Native Gardener - Springfield Location

The General Horticulturist plays a hands-on leadership role in maintaining vibrant, healthy, and sustainable landscaped environments across Focal Pointe-managed properties. This position works closely with crews in the field to implement horticultural best practices, identify plant materials, diagnose pests and diseases, and ensure exceptional standards in landscape care. 

The Horticulturist will contribute to ongoing training efforts, directly supporting the growth and development of crew members' horticultural knowledge. This role is ideal for a passionate plant professional who enjoys leading by example, solving on-site challenges, and supporting a high-performing team. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• This position does not have direct reports but is responsible for guiding and training crew members in horticultural practices.  

Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Work side-by-side with field crews up to 90% of the time, modeling proper horticultural techniques 

• Identify plant materials and diagnose plant health issues including pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies 

• Implement and teach proper pruning, planting, soil care, and seasonal maintenance practices 

• Create and deliver on-site horticulture training for crew members and seasonal staff 

• Support maintenance of perennial beds, native gardens, trees, shrubs, and turf areas 

• Perform sustainable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices and promote safe chemical handling 

• Maintain and repair irrigation systems, greenhouse equipment, and related infrastructure 

• Assist with the care of arboretum collections, maintaining records and supporting Level 3 accreditation standards 

• Review planting plans, assess landscape proposals, and contribute to design implementation 

• Operate and maintain power tools, hand tools, and light equipment (e.g., blowers, trimmers, UTVs) 

• Collaborate with Account Managers and operational staff on site-specific horticultural priorities 

• Participate in seasonal tasks such as snow removal, public events, or community plantings 

• Other duties as assigned 

Required Skills/Abilities:  

• Extensive knowledge of native and ornamental plants, trees, and shrubs  

• Ability to identify pests and diseases and recommend treatment or prevention strate 

• Demonstrated skill in crew training and development  

• Comfortable using hand tools, landscape equipment, irrigation systems, and other green technology  

• Strong observational, communication, and recordkeeping skills  

• Basic computer proficiency, particularly in Microsoft Excel  

• Ability to read and interpret plans, maps, and planting diagrams  

• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record  

• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred 

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Botany, Environmental Science, or a related field preferred 

• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on horticulture or grounds maintenance experience required 

• Pesticide applicator license preferred 

• Arboretum accreditation experience or license preferred 

• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered