AQUATICS HORTICULTURIST

Longwood Gardens; Kennett Square (Chester County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Longwood Gardens, located in Kennett Square, PA, is seeking a passionate Aquatics Horticulturist to join our Conservatory Division.

The successful candidate will maintain aquatic plant displays (waterlilies, water-platters, lotus and marginal aquatics) and collaborate with the Aquatics Specialty Grower to design and evolve displays while supporting educational initiatives and guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Horticulture or related field.
• 1–3 years of experience maintaining aquatic plant displays in public gardens or conservatories.
• Knowledge of waterlilies and other aquatic plants.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver's license; ability to obtain PA Pesticide Applicator's License within 6 months.
• Forklift and aerial lift training within 3 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining and curating Longwood Gardens' aquatic plant collections, including waterlilies, water-platters, lotus and marginal aquatics.
• Supporting the cultivation and care of Longwood's Nymphaea and Victoria collections.
• Assisting with seasonal and permanent conservatory display installations and ongoing maintenance.
• Monitoring plant health and implementing best practices for aquatic horticulture and display management.
• Mentoring and supporting students and volunteers within the Conservatory Division.
• Engaging with visitors and providing educational information about aquatic plant collections and displays.
• Working collaboratively with horticulturists, growers, and other team members across the Gardens on seasonal displays and special projects.
• Participating in special events and exhibit preparation as needed.
• Maintaining a safe and organized work environment while adhering to horticultural and operational standards.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Driver's license

Education

Associate degree in Horticulture or related field

Tools

Forklift certification

Aerial lift training

Pesticide Applicator License (within 6 months)

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

AQUATICS HORTICULTURIST

Full Time Front Line Kennett Square, PA, US

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 passionate and skilled, full-time Aquatics Horticulturist to join our Conservatory Division. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in the care, cultivation, and display of waterlilies and other aquatic plants. Working closely with our Aquatics Specialty Grower, this individual will help design, maintain, and evolve Longwood's renowned aquatic displays while contributing to broader conservatory operations, educational initiatives, and guest engagement experiences. Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining and curating Longwood Gardens' aquatic plant collections, including waterlilies, water-platters, lotus and marginal aquatics.
• Supporting the cultivation and care of Longwood's nationally recognized Nymphaea and Victoria collections.
• Assisting with seasonal and permanent conservatory display installations and ongoing maintenance.
• Monitoring plant health and implementing best practices for aquatic horticulture and display management.
• Mentoring and supporting students and volunteers working within the Conservatory Division.
• Engaging with visitors and providing educational information about aquatic plant collections and displays.
• Working collaboratively with horticulturists, growers, and other team members across the Gardens on seasonal displays and special projects.
• Participating in special events and exhibit preparation as needed.
• Maintaining a safe and organized work environment while adhering to horticultural and operational standards.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• An associate degree or equivalent in Horticulture or a related field.
• One to three years of experience maintaining aquatic plant displays in a public garden, conservatory, or similar setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge and hands‑on experience with waterlilies and other aquatic plants.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• A valid driver's license (required).
• The ability to obtain a Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator's License within six months of hire and complete forklift operator certifications and aerial lift training within three months of hire.
• The ability to stand for long periods of time, bend, kneel, stoop, work in water and varying weather conditions and temperatures, and lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Flexibility to work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and special events as scheduled in advance.

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.