ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW: For nearly 75 years, Olbrich Botanical Gardens has enriched lives and inspired people to live in harmony with the natural world. Located on Madison’s east side, Olbrich features a 10,000-square-foot tropical conservatory and 16 acres of stunning outdoor gardens, welcoming nearly 400,000 visitors annually, including more than 8,500 member households. The outdoor gardens include 10 unique specialty gardens and received the 2022 American Horticultural Society Environmental Award. Indoors, the tropical Bolz Conservatory exhibits an extraordinary collection of exotic plants and orchids complemented by colorful birds and koi. Olbrich is committed to a culture of sustainability and education so that everyone - including future generations - can experience and learn about the fascinating world of plants and gardens.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens is operated through a public/private partnership between the City of Madison and the Olbrich Botanical Society (OBS), the non-profit organization that raises over $4.7 million each year to support the daily operation of the Gardens. Together both entities manage a combined operating budget of $7 million and an additional yearly capital improvement budget. OBS helps lead capital campaigns, including its most recent campaign (2020) that raised $6 million to build new greenhouses and the Frautschi Family Learning Center.
INCLUSION COMMITMENT: In pursuit of our mission to enrich lives and inspire harmony with the natural world, Olbrich Botanical Gardens is committed to creating an inclusive environment where every guest, volunteer, and staff member is valued and feels they belong. With mindful intent and dedication to continuous learning, we will work to remove barriers to inclusion through education, organizational improvements, and collaborative partnerships with our diverse community. Together, we celebrate the importance of plants and foster a sustainable, connected world.
The Organization has reviewed this position description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Organization reserves the right to change this position description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Organization may deem appropriate. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
PURPOSE OF POSITION: The purpose of the Glasshouse Horticulturist position is to provide operational support for Olbrich’s conservatory and greenhouses and to directly oversee Olbrich’s orchid collection. Under the general direction of the Glasshouse Curator, this position works collaboratively with the glasshouse team in maintaining a 10,000 sq ft tropical “landscape under glass” with wildlife that includes birds, fish, and amphibians. Program and exhibit development are an important part of this position including all stages of planning/design, build/install, maintenance, and take-down for programs and exhibits in the Bolz Conservatory. This position is responsible for Olbrich Garden’s orchid collection, with a particular emphasis on tropical warm, intermediate, and cool-growing orchids with significant genera including Phragmipedium, Bulbophyllum, Stanhopea, and Vanda. More than 600 specimens make up the collection. This role is charged with displaying blooming orchids in an aesthetically pleasing and educational way throughout the Bolz Conservatory. This position shares horticulture expertise by serving as a resource to the public, answering general questions, leading classes and tours, as well as providing access to the orchid collection through education, interpretation, and innovative collaborations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Orchid Collection Care and Management (50%, approx. 20 hours/week)
- Oversee all aspects of care and management of Olbrich’s orchid collection (including, but not limited to repotting, dividing, weeding and mounting of actual plants. Watering/fertilization of orchids in greenhouses and conservatory. Rotation of blooming orchids into the conservatory for display.
- Train and lead work of PT-staff, LTE/seasonals, interns, and volunteers in the care, cultural needs, and maintenance of tropical orchids.
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Scout for pests, and direct IPM practice/apply pesticides and fungicides as needed.
- Adjust, monitor, and maintain environmental control system settings to desired specifications for crop success.
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Observe that mechanical systems are functioning as scheduled through the environmental control system and troubleshoot as issues arise.
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Source and order nursery supplies (pots, trays, specific potting media, fertilizer, etc.), as well as parts for greenhouse systems and equipment.
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Conduct maintenance and sanitation on orchid greenhouse systems, equipment and supplies (i.e. Cooling pad maintenance, removing debris/insects from screening, replacing/cleaning mist nozzles, sanitation of terracotta pots, plant stands, and tools).
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Troubleshoot and diagnose issues when equipment malfunctions/breaks and coordinate with supervisor and maintenance department on repair or replacement.
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Maintain safe working conditions throughout greenhouse and head house (keeping floors clean, supplies organized and accessible.
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Maintain/update collection records in database. Current files are in paper and excel files and will need migrating to new plant records database.
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Submit label requests through excel form to plant records specialist.
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Assess collection strengths and weaknesses. Acquire and remove orchids from collection based on collection’s policy
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Bolz Conservatory Maintenance (20%, approx. 8 hours/week)
- Work as part of the Glasshouse team to care for the plants and animals in the Bolz Conservatory.
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Hand water conservatory beds according to water/fertilization bed schedule. Maintain adequate fertilizer in stock tank, and sulfuric acid for water treatment.
