Employment Opportunities
Curator/Assistant Director
May 1, 2021
The Polly Hill Arboretum (PHA) on the island of Martha’s Vineyard invites applications and nominations of candidates for the position of Curator/Assistant Director. The successful candidate will be knowledgeable and enthusiastic with a particular interest in woody plants and experience in the curation of an arboretum collection. This position is responsible for the day-to-day operations of PHA’s collections programs, which includes grounds maintenance activities.
The position oversees the maintenance, development, and authenticity of PHA’s plant collections as it relates to PHA’s collection policy and master plan. In addition, the Curator/Assistant Director maintains the plant records system at the highest standards. Assists the Executive Director in the planning and implementation of new horticultural developments called for in the Master Site Plan. Leads the evaluation of plants in the collections and oversees the management
of the teaching/research and production greenhouse. Participates in the curation and oversight of the non-living collections (herbarium, archives, and library). Additionally, the Curator/Assistant Director will supervise the Plant Propagator, Arborist/Horticulturist, and Horticulturist positions and manage student internships. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Curator/Assistant Director will assume a leadership role in the future development of the PHA landscape and the research use of its collections. The position will develop a ten-year plan for plant acquisition in addition to the case statement and design parameters for the planned West Woodland Garden. Opportunities for travel and fieldwork, nationally and abroad, to introduce new accessions into the collections from known wild sources and for research purposes will be made available. The successful candidate will have self-motivation, excellent communication and writing skills, a
familiarity with a broad range of woody plants, and a strong background in plant nomenclature and taxonomy. A competitive salary, benefits package, and on-site housing are provided.
Education and Experience
Minimum requirements: a master’s degree in botany or horticulture is required or 5+ years of experience in collections management, curation, or public horticulture. Demonstrated supervisory and personnel management experience. Work experience in the areas of public gardens, not-for-profits, public relations, and/or education is desirable. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google applications beneficial, along with plant records systems, (GIS) mapping, and GPS technologies.
Candidates should send cover letter and curriculum vitae to:
Timothy Boland, Executive Director, The Polly Hill Arboretum, Inc., P. O. Box 561, West Tisbury, MA 02575.
The Arboretum is cognizant of the health and safety of individuals who may apply, and will work with candidates to ensure the safest measures possible in regards to travel and the interview process.
Email: [email protected]
Application period will remain open until position is filled.
The Polly Hill Arboretum is an equal opportunity employer.