HORTICULTURE SPECIALIST

HORTICULTURE SPECIALIST

Position Overview: Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens seeks a knowledgeable, dependable, and collaborative Horticulture Specialist to support the care, maintenance, enhancement, and long-term stewardship of the Gardens’ living collections and horticultural displays across the 27-acre campus.

This full-time position plays a vital role in maintaining the beauty, health, and presentation of the Gardens while supporting exhibitions, guest experiences, seasonal displays, educational initiatives, and organizational events. The Horticulture Specialist works closely with the Director of Horticulture and collaborates with Facilities, Experience, Development, and volunteer teams to ensure that garden spaces remain vibrant, safe, and operationally successful.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong horticultural knowledge, attention to detail, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple priorities within a dynamic outdoor environment. A positive attitude, strong work ethic, and appreciation for botanical collections and public gardens are essential. This position requires flexibility, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on operational and event needs.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Garden & Plant Collection Maintenance

• Perform routine horticultural maintenance including planting, pruning, watering, weeding, mulching, fertilizing, propagating, and debris removal
• Monitor overall plant health and assist in identifying pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and irrigation concerns
• Assist with maintaining the visual presentation and horticultural standards of all garden areas and displays
• Support seasonal rotations, annual color installations, and special horticultural projects
• Assist in maintaining plant labels, botanical records, and collection organization

2. Propagation, Nursery & Plant Management

• Assist in the operation and organization of the propagation house, nursery areas, and plant sale inventory
• Support the production and care of bedding plants, potted plants, and nursery stock
• Assist with plant procurement, material organization, and inventory tracking
• Help maintain growing schedules and support horticultural planning initiatives
• Assist with fertilizer applications and plant nourishment programs for a variety of plant collections

3. Operational & Project Support

• Support installation and maintenance efforts related to exhibitions, events, and seasonal displays
• Coordinate with staff & volunteers on planting projects, garden improvements, and event-related horticultural needs
• Operate and maintain horticultural tools, equipment, and materials in a safe and organized manner
• Assist with implementation of landscape improvements, garden enhancements, and strategic horticultural initiatives
• Support cleanliness, organization, and operational readiness of horticultural workspaces and storage areas

4. Volunteer & Guest Engagement Support

• Work collaboratively with volunteers assisting in horticultural operations and garden maintenance
• Provide occasional guest interaction and educational support related to plant collections and garden spaces
• Support a welcoming, guest-focused atmosphere aligned with the Gardens’ mission and values
• Participate in organizational programs, events, and community initiatives as assigned

5. Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Collaborate with Horticulture, Facilities, Experience, and Administrative teams to support organizational goals
• Participate in departmental planning and operational coordination efforts
• Assist with maintaining safe and efficient workflows across shared operational areas
• Support a collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement and excellence

QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION

• Degree or coursework in Horticulture, Plant Science, Landscape Management, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or related field preferred
• Equivalent combinations of education and hands-on experience will be considered

EXPERIENCE

• Experience or working knowledge in horticulture, landscaping, nursery operations, greenhouse operations, or related outdoor environments required
• Experience working in botanical gardens, public gardens, parks, hospitality environments, or nonprofit organizations preferred
• Experience working with volunteers or public-facing environments is a plus

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of horticultural practices, plant care, irrigation, propagation, and landscape maintenance
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced outdoor setting
• Positive attitude with strong dependability and work ethic
• Ability to work effectively with diverse staff, volunteers, and guests
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and basic computer systems preferred
• Commitment to ethical, professional, and environmentally responsible practices

SCHEDULE & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Full-time position
• Flexible schedule including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
• Majority of work performed outdoors in varying weather conditions including heat, humidity, rain, insects, and uneven terrain
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, dig, climb, push, pull, and lift throughout the workday
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Valid Florida driver’s license and reliable transportation required

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time position with compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits may include:

• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Employee discounts
• Professional development assistance

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens is an equal opportunity employer and celebrates diversity in its workforce. The Gardens does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its activities or operations.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.00 - $27.30 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Experience:

• Horticulture: 3 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21 - $27