Assistant Horticulturist

Role overview

This position blends hands-on work across outdoor garden areas and conservatories, giving the selected candidate exposure to a broad plant collection that includes ornamental, tropical, and native species. Time in the role will be split between the two horticulture teams.

Key responsibilities

• Carry out routine garden care such as irrigation, weeding, pruning, planting, pest management, fertilizing, pesticide application, and seasonal display planting.
• Identify signs of nutrient shortages in plants.
• Spot pest outbreaks and the related plant damage.
• Act as a knowledgeable horticulture resource for visitors and for the garden team.
• Take on special assignments as needed.
• Support the Conservation Display Garden horticulturist in managing the native plant habitat.
• Assist the Conservatory horticulturist with upkeep of the tropical rainforest and desert collections.
• Learn and apply the Integrated Pest Management program, with emphasis on biological control methods used in the conservatories and outdoor gardens.
• Provide weekend watering coverage when scheduled.
• Contribute to the garden’s educational mission and public learning goals.

Requirements

• An associate degree in horticulture, botany, or a similar discipline, or at least 2 years of practical professional gardening experience.
• A strong willingness to learn and build plant knowledge over time.
• Ability to handle moderate physical work, including lifting up to 40 lbs and moving through a full range of motion.
• Comfort using hand tools and powered garden equipment.
• Capability to apply chemicals under supervision.
• Prior public-facing experience is an advantage.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Strong command of English.
• Basic computer skills.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to use ladders when plant care requires it.
• Ability to follow assigned work plans efficiently and on schedule.
• The role is broad in nature, and duties may change as needed; the listed tasks are not exhaustive.
• Equal opportunity employment is provided regardless of protected characteristics, and reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Core values

• Conservation: Protect natural resources and ecosystems with long-term sustainability in mind.
• Excellence: Maintain high standards and contribute to a strong public reputation for the Garden.
• Inspiration: Create an environment that encourages creativity, beauty, joy, and appreciation of plants.
• Integrity: Act with honesty, transparency, accountability, trust, and sound judgment.
• Respect: Value the diversity of coworkers, volunteers, and guests and treat others with dignity.