Head Horticulturist

Kiawah Island Club is seeking an experienced, creative, and passionate Head Horticulturist to lead the care, enhancement, and long-term vision of the Club's ornamental landscapes and gardens. This leadership role is responsible for maintaining the exceptional beauty of Kiawah Island Club's grounds through expert horticultural practices, innovative landscape design, and environmentally responsible stewardship.

The Head Horticulturist will oversee the planning, installation, and maintenance of ornamental landscapes across multiple Club properties while leading and developing a talented horticulture team. Working closely with the Director of Landscape Operations and other Club departments, this individual will help preserve the natural beauty and elevated aesthetic that define the Kiawah Island Club experience.

Essential Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the horticulture team while fostering a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Assist with recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, and performance development of horticulture staff.
• Promote safe work practices and ensure compliance with all safety standards and departmental procedures.
• Lead by example through hands-on involvement in daily horticultural operations.

Landscape & Horticultural Operations

• Develop and oversee seasonal planting plans, landscape enhancements, floral displays, and ornamental garden installations.
• Maintain the health, appearance, and sustainability of ornamental trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, and specialty gardens throughout Club properties.
• Monitor plant health through integrated pest management (IPM), disease prevention, soil health management, and sustainable horticultural practices.
• Evaluate irrigation effectiveness and collaborate with maintenance teams to ensure optimal growing conditions.
• Identify opportunities for landscape improvements that enhance the beauty and character of the Club.
• Ensure all horticultural areas consistently reflect the exceptional standards of Kiawah Island Club.

Property Enhancement

• Collaborate with Club leadership on landscape improvement projects, renovations, and new installations.
• Recommend plant selections that complement Kiawah's unique coastal environment while supporting long-term sustainability.
• Manage seasonal color rotations and holiday landscape décor.
• Maintain horticultural records, planting schedules, and maintenance plans for all ornamental landscapes.

Collaboration

• Work closely with Golf Course Maintenance, Facilities, Clubhouse Operations, and other departments to coordinate projects and ensure seamless execution.
• Communicate regularly with leadership regarding landscape conditions, project progress, and operational priorities.
• Support Club events by ensuring grounds and gardens are maintained to the highest standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive horticulture or landscape management experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Landscape Management, Plant Science, or a related field preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of ornamental plant materials, native and coastal plant species, pest management, irrigation practices, and seasonal color programs.
• Strong understanding of sustainable landscape management and environmentally responsible practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficiency with landscape management software and Microsoft Office is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certifications such as Certified Professional Horticulturist (CPH), Certified Landscape Professional (CLP), ISA Certified Arborist, or similar credentials preferred.
• Experience working at a private club, luxury resort, botanical garden, or high-end residential community.
• Knowledge of Lowcountry and coastal South Carolina plant materials.
• Experience managing large-scale ornamental landscape installations and enhancement projects.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, kneel, climb, and perform physically demanding work.
• Ability to operate landscape equipment and utility vehicles.
• Occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays may be required to support Club events or seasonal projects.

Why Kiawah Island Club

At Kiawah Island Club, every detail contributes to an extraordinary Member experience—including the breathtaking landscapes that define our community. As Head Horticulturist, you will play a vital role in preserving and enhancing one of the country's premier private club environments while leading a passionate team dedicated to excellence, sustainability, and innovation.

Kiawah Island Club Offers

• A knowledgeable and passionate leadership team that leads by example
• Excellent compensation
• The best benefits package including health, vision, dental, short-term/long-term disability, and 401(k) with employer contribution*
• Employee Wellness Program including complimentary gym membership and monetary health incentives
• Free parking
• Employee meals provided twice daily
• A complimentary Costco membership
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development within a world-class hospitality organization

Application Information

In-person applications are welcome between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at:

Kiawah Island Club
253 Gardeners Circle, Suite 210
Kiawah Island, SC 29455

Benefits are available to full-time employees after a waiting period and include: Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, 401(k), Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Telehealth, Health/Dependent Care Spending Account, Wellness Program, and generous paid time off including 12 vacation days, 6 sick days, and 9 paid holidays per year.

Kiawah Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer that uses E-Verify. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Kiawah Partners and its affiliates do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.