What are the responsibilities and job description for the Horticulturalist position at Kalamazoo Nature Center?
Title: Horticulturalist
Supervisor: Conservation Engagement Director
Classification: Seasonal, Hourly / Non-exempt
Schedule: ~35-40 hour work week Wednesday - Sunday
Compensation: $16-18/hr
Benefits:
Supervisor: Conservation Engagement Director
Classification: Seasonal, Hourly / Non-exempt
Schedule: ~35-40 hour work week Wednesday - Sunday
Compensation: $16-18/hr
Benefits:
- Free one (1) year household membership to the Kalamazoo Nature Center.
- Two days of Paid Time Off (used at your discretion for illness, vacation, or holidays).
- Opportunity to explore, learn about, and improve a variety of southern Michigan habitats.
- Access to Employee Assistance Program which includes free counseling, legal advice, and financial advice.
The Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create relationships and experiences that welcome and inspire people to discover, enjoy, value, and care for nature. Recognized by its peers as one of the top nature centers in the country, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is located on 1,500 acres of wooded, rolling countryside and includes over 15 miles of hiking trails winding through some of the most magnificent habitats in Michigan.
Because we value the strength diversity brings to the workplace, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is committed to the recruitment, retention, and development of a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.
Job Summary:
The Horticulturalist will lead the management, care, and planning of the Kalamazoo Nature Center’s gardens, balancing ecological sustainability with aesthetic and marketable appeal. This role will design and implement horticultural practices that reflect KNC’s values, engaging and directing volunteers to bring these plans to life. The Horticulturalist will report through the Conservation Stewardship team and collaborate closely with staff and volunteers across the organization.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Plan and manage the care, design, and seasonal rotation of KNC’s ornamental, educational, and native gardens.
- Oversee beautification efforts along trail edges and surrounding garden areas, ensuring ecological integrity and visual appeal.
- Collaborate with Conservation Stewardship staff to align horticultural and ecological goals.
- Develop and implement planting, weeding, pruning, and pest management schedules using typical garden tools and supplies.
- With the support of the Volunteer Coordinator, plan and lead volunteer groups in hands-on garden and beautification work, providing training, guidance, and support.
- Order plants, tools, and supplies while staying within budget and sourcing ecologically responsible materials, with support from relevant Conservation Stewardship staff.
- Provide horticultural expertise for public-facing programs, signage, and special projects as needed.
- Coordinate with the Stewardship Field Crew and Facilities Management team for any advanced tasks requiring specialized tools or equipment, such as chainsaw or brushcutter work.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Provide direction and oversight to volunteers working in gardens and on trails.
All-Staff Responsibilities:
- Participate in site-wide activities such as All-Staff Workdays and Quarterly All-staff Meetings.
- Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and respectful organizational culture.
- Support and promote the mission and values of the Kalamazoo Nature Center.
Administrative Duties:
- Maintain records of plantings, volunteer hours, and seasonal work plans.
- Monitor garden and beautification areas and submit maintenance or safety reports as needed.
- Track inventory and submit purchasing requests for plants, soil, mulch, and tools.
- Contribute to reports and planning documents related to landscape management.
Customer Service Responsibilities:
- Engage with visitors in garden areas and beautification zones, answering questions and sharing horticultural knowledge.
- Represent KNC’s mission and stewardship values through interactions with the public and volunteers.
Preferred Skills/Abilities:
- Strong interpersonal and volunteer leadership skills.
- Ability to balance ecological goals with public aesthetic expectations.
- Ability to prioritize tasks, develop schedules, and delegate effectively.
- Familiarity with native plants, invasive species management, and sustainable horticultural practices.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Attained (or in pursuit of) Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, botany, landscape design, environmental science, or related field; or at least two years of experience in horticulture, garden planning, or landscape management.
- Experience leading volunteers or coordinating community garden efforts.
Working Conditions:
- Prolonged periods of outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical tasks such as digging, planting, and trail maintenance.
- Occasional office work including sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
The Kalamazoo Nature Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Salary : $16 - $18
