Assistant Horticulturist

Crawford Thomas Recruiting; Ocala (FL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary: $30–$35/hr

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Crawford Thomas Recruiting seeks an Assistant Horticulturist for a prominent Ocala, FL property. This on-site, full-time role leads landscape maintenance, irrigation, plant health, and seasonal color programs, coordinating contractors and Grounds team members to ensure high standards.

The position requires a Bachelor's in Plant/Horticultural Sciences and 3–5 years of related experience, with a valid driver’s license and the ability to obtain a Florida pesticide applicator license within 90 days.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science, Horticultural Science, Agricultural Sciences, or related field.
• 3–5 years of related experience.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Florida Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License or ability to obtain within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Oversee landscape installation, maintenance, and property enhancements.
• Manage irrigation, fertilization, pruning, planting, mulching, weed control, pest management, and seasonal cleanup.
• Support and expand the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.
• Coordinate seasonal flower displays, including two annual color change-outs.
• Monitor irrigation, plant nutrition, and contractor performance.
• Manage plant décor for sponsored events.
• Develop winter and frost protection plans.
• Maintain chemical, equipment, and supply inventories in compliance with Florida regulations.
• Train and support Grounds team members while promoting safe work practices.

Skills

Communication skills

Outdoor work

Physical stamina

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science, Horticultural Science, Agricultural Sciences, or related field

Tools

Florida Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License

Job description

Assistant Horticulturist

Ocala, FL | On-Site | $30–$35/hr, negotiable | Full-Time

Key Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science, Horticultural Science, Agricultural Sciences, or related field; 3–5 years of related experience; valid driver’s license; Florida Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License or ability to obtain within 90 days.

Position Overview

Seeking an Assistant Horticulturist to support the maintenance and enhancement of a large, high-profile property. This is a hands‑on leadership role overseeing landscape maintenance, irrigation, plant health, seasonal color, contractors, and Grounds team members.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee landscape installation, maintenance, and property enhancements


• Manage irrigation, fertilization, pruning, planting, mulching, weed control, pest management, and seasonal cleanup


• Support and expand the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program


• Coordinate seasonal flower displays, including two annual color change-outs


• Monitor irrigation, plant nutrition, and contractor performance


• Manage plant décor for sponsored events


• Develop winter and frost protection plans


• Maintain chemical, equipment, and supply inventories in compliance with Florida regulations


• Train and support Grounds team members while promoting safe work practices

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science, Horticultural Science, Agricultural Sciences, or related field


• 3–5 years of related experience


• Valid driver’s license


• Florida Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment


• Knowledge of turf, ornamental horticulture, annual flowers, and arboriculture preferred


• Strong verbal and written communication skills


• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions


• Ability to safely lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 lbs. occasionally


• Ability to safely operate landscaping equipment, vehicles, and hand tools

Compensation & Benefits

• $30–$35/hr, negotiable


• Medical insurance


• Dental insurance


• Vision insurance


• 401(k)

WHY JOIN?

• Help maintain a large, high-profile property


• Hands‑on leadership opportunity across plant health and grounds operations


• Exposure to landscaping, irrigation, seasonal color, IPM, and horticultural improvement projects


• Strong emphasis on work/life balance and professional development