What are the responsibilities and job description for the HORTICULTURIST, OUTDOOR GARDENS 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.
We are seeking a full-time Horticulturist to join the Outdoor Gardens Central Team, which is responsible for the historic Topiary Garden, Rose Garden, Main Fountain Garden, Hillside Garden, Visitor Center Spine and surrounding seasonal spaces. This individual will be responsible for Horticultural Maintenance of a portion of the Hillside Garden and surrounding Landscapes. Responsibilities include:
- Training and mentoring staff, students, and volunteers in collaboration with the Outdoor Gardens Manager, as well as helping support staff in professional development.
- Working closely with the Outdoor Gardens Manager and the Production/Research team to ensure necessary plant material is available for anticipated projects.
- Maintaining annual plantings, spring bulb displays, seasonal change outs, and other seasonal display initiatives throughout the year.
- Maintaining and evolving gardens and landscapes to the highest standards of horticultural excellence.
- Performing a full range of advanced, hands-on horticultural tasks, including weeding, mulching, planting, shearing and maintaining herbaceous and woody plants.
- Supervising students and volunteers in horticultural practices.
- Supporting programming initiatives throughout the garden through tours, garden talks, and guest initiatives.
- Implementing designs and planting projects across the section.
- Implement new planning projects in the Hillside Garden and surrounding beds.
- Participating in snow removal and weekend watering rotation.
- Participating in the Outdoor Christmas Light display installation team.
- Coordinating part time, seasonal, student and volunteer staff to conduct daily tasks in the section.
- Pruning a variety of plant materials, including shearing hedges.
- Operating vehicles, horticultural equipment, such as tractors and snow removal equipment as needed.
- Assisting other sections of the Outdoor Gardens team, as needed.
Schedule: Monday through Friday, starting at 6:00 AM. Except for weekend watering rotation and some occasional evenings and holidays, as required.
We are searching for an individual with a passion for Horticulture and commitment to excellence. The ideal candidate will possess:
- An associate’s degree in Horticulture or equivalent educational experience is preferred.
- A minimum of 3 years of gardening or landscape maintenance experience, preferably in a public garden or private estate.
- Strong plant identification knowledge or a willingness to learn.
- Strong organizational, project, and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
- The ability to engage with guests while working, collaborate with colleagues, and work independently.
- The ability to lift at least 50 pounds, work from ladders, and operate small equipment such as tractors.
- The ability to work in a team atmosphere with other talented horticulturists.
- A valid driver’s license (required). Ability to obtain a DOT medical card to operate selected vehicles.
- A willingness to obtain a Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator License, forklift operator’s certificate, and aerial lift certification within 6 months of starting the position.
- Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions.
- The availability of working some weekends, evenings, and holidays as required.
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.