What are the responsibilities and job description for the FLORAL & PLANT CARE SPECIALIST position at Longwood Gardens?
As one of the great gardens of the world located just 30 miles outside of Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens is rooted in a steadfast mission of bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Across our many departments, each and every staff member creates the magic that makes our Gardens distinctive. Our team of dynamic professionals is what sets us apart, and our spirit of legacy, innovation, and opportunity is what guides us. While beauty is our heart, our people are our soul.
Longwood Gardens is seeking a part-time Floral and Plant Care Specialist to support our Continuing Education programs through the expert curation, preparation, and care of floral and plant materials used in teaching and learning. The specialist plays a key part in ensuring exceptional experiences for instructors, students, and volunteers while upholding Longwood’s organizational values. Responsibilities include:
- Coordinating and communicating with staff, instructors, and vendors to ensure accurate, timely ordering of hard goods and plant materials
- Receiving, assessing, processing, storing, and caring for deliveries of plants and other materials, resolving issues related to quality or accuracy as needed
- Cleaning up, including waste disposal and tool care, after each prep session and class
- Updating inventory records and communicating purchasing needs to other Continuing Education staff
- Supporting preparation for classes, including staging supplies, assisting instructors, and welcoming students to classroom spaces
- Helping to manage the Floral Design Volunteer team during classes
- Addressing questions and concerns throughout class sessions
- Assisting guests during departure as needed
We are looking for a detail‑oriented, creative, and collaborative individual. The ideal candidate will possess:
- A certification in floral design or gardening (preferred but not required)
- 3 years of professional or volunteer experience in floral design, plant care, or related fields
- Knowledge of industry standards for ordering, processing, and storing cut floral and live plant materials
- A valid driver’s license (required)
- Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a dynamic environment
- The ability to solve problems creatively and independently
- Strong interpersonal skills, including clear, timely communication, and hospitality
- The ability to lift and carry 50 pounds, stand and walk for extended periods, and manage repetitive tasks, such as cutting stems, washing buckets, etc.
- The ability to work early mornings, evenings, late nights, and weekends as scheduled
- The ability to safely handle floral processing chemicals
- The ability to work an average of 25 hours per week
Longwood Gardens is committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment that celebrates the complexities and differences of all living things. We welcome and respect diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. Diversity creates a more beautiful world, sparks innovation, and unites us.