Deputy Director - Horticulture

Ashoka University; Sonipat; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Ashoka University in Sonipat, Haryana, seeks an experienced Landscape Manager to oversee the campus gardens and landscapes, ensuring healthy, visually appealing spaces. You will lead landscape projects, manage irrigation and nursery operations, and coordinate with vendors and internal teams while driving sustainable practices.

The role requires 10–15 years in horticulture project management, strong knowledge of plant biology and soil science, and excellent communication and budgeting skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture is required; postgraduate qualification is a plus.
• Proven experience in horticulture project management at senior level (10–15 years).
• Knowledge of plant biology, cultivation techniques, pest and disease management, and soil science.
• Familiarity with plant propagation across grasses, shrubs, trees, and creepers.

Responsibilities

• Oversee development and maintenance of gardens and landscapes, including lawn care, pruning, fertilization, and irrigation.
• Identify ornamental plants and manage nursery operations from seed to sapling.
• Plan fertilization and pest management using chemical, biological, mechanical, and organic methods.
• Conduct site assessments for soil quality, drainage, irrigation, and plant health.
• Manage gardening teams, budgeting, procurement, and vendor coordination.
• Coordinate with internal departments, associations, clients, and vendors using AutoCAD/irrigation drawings and MS Office.
• Capture cost and horticulture activities in MIS.

Skills

Project management

Plant biology

Budgeting

Communication

Vendor coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture

Postgraduate qualification

Tools

AutoCAD

MS Office

Job description

You will oversee the development and maintenance of the University’s landscapes, ensuring healthy, well-maintained, and visually appealing gardens across the campus. The role involves planning landscape projects, managing irrigation, plant nursery operations, pest and disease control, procurement, and gardening teams. You will also coordinate with internal departments, vendors, and external partners, while driving sustainable landscaping practices, efficient resource management, and high-quality execution.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the development and maintenance of gardens and landscapes, including lawn care, pruning, fertilization, irrigation, and execution of new landscape projects.
• Identify and maintain ornamental plants based on their specific requirements, and manage nursery operations from seed to sapling, including hardening before field planting.
• Plan and implement fertilization and pest and disease management using chemical, biological, mechanical, and organic methods, including Organic Asset Compose, while maintaining ecological balance.
• Conduct site assessments to identify landscaping requirements and challenges related to soil quality, drainage, irrigation, and plant health.
• Manage gardening teams, including manpower planning, training, supervision, safety standards, productivity, and statutory compliance.
• Coordinate procurement of plants, materials, and equipment, while managing budgets, cost negotiations, scheduling, and follow-ups.
• Coordinate with internal departments, associations, external clients, and vendors, using AutoCAD/irrigation drawings and MS Office for planning, documentation, and communication.
• To generate/capture cost and horticulture activities in MIS

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Qualifications

• At least a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture; postgraduate qualification a plus
• Proven experience in horticulture project management, with at least 10-15 years of relevant work experience in senior management
• In-depth knowledge of plant biology, cultivation techniques, pest and disease management, and soil science.
• Knowledge of plant selection for propagation in all scopes, including grass, shrubs, trees and creepers, for a mixture of sustainable biodiversity population.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with staff, stakeholders, and vendors.
• Familiarity with relevant laws, regulations, and best practices in horticulture management.

Who You Are

• You have strong knowledge of ornamental plants, gardens, landscaping, and plant maintenance.
• You are skilled in planning, team management, budgeting, procurement, and vendor coordination.
• You are detail-oriented and comfortable working with AutoCAD and irrigation drawings.
• You have strong communication, coordination, and follow-up skills.
• You are proactive and committed to sustainable and environmentally responsible landscaping practices.

ABOUT ASHOKA UNIVERSITY: www.ashoka.edu.in