Perry Conservatory Manager Position type: Full-time employment, average of 40 hours per week. Exempt under Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Description: Norfolk Botanical Garden seeks a passionate and experienced Conservatory Manager to lead daily operations of the new Perry Conservatory—an innovative space where horticultural excellence, sustainability, and guest experience come together. Reporting to the Conservatory Director, the Conservatory Manager oversees plant collections, staff, and volunteers to create and maintain stunning displays that reflect the Garden’s mission. The ideal candidate combines creative vision and leadership skills with technical expertise in tropical and desert plant care, environmental controls, and extensive knowledge of plant identification, garden design, and disease/pest recognition. This position offers the opportunity to shape a world-class conservatory that engages guests and models environmental leadership. Typical schedule would be Tuesday through Saturday or Sunday through Thursday. The schedule for this position may require some evening, weekend, and holiday work. Essential Functions: Efficiently oversee the day-to-day operation and care of the 26,000 square foot Perry Conservatory. Supervise and direct the work of two or more Horticulturalists and make decisions regarding hiring, firing, and disciplining such employees. Monitor temperature, humidity, ventilation, and light levels under the direction of an authorized user to ensure optimal plant growth conditions. Further the Garden’s mission through teaching classes, leading tours, writing articles, giving garden club talks, participating in regional outreach events, and providing excellent customer service at all times. Develop and expand an in-depth knowledge of plants in the Conservatory, make plant selection suggestions, and assist the Director in locating desirable additions to the botanical collection. Assist with Garden-wide special events and other duties as assigned. Essential Physical Functions: Must be able to safely operate a golf cart. Must be able to work indoors in a greenhouse environment and/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 proof of car insurance. Must obtain a VA Registered Pesticide Applicator’s license within 6 months of hiring. Must have a basic working knowledge of botanical nomenclature. Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture, Botany, or related field and three years’ experience working in a conservatory or greenhousePreferred candidates should have knowledge of and experience working with tropicals and succulents and/or plants in a greenhouse or conservatory setting.Availability to work occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed. Reports to: Conservatory Director Supervises: Horticulturist I, Horticulturist II, volunteers 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 & giftshop. NBG logo wear for work provided. EAP services for all employees. Note: this position is considered Alpha Personnel. The employee is required to report to work during emergencies and inclement weather situations once it is safe to do so. 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.
