Landscape and Facilities Director Job Description
Organizational Overview
The John Bartram Association’s mission is to enhance and protect the landmark Bartram’s Garden and
House, advance the Bartram legacy of discovery, gardening and art, and inspire audiences to care for the
natural world. Located in Southwest Philadelphia, Bartram’s Garden is America’s oldest botanic garden
and is managed in in cooperation with the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Philadelphia.
The landscape encompasses the 1731 Bartram house and farm buildings, historic garden, reclaimed
meadow, tidal wetlands, community farm, trails, and the Schuylkill river front with a public boat dock.
The garden is in the midst of transformation, with unprecedented opportunities for growth and renewal.
The Garden recently launched its first major house and garden restoration in nearly a century. The scope
of the restoration projects include roof replacement, stone masonry and stucco restoration, and
restoration of the west entrance portico of the John Bartram House. A new geothermal heating and
cooling system will be installed for all the historic buildings. The restoration of the Ann (Bartram) Carr
Garden includes establishing a showcase for nineteenth century exotic plants at the Garden, new
displays of Bartram collection plants, and restored pathways and an entrance yard for the historic
quarters. In addition, the Garden will see the arrival of the Schuylkill River Trail in 2016, a regional trail
that attracts 1.4 million people each year.
Position Description
The Landscapes and Facilities Director is a new position at Bartram’s Garden, established to develop the
organization’s strength and identity in public horticulture. This position will be responsible for the
development and implementation of strategic restoration goals and capital programs, and will lead the
horticultural and facilities operations including the horticulture and facilities staff.
The Landscapes and Facilities Director will establish volunteer stewardship programs and training
opportunities that utilize the ecological diversity of the Garden as an “outdoor classroom,” as well as
develop a plant propagation program that produces high quality Bartram cultivars for landscape
restoration purposes and retail sales. Finally, the position serves and key liaison to the City of
Philadelphia’s Parks and Recreation Department, other city agencies, and organizational partnerships on
garden restoration, maintenance and improvements.
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Key Areas of Responsibility
Responsible for long-term planning and management of the buildings and the landscape at Bartram’s
Garden. Evaluates the needs, develop management strategies, and prioritizes landscapes and facilities
projects, and establishes a cohesive stewardship plan anchored in sustainable and best practices.
Supervises the head gardener, historic quarter gardeners, facilities coordinator, and seasonal workers to
accomplish short-term and long-term goals within the strategic plan of Bartram’s Garden.
Serves as part of a leadership team with the Executive Director, Assistant Director and Visitor Services
and Programs Director to manage and oversee the Garden and its strategic priorities. Works with the
board and key committees to advance organizational priorities regarding the landscape and facilities.
Serves as staff liaison for the Horticulture Committee and attends Preservation Committee meetings.
Serves as the Bartram Garden representative for the Community Farm partnership with UPenn’s AUNI,
PHS, and the Philadelphia Orchard Project.
Supervises garden research and cataloging of the living collection at Bartram’s Garden, working
collaboratively with the Curator and head gardener. Acts as a spokesperson for horticulture.
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Establishes the plant propagation program, arranges purchase, sale, or exchange of plants with
representatives of similar institutions. Oversees management of greenhouses and irrigation systems.
Establishes policies and procedures for garden and facilities management and supports all aspects of the
stewardship activities for the landscape and the buildings. Works with garden volunteers/docents.
Manages the horticulture and facilities budget, and oversees contracts and purchases for maintenance.
Directs major capital projects including oversight of construction, hiring contractors, and ensuring high
quality outcomes.
Leads staff responses to emergency situations and weather related activities, oversees security and risk
management procedures.
Participates in donor cultivation, identification and stewardship and contributes to fundraising efforts
and funding applications.
Leads logistics and operations for garden events including the annual benefit, plant sales and festivals.
Helps organize and support the Horticulture committee, comprised of members of the Board and local
area plant enthusiasts, horticulturists and landscape architects.
Qualifications and Work Experience
Senior level leadership and management experience with a significant or world-class garden, arboretum,
historic property or related environmental institution.
6+ years of landscape management and/or horticultural experience with in-depth knowledge of plant
culture and maintenance, hands-on experience a must. Experience with maintenance of historic
buildings a plus.
Experience with propagation and greenhouse management preferred. Experience handling landscape
management equipment, and ensuring safe working standards.
Experience in managing public policy issues and which may affect botanic gardens, especially in the
areas of conservation of biodiversity and sustainability in the horticulture industry.
Demonstrated success establishing retail nursery opportunities in a public and/or private sector
environment with demonstrated experience in the implementing business and operational plans.
Demonstrated experience in project management and business management including budget and
financial skills and demonstrated written communication skills with the ability to prepare high-level
reports and other written materials.
Experience in writing, oral communications, word processing, and data management skills ideal.
Team-player with an interest in leading the Garden on establishing and maintaining the highest
standards of landscape and facilities management.
Position Requirements
Significant portion of time working outdoors in the Garden in hot, cold and wet weather
Ability to regularly lift and/or move 40 pounds
Ability to work extended days, holidays, and weekends as necessary
Valid PA state driver’s license
Pesticide Applicator’s license preferred
Basic computer skills required (Microsoft Word/Excel/Outlook/PowerPoint). GIS/CADD experience a plus
Ability to operate tractor, heavy and electric equipment, power tools
To apply please submit your cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to [email protected].
Only those whose applications are being considered will be contacted. No phone calls please. The John
Bartram Association is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without
regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status,
sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.
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