Arboretum - Grounds Horticulturist

Connecticut College; New London (CT); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Relocation reimbursement

Job summary

Connecticut College’s Arboretum seeks a Grounds Horticulturist to assist the Horticulturist in maintaining outdoor collections and the greenhouse, supporting teaching and research.

You will monitor trees for pests, apply IPM practices, maintain equipment, and help propagate plants for courses.

The role requires an associate degree in landscape management or related field, at least three years’ landscaping experience, and a pesticide license; full benefits apply.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in landscape management, nursery management, or related field.
• At least three years of landscaping experience.
• Valid Connecticut pesticide operator or supervisor license.
• Ability to operate, maintain and repair hand and power equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Horticulturist in maintaining outdoor plant collections and greenhouse.
• Assist with indoor and outdoor plant collection maintenance, including invasive species and poison ivy management.
• Monitor trees for pests and diseases using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) standards.
• Maintain and service tools, equipment and machinery; extend life of equipment by performing regular maintenance.
• Assist with propagation and maintenance of adequate plant supplies for academic courses, research projects, and ornamental purposes.
• Ensure safety and compliance with OSHA requirements and college policies.
• Provide work direction to student workers and volunteers.
• Other duties as necessary or as assigned.

Skills

Landscape management

Arboriculture

Plant biology

Plant propagation

Education

Associate degree in landscape management or related field

Job description

Position Details

Position Title: Arboretum - Grounds Horticulturist
Department: Arboretum
Group Pay Type: Non Exempt
Appointment Type: (A) Continuing
Full-Time
Hours Per Week 40
Number of weeks 52 weeks per year other - # of weeks 52
Benefits Eligible Full Benefits
Geographical Regional
Qualifies for Relocation Reimbursement
No Work Schedule

Job Description

General Scope of Duties

Assist the Horticulturist in maintaining the Connecticut College Arboretum outdoor plant collections and greenhouse.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with maintenance of the indoor and outdoor plant collections to include natural and managed areas, including invasive species and poison ivy management.
• Assist the Horticulturist in monitoring trees for pests and diseases. Perform proper pest treatment incorporating Integrated Pest Management (IPM) standards and following state pesticide laws.
• Maintain and service tools, equipment and machinery; extend life of equipment by performing regular maintenance.
• Assist with the propagation and maintenance of adequate supplies of varied plants for academic courses, research projects and ornamental purposes.
• Wear and/or use proper safety equipment as prescribed for the job.
• Ensure all work processes comply with OSHA requirements/regulations and college policies and procedures.
• Assist the Horticulturist in providing work direction to student workers and volunteers.
• Other duties as necessary or as assigned.

Education and Skills

• Work requires knowledge of landscape management, arboriculture, plant biology and plant propagation normally acquired through completion of an associate’s degree program in landscape management, nursery management or related field. Three years of experience in landscaping is also required.
• Maintain a valid Connecticut pesticide operator or supervisor license.
• Ability to operate, maintain and repair hand and power equipment.
• Strong organization skills and ability to set priorities and keep to deadlines.
• Ability to work with a team and build and sustain key relationships with students, researchers, staff and faculty members.
• No travel required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Physical Demands: Driving Required Yes
• Salary Range $23.49 Note

Connecticut College is committed to fair and competitive compensation. The final offer will reflect the candidate’s experience, education, and the institution’s pay structure to ensure internal equity.

Applicant Credentialing

Thorough applicant credentialing will be conducted on the selected candidate which will include criminal records check, DMV check and depending on the position psychological exam and pre-placement physical.

Posting Detail Information

Open Date 08/17/2026
Applications accepted through Open Until Filled Yes