Events, Horticulture Club Announcements

NOVA Horticulture Fall Day/Career Forum 11/19 3-5pm

All are welcome to attend the First Ever- Fall Day/Career Forum at NOVA Horticulture, on 11/19/2024 from 3-5pm. This is a new event to pair with NOVA Horticulture’s Annual Career Fair which has been held every February or March since 1978 (Stay tuned for the 47th Annual Horticulture Career Fair in February 2025, details TBA).

The event for 11/19 started as a career panel for the HRT 100 class, but the overwhelmingly positive response from Industry professionals (including 5 NOVA Horticulture Alumni!), has lead to the official expansion into a Horticulture Fall Career Day which will be set up as  mini exhibition/forum. See the flier and Attendee list below.

The format will be as follows:

Welcome and Introductions from 3pm-3:45pm in room LS 114

Individual and Small Group Discussions with Industry Professionals in rooms LS 114 and LS 102 from 3:50 – 5pm

Name Company
Richard Baker Owner and Founder, King’s Masons Inc Hardscape
Thomas W. Bardroff Atrium Horticulturist, Meadowlark Gardens
Adam Bucher Horticulture Resource Manager, Green Spring Gardens
Ahmed Ibrahim Client Relationship Manager, Rossen Landscapes
 

Michael Gildea, CGM

 National President, PGMS; Garden and Grounds Manager, Chevy Chase Club
Josh Kane President & Head Designer, Kane Landscapes
Jonathan Kavalier Director of Gardens, Dumbarton Oaks
Michealanne Makuch Conservation Coordinator, Earth Sangha
Pat McCann Certified Arborist, Bartlett Tree Experts
Maureen Robinson Founder & Head Designer, Blue House Gardens, President, APLD DC-MD-VA Chapter
Beth Sastre Commercial Horticulturist, Virginia Coop Extension, Loudoun Co.
Olga Ukrainchik Fairfax County Parks, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

Contact Horticulture Program Head – Anders Vidstrand for more information: avidstrand@nvcc.edu 

Events, Horticulture Club Announcements

Academies of Loudoun Holiday Plant Sale 2024

Did you know that we have Dual Enrollment program between the  NOVA Horticulture Program and the Environmental Plant Science Program at the Academies of Loudoun? They also have really great plant sales! Show your support for that program and those LCPS High School students! https://www.lcps.org/o/acl/article/1843711

Internships, Jobs

Paid Internship (AmeriCorps) as crew leader in the DC National Capital Region – Invasive Plant Management Program

See below for details about a paid internship opportunity (this is an AmeriCorps – Appalachian Conservation Corps Position) in Washington, D.C. for upcoming grads and alumni interested in conservation, GIS, invasive species removal, biology and other related fields:

Our Invasive Plant Management Lead Individual Placements will work with the NPS National Capital Region to supervise a field crew controlling invasive plant species with mechanical and chemical control methods.

This 49-week internship runs from Jan. 13th, 2025 to Dec. 19th, 2025 and is based out of Washington, D.C. Since housing is not provided, we are seeking candidates within a commutable distance to the D.C. office. Since this is a full-time internship, we are seeking alumni and recent grads with experience in field work.

This position pays $800/week and the intern will also receive a $6,895 AmeriCorps Segal Education award upon successful completion that can be used to pay back federal student loans or for additional schooling.

For more information and to apply, visit the application here – https://jobs.silkroad.com/ConservationLegacy/Careers/jobs/5489 

Jobs

Part-time Gardener Position Open at Green Spring Gardens

Green Spring Gardens has an opening for a part-time gardener for approximately 30 hours per week, note that it is eligible for health care benefits. Full description is attached here: FCPA Green Spring Gardens_Part-time Gardener_1560 Hours

Some information from their flyer is also copied below:

We are currently seeking an enthusiastic, self-driven individual to join our team as a Gardener. A Gardener performs all levels of garden and grounds maintenance required to maintain the highest aesthetic standards throughout the property.

Duties include:
Garden tasks
Weeding and cleaning bedding areas
Watering as needed and directed
Mulching
Planting seasonal flowers and woody plants. Deadheading and cutting
back plants as necessary
Pruning evergreen and deciduous shrubs and flowering trees
Propagation work to include cuttings, sowing seeds, potting up
Operating and maintaining equipment and vehicles safely
Work with others
Working under the direction of full-time horticulturists
Directing the work of volunteers and summer interns

….
To apply: Send your resume to FCPAJOBS@Fairfaxcounty.gov.

Necessary special requirements:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.
If you have any questions, please email Adam.Bucher@fairfaxcounty.gov or
FCPAJOBS@Fairfaxcounty.gov. Visit online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/jobs-internships

Jobs

Greenhouse Hand at Moon Valley Farm

Greenhouse Hand at Moon Valley Farm

https://www.moonvalleyfarm.net/

Job Description

Moon Valley Farm is seeking an experienced grower to work with our Production Manager to facilitate production in two greenhouses and eight high tunnels. This person should be versed in and passionate about organic agriculture and resolved to innovate and adapt as climate change and market interests fluctuate. We farm year-round and are always looking to improve our farming methods, yields, plant health and worker conditions. Additionally, as the farm continues to grow, we plan to expand and innovate with our greenhouse/high tunnel operations. The greenhouse hand should be willing and able to be decisive yet thoughtful in keeping all of these factors in mind. Hours will naturally need to be heavier in the summer than the winter, but the work is year-round and relatively consistent. Will work closely with farm owner Emma and the other managers.

