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 Plant Heath Care (PHC) Technician to join our Horticulture team. The PHC Technician will be responsible for all aspects of plant health care including completing pesticide applications, creating and implementing plant healthcare plans in the garden, and recomending physical and cultural control methods. This job requires a thorough understanding of horticultural practices, plant-pest interactions and control techniques. Responsibilities include:

• Conducting large tree sprays and other pesticide applications throughout the property.
• Supporting the training and supervision of staff, students, volunteers, and contractors in the PHC division 
• Scouting and monitoring pest populations and evaluating cultural, biological, mechanical, and chemical control strategies to reduce pests to tolerable levels. 
• Supporting plant health care initiatives to maintain our historic tree collection.
• Operating and maintaining all PHC sprayers and other equipment.
• Supporting the management of Longwood Gardens’ pesticide safety program.
• Supporting snow removal operations. 

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Entomology, Plant Pathology, or Horticulture related field
• 2 years experience working in Horticulture or Arboriculture with special emphasis in pest management, scouting, diagnosis, and treatment to a variety of ornamental plants and pests.
• A PA Pesticide applicator’s license or willingness to obtain it within 90 days of employment: categories 06 (landscape and ornamental), 10 (right of way/weeds), and 23 (parks/schools) are preferred. 
• Aerial lift, tractor, and forklift experience is a plus. 
• Demonstrated time management, organizational, and observation skills with strong attention to detail.
• Experience maintaining small engines and operating spray equipment.
• Experience with application equipment including small tractors, air spades, and bucket trucks.
• Fluent with Microsoft office and strong communication skills with the ability to present to diverse audiences.
• The Ideal candidate would have or be willing to obtain a CDL - Class B

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.