Downtown Horticulturist

Position Title: Horticulturist  

Department: Park Operations  

Reports To: Landscape Supervisor  

Location: Woldenberg Riverfront Park  

Position Type: Full-time  

Who We Are  

Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and Audubon Wilderness Park 

At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact. We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change. We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world. At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission. As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world. 

What You’ll Do 

The Horticulturist position works outdoors In public parks managed by Audubon Nature Institute and Is responsible for the overall landscape maintenance of their assigned park area in the downtown riverfront parks. Routine job tasks include general landscape maintenance such as planting, weeding, and pruning. Horticulturalist will set and monitor their Irrigation systems and manually water as required. The position will diagnose and treat plant Issues Including diseases, pests, and nutrient needs. The Horticulturists will properly use, maintain, and secure equipment such as leaf blowers and string trimmers, vehicles, and hand tools such as pruners, shovels, and sprayers.  

The position works under the supervision of the Landscape Supervisor and may be assigned to oversee gardeners, volunteers, and Interns. The position will support the greater needs of the Park Operations department and will support the general success of the parks as assigned Including proving customer service to all park guests, supporting engagement and education, ensuring the park Is clean and free of trash, and supporting event production and recovery.  

Day to Day Responsibilities  

Physically perform general horticultural maintenance, including planting, weeding, watering, mulching, pruning, deadheading, leaf-blowing, and completing minor irrigation maintenance. 

Remove trash from in and around garden beds including any hazardous items.  

Identify and treat common plant issues.  

Maintain garden projects on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis with a critical eye on detail. 

Contribute to educational and research projects as need to aid in community knowledge of plant materials and landscape maintenance practices. 

Adhere to safe and proper use of tools, PPE, equipment, and chemicals. 

Assist in group activities and special projects as needed. 

Additional/Overall Skills: 

Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute. 

Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience. 

Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission. 

Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow. 

The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned. 

What We’re Looking For 

Must Haves: 

2 years in Horticulture, grounds, or related field. 

Ability to identify common pests and weeds. 

Ability to use handheld gardening tools, such as shovels, rakes, and brooms. 

Ability to operate and maintain equipment such as hedgers, weed eaters, and blowers.  

High School Diploma or equivalent  

Strong verbal and interpersonal skills, ability to read and write 

Ability to operate vehicles such as golf carts and gas-powered utility vehicles 

Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions  

Ability to engage with a diverse audience  

Affinity for nature and the outdoors  

Nice-to-Haves: 

Louisiana Horticultural License 

Bachelors degree 

Computer literacy  

First aid/CPR training  

Physical Requirements: 

Working 100% outdoors in the elements including hot, humid summers and cold, wet winters. 

Prolonged standing, walking, and climbing of stairs or ladders. 

Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry objects up to 50 pounds. 

Frequent bending, crouching, twisting, and reaching. 

Manual dexterity to operate machinery or handle tools. 

Frequent use of vision and hearing to assess surroundings and job tasks.