabrication staff on prop details and fabrication needs
• Assist Associate Director of Exhibits and other Horticulture staff in installing seasonal flower shows.
• Field interviews and marketing requests.
• Assist in handling art work and installing gallery exhibits.
• Administrative support in communication with vendors, contractors and outside artists.
• May perform other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
• Education in floral design, exhibition design or horticulture with art/design experience.
• Computer skills – proficiency with internet and email software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with attention to details.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under deadlines and stress.
• 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.
• Ability to prioritize and work independently.
• Must be committed to team oriented, visitor sensitive approach to exhibit development.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SENSORY DIMENSIONS
• Physical mobility: sitting, standing, kneeling, walking, lifting/carrying objects up to 80 pounds, climbing up to 15 ft.; manual dexterity to operate keyboard.
• Mental effort: reading, writing, analyzing, and visualizing.
• Sensory requirement: Ability to communicate and respond to staff in a friendly and fair manner.
WORKING CONDITIONS
• Ability to provide own transportation to perform principal responsibilities.
• May require evening, weekend and holiday work if needed.
• May require additional hours based off the needs of the business.
• 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)
• Degree in Floral Design, Exhibition Design or appropriate field.
• Minimum of two years work experience in the design field.
Revisions, additions or deletions to this job description may be made at any point.