Arboretum Curator

Position Summary

The Arboretum Curator is responsible for the Horticultural appearance of the Cemetery’s 400 acres. The
Curator will oversee and coordinate outsourced gardening and arborist services implementing high aesthetic
and horticulture standards and best practice standards for caring for the cemetery’s gardens and trees. As part
of this responsibility, the Arboretum Curator will also be responsible for strategic planning, design, and
integration of all plantings with the work of the rest of the organization and day-to-day operations of our
active public space. One of the key initiatives of the Arboretum Curator will be to drive Woodlawn’s process
of attaining Level III Arboretum status, working collaboratively with staff, vendors, and consultants to attain
this next Arboretum level.

Position Responsibilities

Evaluate, build, and codify a cohesive landscape/urban forest management plan that ensures long-term sustainability, consistency in best practices, and management techniques among 400 acres of internationally renowned, highly visited public greenspace
• Establish and implement high aesthetic and horticultural standards and best practice standards of
garden care and maintenance, and direct organic and integrated pest management strategies to ensure
the health of the Garden’s collection.
• Provide support for grant applications seeking support for managing and maintaining the arboretum.
• Coordinate with Capital Projects and Facilities; provide a horticultural perspective and input where
appropriate; provide in-field follow-up and feedback and ensure spaces are managed after completion.
• Develop and recommend policies and guidelines to protect, enhance, and preserve the Cemetery’s
living collection.

• Manage, develop, and maintain relationships with Woodlawn’s horticulture vendors; select vendors,
  manage relationships, and approve invoices for payment. -Draft RFPs for third-party vendors as
  needed; review proposals, engage, and coordinate activities of third-party vendors
  • Work with the Woodlawn Conservancy’s public program staff to develop, organize, and implement
  horticulture programs, publications, and tours
  • Represent Horticulture in interdepartmental projects and events; collaborate with Woodlawn
  directors around public programming, donor/fundraising events, venue rental, and educational
  activities
  • Oversee the selection of planting and maintenance projects for horticultural interns
  • Liaise with departmental teams at Woodlawn, including Operations, Security, Conservancy, and
  Facilities, to coordinate interdepartmental projects and issues
  • Responsible for inclement weather/emergency response; communicate with operational departments,
  coordinate activities, communicate with staff, and ensure the safety of the arboretum collection
  wherever possible.
  • Participate in a range of activities beyond the typical workday, including Woodlawn events and
  programs, fundraising initiatives, tours, and stewardship and cultivation activities as needed
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Operations.

Position Qualifications

• Five years of urban forestry or relevant horticultural experience with in-depth knowledge of plant culture,
  maintenance, and identification
  • Bachelor’s degree in Urban Forestry, Landscape Architecture, Arboriculture, Horticulture, Natural Resource
  Management, or similar
  • ISA-certified Arborist is highly preferred
  • Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) through the International Society of Arboriculture or ability to
  attain within one (1) year
  • New York Commercial Pesticide License 3A - Ornamentals, Shade Trees & Turf or ability to attain within
  one (1) year
  • Proficient with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and database management
  • Ability to represent the Woodlawn externally by leading tours and giving presentations for a variety of
  audiences
  • Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to effectively communicate with external vendors,
  Cemetery senior staff, and other Cemetery stakeholders
  • Demonstrated ability to find creative solutions to problems, analyze situations, and implement actions
  promptly; excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Ability to perform heavy, physical labor daily in
  all weather conditions (year-round), including the ability to walk, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and
  regularly lift and move 75lbs with proper tools
  • Ability to work nights and weekends upon request
  • Valid New York State driver’s license or ability to obtain one

Application Procedure:
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply ASAP.
Please submit a cover letter, writing sample, and resume to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Only those whose applications are being considered will be contacted. Please, no phone calls.

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