What are the responsibilities and job description for the HORTICULTURIST, OUTDOOR LANDSCAPES 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, 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 Landscape team, which is responsible for the historic and reimagined Main Fountain Garden, containers and surrounding seasonal spaces. This individual will be responsible for horticultural maintenance of the Main Fountain Garden and surrounding areas including many seasonal containers. Responsibilities include:
- Participating in annual plantings, spring bulb displays, seasonal change outs, and other seasonal display initiatives throughout the year, such as the Christmas Display and Garden Glow.
- Planting, watering, and grooming of the seasonal display containers.
- Maintaining and evolving gardens and landscapes to the highest standards of horticultural excellence.
- Performing a full range of horticultural tasks, including weeding, mulching, planting, and maintaining herbaceous and woody plants.
- Frequently working closely with other members of the team to collaborate and complete tasks, such as bigger plantings and section maintenance.
- Supporting event programming throughout The Gardens through tours, garden talks, and guest initiatives.
- Implementing designs and planting projects across the section.
- Participating in snow removal and weekend watering rotation.
- Participating in the Christmas light display installation team.
- Grooming and maintaining decomposed granite throughout The Garden.
- Coordinating part-time, seasonal, student, and volunteer staff.
- Pruning a variety of plant materials, including shearing hedges.
- Operating vehicles, horticultural equipment, such as tractors and hedge sheers and snow removal equipment as needed.
- Assisting other sections of the Outdoor Landscapes team on larger projects like the Flower Garden Walk bulb planting.
This position will be Monday through Friday, starting at 6:00 AM with some occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays for watering rotation and snow removal.
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 organizational 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).
- The ability to obtain and maintain a DOT medical card to operate selected vehicles.
- The ability to obtain a Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator License, forklift operator’s certificate, and aerial lift certification within 6 months of starting the position.
- The ability to work outdoors in variety of weather conditions and temperatures.
- The availability to work 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.