Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Plant Specialist

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

HorticultureAgricultureEnvironmental ScienceFacilities Management

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a green-thumbed expert with a deep passion for botany and a keen eye for design? This role requires a dedicated Plant Specialist to join our team and become the primary steward of our diverse plant installations. The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of horticultural knowledge to ensure the vitality and beauty of our interior and exterior plantscapes. You will be responsible for all facets of plant care, from soil health to pest management, while also serving as a key point of contact for clients and stakeholders. This is a hands-on role that combines scientific principles with artistic sensibility to cultivate thriving, impactful environments.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Horticulture Technician or Interior Plantscaper
  • Greenhouse or Nursery Associate
  • Landscape Gardener

Advancement To:

  • Senior Plant Specialist or Lead Horticulturist
  • Horticulture Manager or Director
  • Greenhouse Manager or Botanical Garden Curator

Lateral Moves:

  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Coordinator
  • Landscape Designer
  • Agricultural Consultant or Extension Agent

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive health assessments of a wide variety of plant species, diagnosing issues related to pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
  • Develop and execute customized watering and fertilization schedules tailored to the specific needs of each plant, container size, and environmental condition.
  • Implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, utilizing preventative measures and employing biological and chemical treatments responsibly and effectively.
  • Perform meticulous pruning, trimming, and shaping of plants to encourage healthy growth, maintain aesthetic standards, and prevent structural issues.
  • Systematically monitor and adjust environmental factors such as light exposure, humidity, and temperature to create optimal growing conditions.
  • Manage the complete lifecycle of plant installations, from initial design consultation and plant selection to professional installation and acclimatization.
  • Maintain the cleanliness and presentation of all plants and containers, including dusting leaves, removing debris, and rotating plants for balanced light exposure.
  • Proactively communicate with clients and property managers, providing detailed updates on plant health, treatment plans, and long-term care recommendations.
  • Source and procure high-quality plants, soil media, and horticultural supplies from vendors, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to quality standards.
  • Document all care activities, treatments, and observations in a digital management system to track plant health trends and inform future care strategies.
  • Oversee the health and composition of soil and growing media, performing amendments and repotting as necessary to ensure root system vitality.
  • Design and install seasonal color displays and special occasion arrangements, incorporating creative elements to enhance the visual appeal of the space.
  • Ensure all work is performed in compliance with industry safety standards and environmental regulations, particularly when handling pesticides and fertilizers.
  • Troubleshoot and maintain automated and manual irrigation systems to ensure efficient and accurate water delivery to all plant life.

Secondary Functions

  • Train and mentor junior technicians and new team members on best practices in horticulture, plant identification, and client service.
  • Contribute to the organization's sustainability initiatives by recommending water-wise plants, composting programs, and eco-friendly treatment options.
  • Collaborate with design and sales teams to develop innovative plantscape proposals and provide expert horticultural input for new projects.
  • Manage inventory levels for all horticultural supplies, including fertilizers, pesticides, tools, and containers, placing orders as needed.
  • Stay current with the latest horticultural research, industry trends, new plant cultivars, and advanced plant care techniques through continuing education.
  • Assist in the development of departmental budgets and provide data-driven insights to support resource allocation and strategic planning.
  • Prepare and present periodic reports on program performance, plant loss rates, and project milestones to senior management.
  • Conduct educational workshops or "lunch-and-learn" sessions for clients or the public on topics related to plant care and benefits.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced Horticultural Knowledge: Deep understanding of plant biology, taxonomy, and the specific care requirements for a wide range of tropical, native, and ornamental plants.
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Proven ability to identify common plant pests and diseases and apply effective, environmentally-sensitive control strategies.
  • Soil Science & Nutrition: Expertise in soil composition, fertilization techniques, and the ability to diagnose and correct nutrient imbalances.
  • Pruning & Trimming Techniques: Mastery of proper pruning methods for various plant types to promote health, structure, and aesthetics.
  • Irrigation Systems Management: Experience with the installation, operation, and maintenance of drip, sprinkler, and sub-irrigation systems.
  • Plant Pathology & Entomology: Foundational knowledge of plant diseases and insect life cycles to support accurate diagnosis and treatment.
  • Horticultural Tool Proficiency: Safe and efficient operation of hand tools, power equipment, and diagnostic instruments (e.g., moisture meters, pH testers).
  • Plant Propagation: Familiarity with techniques for propagating plants from seeds, cuttings, and division.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Attention to Detail: A keen eye for spotting subtle changes in plant health and environmental conditions.
  • Problem-Solving & Diagnostic Thinking: The ability to systematically investigate issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.
  • Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Articulate and professional communication style for building rapport with clients and collaborating with team members.
  • Time Management & Autonomy: Strong ability to prioritize tasks, manage a schedule independently, and work efficiently without direct supervision.
  • Physical Stamina: Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting heavy objects (up to 50 lbs), bending, and working in various weather conditions.
  • Aesthetic Sensibility: A strong sense of design, color, and form to create visually pleasing and harmonious plant arrangements.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED coupled with a professional certification (e.g., Certified Horticulturist, Master Gardener) and significant relevant experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Associate's Degree (A.S.)

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Horticulture
  • Botany
  • Plant Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Agriculture

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-5 years of direct, hands-on professional experience in a horticultural, plant care, or landscaping role.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years of specialized experience in commercial interior plantscaping, botanical garden maintenance, or large-scale greenhouse operations. Demonstrated experience managing high-value plant collections and complex IPM programs is highly desirable.
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