Horticultural Specilist

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA is seeking a Horticultural Specialist to install and maintain garden demonstration areas across UVA Grounds, fostering sustainable horticulture and environmental stewardship.

The role requires knowledge of soil health, plant care, and integrated pest management; you will lead Grounds Workers and contribute to displays, tours, and events. This is a non-exempt, on-site position with benefits and a pay range of $20.00-$24.00 per hour.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: Four years of gardening or horticultural work.
• Licensure: Valid VA driver's license; certification may be required within 12 months for specific equipment usage.

Responsibilities

• Apply subject matter expertise to plan, install, and maintain horticultural displays and gardens.
• Perform daily maintenance: weed removal, debris and litter, keep walkways safe and clean; snow and storm cleanup.
• Protect plants from pests and disease; monitor and implement Integrated Pest Management.
• Install herbaceous and woody plants; mulch, irrigate, prune, and fertilize as needed.
• Maintain up-to-date plant records and treatments; identify key plants and pests.
• Provide hands-on training and leadership to Grounds Workers.
• Interpret the Formal Gardens during tours and events as needed.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Horticultural or related degrees

Job description

Horticultural Specialist

Recognized as one of the most beautiful college campuses in the U.S., the University of Virginia is seeking a Horticultural Specialist who will provide expertise in the installation and maintenance of intensely planted garden demonstration areas throughout UVA Grounds. This role is responsible for fostering a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach towards maintaining horticultural beauty and health, applying deep knowledge of proper techniques, utilizing integrated pest management, and maintaining accurate records of efforts. Through collaborative partnerships, the Horticultural Specialist will participate in the ongoing development, renovation, and construction of displays.

To be successful, the incumbent must possess considerable knowledge of horticulture principles and the practices applicable to maintaining formal gardens. This should include extensive knowledge of soil and plant health, identification and care of ground covers, bulbs, annuals, perennials and trees and shrub. Working knowledge of the principles and methods of garden construction, as well as the ability to operate large and small equipment is necessary. The Horticultural Specialist must be able to use judgment and initiative while working independently to successfully complete work assignments with minimal of supervision. This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to foster positive interactions with departmental staff in addition to students, faculty and staff, and the visiting public.

Responsibilities

• Apply subject matter expertise of a wide range of plant species and current standards to properly plan, install, and maintain horticultural displays and gardens.


• Perform a daily maintenance and cleaning routine to remove weeds, debris and litter from demonstration areas. This includes keeping walkways clear and ensuring hardscapes are in good order to promote both beauty and the safety of students, staff, and visitors. Snow removal, leaf removal, and storm damage clean up are also within the realm of garden maintenance.


• Protect all plant material within the assigned garden from the damaging effects of pest and disease, monitoring on a set schedule to detect early signs of damage, and implementing interventions including practicing Integrated Pest Management.


• Properly install all new herbaceous and woody plant material, performing tasks including but not limited to choosing the correct mulch and applying it in the proper fashion, irrigating the collection and monitoring soil moisture, pruning, and fertilizer application.


• Maintain up to date records, identifying key plants and key plant pest within the assigned area and treatments that are applied.


• Provide hands‑on training and enthusiastic leadership to Grounds Workers tasked with supporting the maintenance efforts in the assigned area.


• Provide interpretation of the Formal Gardens, assisting with guided tours and other events as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent


• Experience: Four years of experience.


• Licensure/Certifications: Valid VA driver's license. Certification may be required within 12 months of hire for specific equipment usage and/or specialty.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Horticultural or related degrees


• Experience: Maintenance or installation of intensely designed gardens


• Licensure/Certifications: Any Horticulture Related Certificate (i.e VNLA, PGMS, VTC, CBLP)

Physical Demands

This job will require standing, traveling, and lifting various weights above and below the waist various weights which may include different landscape equipment and materials. The use of both hands and repetitive motion will be required while pruning, driving, weeding, and pushing lawn mowers. This position is exposed to varying temperatures due to outside work and to noise from working around and with machinery. Employees are potentially exposed to contaminants and chemicals due to the use of fuel and landscape fertilizers, etc

Salary Range

The anticipated hiring range is $20.00-$24.00, commensurate with education and experience.

Position Type & Work Location

• This is a non-exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits .


• This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

About UVA and the Community

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA .

Application Timeline

Application review will begin after July 4, 2026.

Additional Requirements

• Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.


• This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship at this time.

Reference Check Process

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third‑party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

Contact

• For questions about the position, please contact Travis Mawyer at [e-mail]


• For questions about the application process, please contact Rich Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at [e-mail]

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non‑discrimination and equal opportunity employment .