Horticulturist (Indoor)

About Our Organization

Lauritzen Gardens, acclaimed as the Best Attraction in the 2025 Omaha Metropolitan Area Tourism Awards and voted #5 by USA Today for Top Botanical Gardens in the United States, is home to 100 acres of horticultural displays showcasing the diverse Nebraska landscape. Lauritzen Gardens is a non-profit organization that provides conservation efforts across the Great Plains, practices and promotes thoughtful and ecologically minded horticulture practices, creates educational and inspirational experiences, and offers a year-round schedule of tours, programs, and workshops that explore, explain, and celebrate the world of plants. Lauritzen Gardens is dedicated to upholding its exceptional standards and providing joyful experiences for its visitors.

Job Summary

The Horticulturist is responsible for assisting in all aspects of indoor plant management in an assigned area or collection to a high standard of ecological horticultural excellence under direct supervision. The Horticulturist is responsible for managing assigned areas and/or plant collections through tasks such as watering, pruning, deadheading, planting, weeding, mulching, propagation, fertilization, and pesticide application. This is a full-time position, working 40 hours per week, with a minimum requirement.

Primary Job Duties

• Assist in the management of indoor gardens and plant collections by performing tasks such as weeding, watering, pruning, deadheading, mulching, edging, raking, planting, fertilizing, and applying pesticides.

• Must be willing to work with fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides in accordance with all label-stated safety precautions and obtain a pesticide applicator’s license within 12 months of hire.

• Operates small engine equipment safely and effectively (e.g., golf carts, blowers, sprayers, etc.).

• Cleans, maintains, and uses hand tools and equipment responsibly.

• Utilizes computers for weekly tasks and reporting.

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to excellence and a keen eye for garden detail.

• Applies best practices for plant health, maintenance, and display aesthetics; assists in fulfilling the garden’s plan collection and plant records policies.

• Reads, understands, and follows instructions effectively and efficiently both independently and as part of a team.

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. safely, stand, squat, kneel, stand for 8 hours a day, and work safely in extreme environmental conditions.

• Be able to work cooperatively as part of a team.

• Be comfortable working with people of all ages and abilities.

Education and Experience

• Must have at least 1 year of horticultural experience.

• An associate or bachelor's degree in education, life science, or design is preferred, and consideration will be given to those who are actively pursuing a degree.

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, and reaching.

• Regular lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of materials, tools, plants, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Occasional lifting of heavier items with assistance.

• Use of hands and arms for fine motor tasks such as planting, pruning, or operating small tools and equipment.

• The ability to safely operate motorized equipment, such as carts, mowers, and trimmers.

• Tolerance for working in environments that may include heat, cold, humidity, sun exposure, and contact with soil, water, and horticultural chemicals (with appropriate protective equipment).

• Visual acuity and manual dexterity sufficient to identify plant health concerns and perform detailed horticultural work.

Work Environment

Horticulturists work primarily outdoors throughout the year and are exposed to a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, and direct sunlight. Work may also take place in greenhouses, conservatories, or indoor plant display areas. The position involves regular exposure to dirt, dust, pollen, and horticultural chemicals (with required personal protective equipment provided).

Work may require the use of power tools, small machinery, and vehicles, resulting in moderate noise levels. Employees are expected to follow all safety protocols and wear appropriate gear for assigned tasks.

Horticulturists typically work as part of a team but must also be able to perform tasks independently with minimal supervision. The role may involve occasional weekend, evening, or holiday work to support garden maintenance, events, or seasonal needs.