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General cleanup of debris in beds and plant grooming.
- Implementing best horticulture practices, including (but not limited to) pruning, transplanting, staking, dividing, and propagating at the discretion of the Glasshouse Curator.
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Monitor mechanical systems in the conservatory and ensure that they are functioning as scheduled through the environmental control system or program timers.
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Adjust and maintain environmental control system settings as needed.
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Provide wildlife husbandry to wildlife populations in the conservatory, maintain sufficient supplies for animal care.
- Scout for pests and recommend IPM practices. Assist with pesticide applications as directed.
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Assisting with regularly scheduled team maintenance projects in the conservatory (i.e. annual pruning, water feature cleaning, pathway power washing, and window cleaning).
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Provide leadership/direction to conservatory volunteers, LTE/seasonals, and interns as needed.
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Act as lead worker in the conservatory when the Glasshouse Curator is absent.
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Answer general questions and inquiries from the public.
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Weekend/Holiday Coverage (20%, approx. 8 hours/week)
- Perform duties from Section A and B on weekend days as well as coverage of daily responsibilities across conservatory, greenhouse, and interior-scape.
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Act as lead worker for the Glasshouse Team and address issues as they arise.
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Cover entire greenhouse complex (tropical, orchid, and production growing houses) and all visitor center interior-scape plantings.
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Special Programs/Exhibits within the Conservatory (7.5%, approx. 3 hours/week)
- Perform as a key contributor in the planning/design, build/install, maintenance, and take downs of special exhibits in the conservatory (i.e. Holiday Express, Blooming Butterflies, and Orchid Escape).
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Effectively carry out design ideas through implementation of props that can withstand month-long exhibit runs in a conservatory setting (i.e. high humidity and temperatures, while exposed to water, and animals.
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Collaborate on conservatory interpretation and signage.
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Manage volunteers and staff on projects.
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Misc. Tasks (2.5%, approx. 1 hour/week)
- Prepare tour, class, and presentation materials for various times throughout the year, as well as teach classes, provide tours, and present publicly.
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Respond to orchid and plant related questions in-person, by email, and phone as needed.
- Serve on ad-hoc garden and staff committees as schedule and supervisor permits.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS (THIS INCLUDES KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES):
- Advanced knowledge of greenhouse management practices and procedures.
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Advanced knowledge of cultural care requirements for a wide variety of orchid genera.
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In-depth knowledge of how to grow and care for orchid species in a greenhouse and/or conservatory setting, as well as best management practices regarding orchid sanitation, virus detection and disposal for a wide-encompassing taxa. In-depth knowledge of orchid pests and diseases, and control methods.
- Intermediate knowledge of production crops and their care/watering requirements.
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Intermediate knowledge of tropical plants and their care/watering requirements.
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In-depth understanding of wildlife husbandry, comfortable working with injured or sick animals and applying veterinary recommended treatments or euthanasia.
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Ability to diagnose and remedy pest and disease issues in a conservatory and greenhouse setting.
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Working knowledge of tools and equipment used in the greenhouse/landscape industry.
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In-depth understanding of conservatory/greenhouse environmental control systems and mechanical systems.
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Ability to create horticultural-based displays on varying scale and depth that meet Olbrich’s aesthetic standards.
- Ability to create props on a grand scale for conservatory exhibits.
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Ability to operate and perform basic maintenance and adjustments on equipment commonly used in the green industry.
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Ability to work with and direct the work of Conservatory/Greenhouse volunteers, PT-staff, LTE/seasonals, and interns.
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Skilled in computer software including M365 Office, basic word processing, excel spreadsheets, and database management software, as well as understanding/manipulation of environmental control settings.
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Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with volunteers, and co-workers.
- Provide exceptional customer service with the public at all times.
- Ability to manage one’s own time efficiently as well as work on a larger team.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
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Ability to work from ladders, heights, and non-level surfaces.
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Ability to accommodate varying weekly schedules. Holiday and weekend work will be required. (Holiday and weekend schedules are negotiated within the department.) Public programs may be scheduled in the evening or on weekends. Overtime may be required on occasion for special projects, education programs and classes, and emergencies.
- Ability to work with people of varying backgrounds and ethnicities.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (a successful candidate will have these or equivalents)
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A bachelor’s degree in horticulture, botany, plant sciences, or related field.
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4 or more years of horticultural or botanical facility work experience where the candidate worked regularly with tropical plant/orchid collections or in a landscape under glass.
(Other combinations of training and/or experience, which can be demonstrated to result in the possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position, will be considered.)
