Grant/Revenue/Donor Funded Position-continued employment contingent on funding

This position is responsible for the day-to-day management of the SFA Gardens, including assistance with coordinating programming, instructing staff, and determining short-term and long-term goals of the gardens. Conducts research and undertakes botanizing, plant breeding and/or plant trialing efforts. Works under general supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the associate director.

• Oversees the day-to-day maintenance and planting in the gardens, coordinating efforts among staff.

• Assists in training and supervision of assigned staff.

• Supports departmental purchasing, accounting, and travel activities.

• Maps, labels, records, maintains, promotes and increases the gardens collections archived in a current accessions database and AutoCAD mapping system that is user-friendly and accessible.

• Manages the collections at the gardens, with an emphasis on trialing herbaceous perennials.

• Encourages and assists with utilization of the gardens resources to enhance teaching and laboratory educational programs in agriculture, forestry, environmental science, and other disciplines.

• Assists departmental staff in efforts to educate elementary, middle and high school students, and the general public.

• Promotes horticulture in the community, region, state, and nation through existing programs and the gardens social media channels.

• Represents and presents research and extension papers at regional and national professional association meetings.

• Continues mission to evaluate woody ornamentals and fruits and increases trialing work with annuals, perennials, and tropicals.

• Identifies, procures funding for, and conducts research to benefit homeowners, industry professionals, and the nursery/greenhouse industry in the Gulf South. Collaborates and cooperates with internal and external participants in state and local grant programs.

• Assists in soliciting donations to further strengthen financial stability of the gardens.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities, and be able to explain and demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without accommodation.

• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, university policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of acquisition, accessions and collection policies, regional horticulture, botany, and taxonomy operations.

• Knowledge and understanding of the role of an arboretum and environmental education center and local and regional consumer needs.

• Knowledge of principles and practices of fundraising, grant writing, and donations/sponsorships, both short-term and long-term.

• Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet, database, word processing, graphics, and AutoCAD software.

• Ability to problem solve a variety of situations.

• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with university administrators, faculty, staff, students, and the general public.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Texas driver’s license and be eligible for university driver’s certification.

• Physical condition adequate to permit full performance of duties.

Master’s degree in horticulture, plant sciences, or a related field is required.

Five years of related experience in horticulture or a related field is required

Terminal degree is preferred. Supervisory experience is preferred.

This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check.
This is a safety-sensitive position subject to drug and alcohol testing.
This is an IT-sensitive position subject to Computer and Network Security policy.

This is a part-time position scheduled to work 20 hours/week.

This position is eligible for participation in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) retirement plan, subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement
At SFA , our commitment to diversity and inclusion is more than words—it is actions. We believe diversity and inclusion are keys to promoting more engaged individuals locally and globally. We at SFA are committed to amplifying a campus culture that nurtures belonging and embraces similarities while celebrating that every Lumberjack will be different. Those differences are valued, acknowledged, and supported purposefully. Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion | SFA (sfasu.edu)

Stephen F. Austin State University, an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and Educator, is committed to excellence through diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, creed, color, age, national origin, religion or physical or mental disability as required by law. If, because of an impairment or disability, you need accommodation during any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at 936-468-2304.

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