Heritage Garden Manager

Magnolia Plantation; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens in Charleston, SC, seeks a Heritage Garden Manager to oversee planning, cultivation, and display of heirloom and craft-based crops within Magnolia's Heritage Garden.

This leadership role partners with the Director of Horticulture to shape long-range programs, supervise staff and volunteers, ensure safety and guest experience, and drive maintenance and interpretation across the garden landscape.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Horticulture with 3–5 years in horticulture or related field.
• Experience in a public garden preferred; knowledge of plant identification and cultivation.
• 2–4 years of supervisory or people management experience; strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, development, maintenance, and continual improvement of Magnolia's Heritage Garden collections and programming.
• Collaborate with the Director of Horticulture to establish long-range program planning for the Heritage Garden.
• Supervise team members, including scheduling, coaching, training, performance management, and professional development.
• Promote activities and manage volunteers in support of Heritage Garden programming, events, and daily operations.
• Ensure compliance with all workplace safety standards and Magnolia Plantation & Gardens policies.

Skills

Horticulture knowledge

Public garden experience

People management

Communication skills

Google Workspace proficient

Plant identification

Maintenance planning

Education

Associates or Bachelors in Horticulture

Tools

Google Workspace

Job description

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, one of America's oldest and most frequented historical public gardens, prides itself on creating immersive visual experiences through its gardens and landscapes. The Heritage Garden Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of programming related to the growing, processing, and display of a wide variety of commercial and home-based horticultural crops. This position oversees all aspects of the Heritage Garden, including the planning, cultivation, maintenance, and interpretation of heirloom, hybrid, and craft-based plant collections. Through these efforts, the Heritage Garden Manager ensures these collections support Magnolia's mission of preservation, education, and exceptional guest experiences.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, development, maintenance, and continual improvement of Magnolia's Heritage Garden collections and programming.
• Collaborate with the Director of Horticulture to establish long-range program planning for the Heritage Garden.
• Supervise team members, including scheduling, coaching, training, performance management, and professional development.
• Promote activities and manage volunteers in support of Heritage Garden programming, events, and daily operations.
• Ensure compliance with all workplace safety standards and Magnolia Plantation & Gardens policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Horticulture or a similar field, with 3–5 years of progressive experience in horticulture, gardening, nature management, or a similar discipline. Experience in a public garden is preferred.
• Passion for horticulture and extensive knowledge of horticultural best practices, plant identification, cultivation, and garden maintenance.
• Two to four years of supervisory or people management experience with the ability to lead, coach, and develop a diverse workforce.
• Valid driver's license with the ability to safely operate vehicles, utility equipment, and horticultural machinery.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong organizational abilities, and proficiency with Google Workspace and other technology required for the position.
• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, evenings, and extended hours as needed to support seasonal operations, special events, and Magnolia's guest experience.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and lift throughout the workday.
• Regularly lift and carry up to 20-50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to climb a 12’ ladder to perform tasks as needed.
• Operate horticultural equipment, hand tools, utility vehicles, and small machinery safely.
• Work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, and cold.