What are the responsibilities and job description for the RESEARCH 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 full-time Research Specialist to join the Conservation Horticulture and Collections team within the Science Division. This role supports the development, resilience, and excellence of Longwood’s living collections through research, evaluation, documentation, and hands‑on horticultural work. A key component of this role is leading plant evaluation processes with internal stakeholders and using these outcomes to guide collections development and garden usage. Responsibilities include:
- Propagating, cultivating, and maintaining plants originating from plant exploration, conservation programs, and stakeholder requests.
- Managing greenhouse environments to support high-quality plant culture and generate material for team projects and displays.
- Conducting seed germination and accelerated aging experiments under the guidance of the Director of Conservation Horticulture & Collections.
- Recording, evaluating, and maintaining data supporting conservation seed banking, rare plant conservation, plant exploration, and climate resiliency initiatives.
- Leading plant evaluation meetings, documenting outcomes, and implementing resulting directives.
- Coordinating the transfer of plant material from Conservation Horticulture & Collections to production and display areas.
- Building relationships with horticulturists, designers, and external partners to acquire new plant materials for evaluation.
- Sharing research outcomes through articles, presentations, and internal communication.
- Safely operating and maintaining equipment in accordance with Longwood standards and policies.
- Supporting strategic and operational goals through project planning, inventory management, technique development, and adherence to policies and procedures.
- Train, mentor, and supervise staff, students, and volunteers.
- Assisting with special or seasonal display preparation, snow operations, and committee work as needed.
The ideal candidate will possess:
- An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- A minimum of 3 years of experience in a public garden, seed bank, floriculture/horticulture industry, or related field.
- Ability to obtain required certifications:
- PA Pesticide Applicator Certification – CORE (00) and Category (06) within 3 months of hire.
- Forklift Operation Certification within 1 year of hire.
- DOT Physical Qualification Card for operating vehicles over 11,000 lbs.
- A valid Class C Driver’s License.
- The ability to work independently or collaboratively and have strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Strong horticultural knowledge in propagation, plant finishing, and best management practices, including experience with greenhouse environmental control systems (e.g., Argus).
- Excellent organizational skills and proactive information sharing.
- Broad knowledge of plant species and basic understanding of seed germination and experimental methods.
- The ability to safely operate a variety of machinery.
- The ability to lift 50 lbs., work in various weather conditions and temperatures, stand for prolonged periods, and wear a respirator as required.
- The ability to work weekends and evenings 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.