What are the responsibilities and job description for the Horticulture Director position at University of North Carolina Charlotte?
Horticulture Director
Applicant Documents
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
- The finalist will be subject to a Criminal Background Check and/or a Motor Vehicle Report
- The Search Committee will not contact references without first verifying permission with the finalist.
- Please ensure your resume reflects the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences to support your answers to the supplemental questions.
- UNC Charlotte Benefits Information: https://hr.charlotte.edu/benefits/benefits-overview/
Position Information
Posting Specific Questions
General Information
| Position Number | 002730 |
|---|---|
| Vacancy Open to | All Candidates |
| Working Title | Horticulture Director |
| Position Designation | EHRA Non-Faculty |
| Employment Type | Permanent - Full-time |
| Months per Year | 12 |
| Work Schedule | Monday through Friday, 7:30 am - 4:30 pm, with occasional weekend and evening responsibilities. |
| About Charlotte | |
| UNC Charlotte Benefits | |
| Hours per week | 40 |
| FLSA Status | Exempt |
| Division | Academic Affairs |
| Department | College of Science (Col) |
| Work Location | Botanical Gardens |
| Salary Range | $71,121 - $72,000 |
| Primary Purpose of Department | The goal of the Botanical Gardens is to promote the knowledge and appreciation of plants for educational, environmental, and aesthetic purposes within a university setting. The Botanical Gardens are composed of the McMillan Greenhouse, the Susie Harwood Garden, and the Van Landingham Glen. The Gardens are funded through a combination of state monies, endowments, and donations. |
| Primary Purpose of Position | Develop and implement plans associated with the daily, seasonal, and annual management of outdoor horticultural displays, collections, and natural areas. Provide hands-on support for all operations. Effectively manage, deploy, and assist the horticulture team, which includes volunteers and student workers as well as full- and part-time employees. Provide a safe environment for staff and visitors. Provide input into all aspects of the planning and operations of the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens. |
| Summary of Position Responsibilities | Directly or indirectly supervise horticulturists, temporary staff, student workers, and volunteers who care for the outdoor gardens. Institute best horticultural practices to optimize plant health (water management, including automated irrigation, fertilization, pest identification and control, etc.) while balancing these practices with responsible environmental stewardship. Direct and participate in the planning, design, and implementation of routine maintenance activities, as well as diverse special projects. Special projects may include such tasks as securing outside contractors for special jobs, Acquisition of specialized materials and supplies, training and supervision of staff and students, and evaluating and reporting on the outcomes of these many tasks. Establish and meet completion schedules for garden projects; supervise on-site contractors for safety and quality control. Participate in community outreach, including but not limited to: plant sales, garden tours, classes, and media interviews (radio, podcasts, TV). Partner with the administrative team for donor cultivation, stewardship events, and community networking. Maintain professional relationships across the campus and resolve issues with a solution-oriented mindset. |
| Minimum Education/Experience | Bachelor's degree in horticultural science, with at least three years of applied horticulture experience and one year of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. |
| Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills and Experience |
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| Necessary Certifications/Licenses | Must be willing to acquire and maintain a pesticide applicator's license. |
| Preferred Certifications/Licenses | |
| Special Notes to Applicants |
|
| Posting Open Date | 09/25/2026 |
| Posting Close Date | 11/01/2026 |
| Open Until Filled | No |
| Proposed Hire Date | 01/01/2027 |
| If time-limited please indicate appointment end date | |
| Contact Information |
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- *
How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
- UNC Charlotte Website
- HERC Job Board
- Inside Higher Education
- Mitratech Circa (formerly known as Local JobNetwork)
- Another Website
- Agency Referral
- Advertisement/Publication
- Personal Referral
- Other
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Where did you learn about this posting?
(Open Ended Question)
- *
Do you have a Bachelor's degree in horticultural science, with at least three (3) years of applied horticulture experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience?
- Yes, I have a Bachelor's degree in horticulture science with at least three (3) years of applied horticulture experience?
- Yes, I have an Associates degree with at least five (5) years of applied horticulture experience?
- Yes, I have a HS Diploma/GED with at least seven (7) years of applied horticulture experience?
- No, I do not
- *
Do you have at least one year of supervisory experience as it relates to this position?
- Yes
- No
Required Documents
- Resume / Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
- Contact Information for References
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and an ADVANCE Institution that strives to create an academic climate in which the dignity of all individuals is respected and maintained. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, gender identity or sexual orientation.
Salary : $71,121 - $72,000