SPECIAL TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
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Availability by phone in case of emergency calls from the Wadsworth environmental control system.
- General horticultural tools and equipment are provided by Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
REQUIRED LICENSES AND/OR EQUIPMENT:
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Valid driver’s license
- Wisconsin State Pesticide Applicator Certification, or the ability to obtain certification within 90 days of hire date.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The work environment, physical requirements and job specifications listed below are representative of those that must be met by an employee, with or without accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position is not eligible for remote work.
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General Work Environment:
- Primarily perform work in both indoor greenhouses and conservatory, which at times are humid, hot, and contain wet surfaces.
- In addition, perform work duties in both the public and staff only areas which at times can be crowded and noisy.
- Frequently work in and move around in the conservatory and greenhouses in all conditions to access to maintain plantings and plant collections.
- Work with frequent interruption at times.
- Lifting and Exerting:
- Lifting and carrying: Regularly raising, lowering, or moving objects of varying weight limits independently (e.g., light under 10lbs up to heavy loads of 50lbs).
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Pushing and Pulling: transporting heavy materials like bags of mulch, soil, gravel, and large plants using wheelbarrows or carts
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Gross and fine manipulation: Gripping shovels, rakes, and operating tools, alongside fine motor coordination for delicate pruning, deadheading, and handling of plants.
- Posture, Balance, and Movement:
- Prolonged standing and walking: Remaining on your feet for extended shifts (frequently 8 to 10 hours) while traversing uneven, wet, or slippery terrain.
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Low postures: Spending prolonged periods bending, crouching, stooping, and kneeling to plant, weed, or maintaining low garden beds.
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Overhead work: Reaching above shoulder level for extended periods. This is required to maintain, inspect, and water epiphytic orchids mounted on bark slabs, or hanging baskets.
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Climbing and balancing: Ascending and balancing on ladders, step stools, or mechanical lifts, maintain hanging installations, or work on sloped landscapes.
- Sensory and Environmental:
- Extreme Climate Conditions: Ability to work for extended periods in sustained high temperatures (85°F+) and high relative humidity (70%–80%+) common in conservatory and greenhouse settings.
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Sensory awareness: Utilizing strong visual acuity for detailed plant health diagnostics, insect identification, and precise spacing.
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Chemical and environmental tolerances: Safely handling fertilizers, pesticides, and dealing with environmental irritants like dust, soil, pollen, and high noise levels from machinery. Ability to work in a respirator mask/spray suit for pesticide applications.
- Material Handling and Machinery:
- Utility vehicles: Driving small industrial carts or compact tractors to transport heavy loads of potting media, staging materials, and specimen plants.
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Forklift and pallet jacks: Moving heavy pallets of supplies (like bulk bags of orchid bark or volcanic rock) through tight back-of-house corridors.
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Specialized sprayers: Operating large-capacity motorized or pressurized chemical sprayers for foliar feeding, pest management, and greenhouse sanitation.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
This position receives first line supervision from the Glasshouse Curator and group/section supervision from the Director of Horticulture at Olbrich Gardens. The candidate is expected to be able to work independently and receive general direction from Glasshouse Curator.
SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITY:
This position is not responsible for any formal supervisory activities or leadership responsibility but provides general leadership as a senior role. This position, along with the Glasshouse Curator and other Glasshouse Horticulturist, is responsible for the supervision of permanent part-time staff, seasonal hourly staff, interns, and volunteers.
COVER LETTER: Please attach a PDF cover letter explaining your interest in this position at Olbrich and what you would bring to the role.
WORK SCHEDULE: Regular Full-time Benefit-Eligible hourly position 40 hours per week; Tuesday - Saturday from 7:30am-4pm with some evenings, holidays, and weekends required.
BENEFITS: OBS offers a competitive full-time employee benefit package including paid vacation, holidays, floating holidays, and sick & wellness time; health insurance (OBS pays 100% of employee health premium, 50% for dependents); optional group dental and vision insurance (paid by employee); basic life and disability insurance (paid by OBS) with option for additional voluntary (paid by employee) life, accident, or critical illness insurance. Employees also have access to paid parental leave and are eligible to participate in the OBS retirement plan with a generous employer match after 1000 hours and 6 months of service.
JOB TITLE: Glasshouse Horticulturist
DEPARTMENT: Horticulture
REPORTS TO: Glasshouse Curator, Director of Horticulture
FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Full-time Regular - Non-exempt
COMPENSATION: From approximately $29-$32.43 per hour ($60,386.82 - $67,455.96); dependent upon qualifications and experience
LOCATION: Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Sunday August 30, 2026
