Horticulture Technician

General Nature of Work

Smith-Gilbert Gardens is seeking a motivated horticulture professional with experience in landscape and garden maintenance to join our team. This position plays a vital role in maintaining the health, beauty, and integrity of the Gardens’ living collections while supporting the organization’s conservation-focused mission and commitment to environmentally responsible horticultural practices. The Horticulture Technician performs a wide range of horticultural and grounds maintenance duties necessary to maintain the highest standards of plant health, landscape quality, safety, and visitor experience throughout the property. As a City of Kennesaw Botanical Garden, the mission of Smith-Gilbert Gardens is to serve as a resource for conservation, education and the enjoyment of horticulture, fine arts and historic preservation. This position serves as an ambassador for Smith-Gilbert Gardens and the City of Kennesaw by providing exceptional customer service and fostering positive experiences for visitors, volunteers, interns, and event guests. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position.  The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Perform daily horticultural and landscape maintenance activities including watering, weeding, mulching, planting, transplanting, pruning, deadheading, mowing, string trimming, leaf removal, trash removal, and general grounds upkeep.
  
• Maintain the health, vigor, and appearance of plant collections through proper cultural practices, including propagation, seasonal maintenance, and monitoring for environmental stressors.
  
• Install, maintain, and refresh plant displays, horticultural exhibits, seasonal plantings, and garden features.
  
• Maintain bed edges, tree rings, pathways, and landscape features to preserve a professional appearance and visitor accessibility.
  
• Inspect plants regularly for insects, diseases, weeds, and other pest issues; coordinate treatment strategies with the Garden Manager in accordance with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles and the Gardens’ minimal-toxicity philosophy.
  
• Apply fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, pre-emergent, and post-emergent products as directed and in compliance with all applicable regulations.
  
• Maintain accurate records of horticultural activities, chemical applications, fertilization, irrigation repairs, and maintenance activities.
  
• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain irrigation systems, including controllers, valves, emitters, and related components.
  
• Operate and maintain hand tools, power tools, horticultural equipment, and larger equipment as required.
  
• Coordinate plant additions, removals, and replacements within the plant database and assist with plant labeling, inventory, and documentation of living collections.
  
• Participate in seasonal display change-outs, garden improvement projects, and conservation and sustainability initiatives.
  
• Monitor and report infrastructure issues affecting plant health, irrigation, safety, or visitor experience.
  
• Assist with volunteers, interns, educational programs, classes, and special events as needed.
  
• Engage positively with visitors and provide information, assistance, and excellent customer service.
  
• Open and close the Gardens, including unlocking and securing gates, buildings, and facilities necessary for daily operations.
  
• Utilize Microsoft 365 applications to communicate, maintain records, and complete administrative tasks.
  
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

•  Ability to safely operate equipment, machinery, tools, and materials used in horticultural operations including mowers, chainsaws, blowers, trimmers, and utility vehicles, etc.
  
• Ability to perform strenuous physical labor in varying weather conditions.
  
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment while maintaining positive and professional relationships with staff, volunteers, interns, and guests.
  
• Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
  
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work independently with minimal supervision.
  
• Knowledge of ornamental plant identification, growth habits, and cultural requirements.
  
• Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles.
  
• Knowledge of safe pesticide handling and application procedures.
  
• Knowledge of irrigation system operation and troubleshooting.
  
• Ability to identify common landscape pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
  
• ​Ability to use Microsoft 365 programs, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel
  

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required.
  
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in horticulture, landscape maintenance, nursery production, public gardens, parks, or a related field.
  
• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.
  
• Preferred: Experience working in a botanical garden, arboretum, museum garden, or public garden setting.
  
• Preferred: Experience with ArcGIS, plant database software, or living collections management.
  
• Preferred: Experience supervising or working with volunteers and interns.
  
• Preferred: Experience with beekeeping, native plant conservation, or ecological horticulture.
  

ADA Requirements:

Individuals applying for the posted position must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. 

Physical Requirements: Tasks require moderate physical effort, including climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, prolonged standing, and frequent lifting and carrying of materials up to 50 pounds.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals.  Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Work Environment: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, smoke, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials, unsafe structures, heights, confined spaces, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, animal/wildlife attacks, animal bites, or rude/irate customers.

Benefits