Somerset County Park Commission Manager of Horticulture
Accepting applications through March 6, 2024
Job Description
Under the direction of the Administrator of Leisure and Community Services, plan, promote, implement, and evaluate all horticulture activities of the park commission. Responsible for leadership and oversight of
two Supervisors, an Administrative Assistant, and several horticulture areas including Leonard J. Buck
Garden and Colonial Park Gardens, which includes the Rudolf van der Goot Rose Garden, Perennial Garden, Arboretum and woody plant collections in addition to all other horticulture needs within the park system and golf courses. One supervisor oversees the daily activities of Buck Garden and three full time gardeners along with part-time/seasonal staff. Another supervisor performs the same function for horticulture activities connected with Colonial Park Gardens, and the parks and golf courses within the park commission. Colonial Park Supervisor oversees six full-time gardeners, Rosarian, and the Horticulture Administrative Assistant in addition to part-time/seasonal gardeners.
Leonard J. Buck Garden features native and exotic plants displayed in a rock outcropping and woodlands throughout 29 acres. Guided tours are provided by staff and trained docents, and seasonal workshops are also conducted. There are approximately 15,000 visitations annually and the garden generates income of approximately $20,000 in gate donations, programs, guided tours, and wedding photography annually.
The display gardens at Colonial Park have over 50,000 visitors throughout the year. Staff provides guided tours of all three areas as well as providing lectures to groups with various interests on a wide range of horticultural topics. Wedding ceremonies and commercial photography, tours, programs, and gate donations bring in over $38,000 annually. In addition to the Colonial Park Gardens, horticulture gardeners tend to the horticulture needs at all other park facilities.
This position is accountable for the management of all horticulture services throughout the park commission. The total operating budget for the department is approximately $250,000 and salaries total $900,000. This position is also responsible for requesting funding projects through the Buck Trust through the Somerset County Park Foundation.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or a closely related field and five years of management experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. A strong knowledge of environmental and ecological concepts is required. Must demonstrate understanding of the role of plants, gardens, and collections in public horticulture. Must demonstrate knowledge of herbaceous and woody landscape plants appropriate for central and northern New Jersey. Must possess excellent leadership and communications skills with the ability to speak to large groups. Must be able to work weekends and holidays when required. Must have a valid driver’s license. Must have or be willing to obtain a N.J. Certified Pesticide Applicator license.
Compensation and Benefits
The Somerset County Park Commission has a knowledgeable, motivated, and dedicated staff. Our goal is to create a working environment which motivates employees to provide unique, personalized, and unparalleled service. The minimum salary for this position is $73,800. The Park Commission offers an attractive benefits package with the following components.
- Pension Plan – NJ Public Employees Retirement System (PERS); Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
- Life Insurance – Through PERS, non-contributory at 1.5 x salary; contributory at an additional 1.5 x salary
- Health Insurance – The Commission participates in Aetna of NJ POS Direct Access and Delta Dental Premier Plan of NJ. A portion of employee/dependent coverage is paid for by Park Commission
- Holidays – 14 paid holidays per year
- Vacation – 10 days per year minimum increasing depending on years of service
- Personal Leave – 3 days per year
- Sick Leave – 12 sick days per year
- Flexible Spending Account – maximum amount $3,050 annually
- Employee Assistance Program – Free counseling services for employees and their dependents including family, parenting and dependent care, education, daily living and stress management, and work and career growth
- Jury Duty Compensation
- Tuition Reimbursement for approved courses
Application & Interview Procedures
Applications will be reviewed and the candidates with the most relevant qualifications will be considered for interviews. Cover letter, resume, and answers to the three supplemental essay questions must be submitted by March 6, 2024 to:
Donna Umgelter, Administrator of Human Resources
Somerset County Park Commission
PO Box 5327
North Branch NJ 08876
dmumgelter@scparks.org
908 722-1200 ext. 5239
www.somersetcountyparks.org
It is encouraged for applicants to request confirmation receipt of application. Reasonable accommodation may be made, where necessary, to allow a qualified individual to perform essential job functions.
Supplemental Essay Questions (Not to exceed three pages)
- Please describe your approach to leadership, building relationships, effective communication, and accomplishing the mission of the Somerset County Park Commission.
- Discuss your philosophy and techniques relating to providing an exceptional horticultural experience for visitors to a public garden.
- Please describe three specific accomplishments in your horticultural career you consider to be the most significant. Describe the challenges and highlights you faced on the path to these accomplishments.
Please review attached PDF for full details and application procedures.
