Assistant Horticulturist

The University of North Florida Board of Trustees; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 22,041 - 28,929; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Florida Board of Trustees is seeking a skilled Grounds Assistant for the Physical Facilities, Grounds division. You will support day-to-day cultivation, care, and maintenance of campus landscapes, working under the head horticulturist to ensure healthy plantings and attractive grounds.

Responsibilities include preparing garden sites, planting and transplanting flowers, shrubs, trees and lawns, maintaining irrigation systems, managing pests per guidelines, supervising

Qualifications

• Certification in horticulture or related plant sciences with 2+ years experience, or a high school diploma with 4+ years experience.
• Knowledge of pest management and greenhouse operations.
• Ability to work independently and with a team; strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in day-to-day cultivation, care, and maintenance of plants across designated areas.
• Prepare garden sites and lay out plots; plant and transplant flora.
• Maintain plant health through watering, fertilizing, pruning, and pest management.
• Supervise student workers and provide work direction.
• Give guided campus tours and participate in events when required.

Skills

Horticulture certification

Experience in horticulture

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Certification in horticulture or related plant sciences

High school diploma with 4+ years experience

Tools

Greenhouse equipment

Job description

Job Summary

Department: Physical Facilities, Grounds
Compensation: $17.96 Hourly

Responsibilities

• Assist in day-to-day cultivation, care, and maintenance of plant life within designated areas, including planting, weeding, pruning, irrigation management, pest control, and propagation under the guidance of the head horticulturist.
• Prepare garden sites using hand tools or machines; lay out new garden plots, soils, and sites.
• Plant and transplant flowers, shrubs, trees, seeds, bulbs, and lawns, and supervise related activities.
• Maintain plants and gardens by watering, weeding, fertilizing, shearing, and pruning to achieve aesthetic and design goals.
• Execute pest and disease management by following GBMI integrated pest management practices, scouting for issues, and reporting recommended controls to the spray technician.
• Perform subtree pruning by removing competing branches to develop a single leader, following ANSI A300 and Z133 (or newer) standards.
• Work with the Lead Horticulturist to oversee greenhouse production, including scheduling of trees, shrubs, and flowers.
• Adjust mist irrigation systems, shade, and ventilation in greenhouses, gardens, or nurseries.
• Operate, adjust, and perform minor maintenance and repairs on cultivation equipment, including plant movers, soil mixers, and sprayers.
• Keep accurate records of plant materials, supplies, equipment, and requisitioned items.
• Assist with plant identification and produce signage labels.
• Train and supervise student employees; provide work direction for campus landscape and grounds volunteers.
• Give guided tours and presentations and attend special events when required.

Qualifications

• Completion of an approved certification in horticulture, botany, or a plant-based sciences field, and at least 2years of relevant experience; OR a high school diploma and at least 4years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of horticultural practices, pest management, and greenhouse operations.
• Ability to work independently and with a team, with strong communication and organizational skills.
• Valid degree‑equivalent education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat.112.219.
• Background check required; may also require a credit check in accordance with university policy.

Legal and Policies

This position requires a background check. In accordance with the University’s policy, a credit check may also be required. The holder of this position is designated as a “Responsible Employee” under TitleIX, and must promptly report allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, or child sexual abuse to the University’s TitleIX Administrator or divisional TitleIX Coordinator.

The University of North Florida (UNF) is an equal opportunity employer. UNF commits to an inclusive and welcoming environment, and prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, marital status, national origin, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Retaliation against individuals who report discrimination or cooperate in an investigation is strictly prohibited.

At this time, UNF cannot consider candidates who require H‑1B visa sponsorship, regardless of current visa status.