Assistant Horticulturist, Atlanta

Atlanta Botanical Garden; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Atlanta Botanical Garden in Atlanta, GA seeks a hands-on horticulture professional to maintain healthy plant collections and support seasonal installations.

You will perform outdoor labor, pest control, irrigation, and routine upkeep, collaborating with the garden team to inspire visitors with beautiful displays year-round.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in horticulture or two years of hands-on gardening experience.
• Must lift up to 40 lbs and operate garden equipment.
• Fluency in English and ability to work outdoors in all weather.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to apply chemicals under supervision.

Responsibilities

• Watering, weeding, pruning, planting and seasonal plant installations.
• Recognize plant nutrition deficiencies.
• Recognize pest infestation and damage.
• Serve as horticultural resource for the Garden.
• Work on special projects as assigned.

Skills

Plant care

Horticulture

Pest control

Public interaction

Lifting 40 lbs

Equipment operation

Chemicals handling

Driver's license

English fluency

Computer literacy

Outdoor work

Weekend duties

Education

Associate degree in horticulture

Two years gardening experience

Job description

Full-time Description

Join the Atlanta Botanical Garden, where horticultural excellence, conservation, and natural beauty inspire guests year-round. As part of our horticulture team, you’ll help maintain the health and beauty of our diverse plant collections through hands‑on garden maintenance, plant care, and seasonal installations. We’re looking for a passionate, knowledgeable individual who enjoys working outdoors and takes pride in creating an inspiring garden experience for all.

Key Responsibilities

• General garden maintenance. This will include but not be limited to watering, weeding, pruning, planting, pest control, fertilization, pesticide spraying, seasonal plant installations and other horticultural tasks.
• Recognition of plant nutrition deficiencies
• Recognition of pest infestation and damage
• Serve as horticultural resource for the Garden
• Work on special projects as assigned

Requirements

• Associate Degree in horticulture, botany or related field, or two years of hands‑on professional gardening experience
• Must be able to sustain moderate physical exertion with full range of body motion for lifting up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to operate hand and power garden equipment
• Ability to apply chemicals with supervision
• Previous experience working with the public a plus
• Valid Driver’s License with good driving record
• Fluency in English
• Computer literacy
• Required to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• The use of ladders is required as necessary for plant care
• Weekend Duty: required to work on rotating weekends

The above job duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work for employees in this position, but this is not intended as an exclusive or all-inclusive inventory of all duties required of employees in this job.

It is the policy of the Atlanta Botanical Garden to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Atlanta Botanical Garden Core Values

• Conservation: We value natural resources and ecosystems, making choices with the long‑term sustainability of our planet in mind
• Excellence: We hold ourselves to high standards and expect commitment from each other to contribute to a positive image and reputation for the Garden
• Inspiration: We inspire through the creation of an environment that supports imagination and expression of beauty, providing joy, delight, and a deeper appreciation of plants for everyone
• Integrity: We demonstrate honesty, transparency, accountability, trustworthiness, and ethical behavior, exercising good judgment in our actions and communication
• Respect: We value the diversity of our coworkers, volunteers, and guests, holding each other in the highest regard