ROLES + RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Facilitate seeding operations

    • Organize and keep track of seed inventory

    • Maintain seeding records according to organic certification requirements

    • Ensure seeding and seedlings are on schedule according to production calendar

    • Lead a team that will assist in large scale seeding/transplanting projects

  • Manage greenhouse/high tunnel crop production and infrastructure

    • Create and execute on irrigation schedule for greenhouses and high-tunnels,  including the use of timers and instruments for measuring moisture

    • Maintain healthy transplants/crops through regulation of temperature, scouting/spraying for pests, fertilization, etc.

    • Maintain greenhouse infrastructure (heat, plastic, tables, lights, etc) and communicate any/all issues or maintenance needs

    • Lead a team that will assist in large scale greenhouse/high tunnel projects

  • Facilitate Annual Plant Sale

    • Create and execute on a schedule for starting seedlings for our Annual Plant Sale in May

    • Organize greenhouses to promote sales and facilitate customer access

    • Track sales and update inventory as needed to match greenhouse production to customer needs

Desired Strengths and Experience

  • Strong sense of initiative

  • Commitment to organic and regenerative farming practices

  • Well organized, accountable

  • Continuous learner

  • Strong communication skills in managing teams and resources

  • Equally competent with plants and profits

  • Bilingual a plus

How to apply: Please send resume with references and let us know why you’re interested by emailing Emma at emma@moonvalleyfarm.net

Jobs

Grounds Supervisor- Goodwin House Alexandria

See the full position details here: GHA Grounds Supervisor-Final

The position description and application is attached above for anyone interested in applying.  Of note is the reputation of Goodwin Living, having been voted the top employer by their employees for several years in a row with the Washington Post annual assessment of quality workplaces.

For additional information one may contact  Amadu Kamara, Director of Facilities Management 703.824.1389.

JOB SUMMARY:  Primarily responsible for the supervision, budget, contract oversight and grounds maintenance of the gardens and grounds areas at Goodwin House Alexandria. The areas include green roofs, a fishpond, a wooded garden area and paths, a dog run, resident garden boxes, numerous pots, some lawn and several formal flower and shrub beds. Other duties may be assigned during inclement weather. This is a working supervisory position (hands-on) with one direct report.

 

 

 JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:

 

 Grounds Supervisor, GHA
DEPARTMENT:

 

 Facilities Management
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Facilities Management

 

Internships, Jobs

Two Horticulture Positions at Green Spring Gardens

The Office of Community Horticulture at Green Spring Gardens is currently hiring for two positions: 1) an Assistant to the Garden Plot Coordinator and 2) an Urban Ag Intern for the winter/spring months. The details are posted in the files below. The Assistant position has some flexibility (no remote work) and is 15 – 20 hours per week. The Internship is the same except that it is no more than 15 hours per week.

The detailed information for both positions is below:

Assistant to Garden Plot Coordinator Position

Urban Ag Intern Winter 2025 Position

To apply, email resume to: Pamela H. Smith at Pamela.smith2@fairfaxcounty.gov  703-324-9781

Internships, Jobs

Rooted In Education – Garden Caretaker and Garden Educator Jobs

Rooted In Education is looking for Garden Caretakers and Garden Educators for their school gardens throughout the Northern Virginia region.
Rooted In Education supports the development of whole and healthy children by installing gardens (living laboratories) in partnership with Schools and community organizations; creating programs, curriculum, and educational paradigms linking learners to themselves and the living world; and empowering Schools with need-based grants to increase students’ access to enriching extracurriculars.
Nadia Stewart, the Executive Director, also wanted to make it known that applicants are welcome to apply to both of these positions. See the job descriptions and application process below for each position:

 

 

Jobs

Positions Available at The Genius Genus – Houseplant Boutique

Job description

Join our team at The Genius Genus, your premier Houseplant Boutique nestled in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, VA. We’re not just a business; we’re a thriving community of plant enthusiasts dedicated to delivering unparalleled customer service and fostering a love for houseplants.

We’re seeking dynamic individuals to join our team as keyholder. As the face of our boutique one must embody warmth, enthusiasm, and attention to detail. Dive into our world of houseplants, utilizing technology to enrich the customer experience.

Ideal candidates possess stellar communication skills, adept at gauging the needs of our diverse clientele. While demonstrated houseplant knowledge is a must, a passion for learning and sharing is also essential.

Responsibilities include managing opening and closing procedures, engaging customers with infectious positivity, and handling transactions seamlessly. Become the go-to resource for plant care tips and recommendations, transforming inquiries into opportunities to nurture our growing community.

Continue reading Positions Available at The Genius Genus – Houseplant Boutique →

Internships, Jobs

Pollinative – Sustainable Sites Leads/ Project Managers

Part-time ($35/hr)- Sustainable Site Leads/ Project Managers

Founded in 2024, Pollinative is a new kind of landscaping company that demystifies and removes barriers to going native. We challenge the culturally accepted well-maintained yard. By improving our balance with nature, we are improving the communities in which we operate, saving the environment, and saving our customers money.

Our vision is to simplify and promote the concept of “going native”, making it easy, accessible, and affordable for everyone. We share entomologist and ecologist Doug Tallamy’s vision for the American yard, and we aspire to contribute to the cause of at-home national parks and more.

Full Information:Pollinative Site Lead – part-time

https://gopollinative.com/

All interested candidates should email their resume and cover letter to rob@gopollinative.com