Full-Time Assistant Horticulturist – Grounds Leader

Columbus Hospitality Management; Ocala (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

World Equestrian Center Ocala, managed by Columbus Hospitality Management, seeks an Assistant Horticulturist to lead grounds maintenance, irrigation, and plant health. You will supervise contractors, coordinate seasonal color changes, and drive safety and efficiency in outdoor spaces.

The role requires a hands-on leader with horticulture passion, good organizational skills, and the ability to manage budgets and plant health across a large property in Ocala, FL.

Qualifications

• Requires good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in plant science, horticultural science, or agricultural sciences.
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of related work experience.
• Knowledge of turf, ornamental horticulture, annual flowers, and arboriculture is preferred.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Possess or can obtain a Florida Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License within the first 90 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee landscape installation, maintenance, and enhancement across the property.
• Manage grounds program including mowing, irrigation, pruning, fertilization, and weed control.
• Implement and grow IPM to monitor insects, diseases, and weeds.
• Coordinate installation and maintenance of seasonal flower displays with two color changes yearly.
• Supervise landscape contractors to ensure work meets standards.
• Develop winter plant protection plans based on species temperature thresholds.
• Evaluate new horticultural technologies and products to improve efficiency and plant health.
• Coordinate maintenance of grounds equipment with mechanics and manage inventory within budget.

Skills

Communication skills

Knowledge of turf and ornamentals

Arboriculture knowledge

IPM knowledge

Driver's license

Florida pesticide license (within 90d)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in plant science, horticultural science, or agricultural sciences

Job description

World Equestrian Center Ocala, managed by Columbus Hospitality Management, seeks an Assistant Horticulturist to lead grounds maintenance, irrigation, and plant health. You will supervise contractors, coordinate seasonal color changes, and drive safety and efficiency in outdoor spaces.

The role requires a hands-on leader with horticulture passion, good organizational skills, and the ability to manage budgets and plant health across a large property in Ocala, FL.