Horticulturalist

Kansas State University; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas State University Gardens is seeking a Horticulturalist to care for plant collections and landscape areas, supporting educational, aesthetic and environmental goals through expert plant care and sustainable practices.

You will collaborate with staff, faculty and volunteers, contribute to planning, seasonal displays, and ensure high horticultural standards and a positive visitor experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Four years of relevant experience; combination of education and experience acceptable.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; pesticide application certification a plus.

Responsibilities

• Care for plant collections and landscaped areas.
• Assist with garden planning and seasonal displays.
• Support educational goals and visitor experience.
• Maintain high horticultural standards.
• Mow, trim, edge, and apply fungicides/insecticides as needed.
• On-call for after-hours emergencies.

Skills

Plant identification

Public garden experience

Communication skills

Sustainability practices

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree in horticulture or related field

Certification in horticulture or pesticide application

Tools

Horticultural tools

Irrigation systems experience

Job description

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This job was posted by https://www.kansasworks.com : For more information, please see: https://www.kansasworks.com/jobs/13642173

Horticulturalist

Kansas State University

About This Role

The Horticulturalist for the K-State Gardens is responsible for the care of and enhancement of plant collections and landscaped areas. This role supports the gardens’ educational, aesthetic and environmental goals through expert plant care, sustainable practices and collaboration with staff, faculty and volunteers. The Horticulturalist contributes to garden planning, seasonal displays and ensures high horticultural standards and a positive visitor experience.

About Us

The Gardens have been a part of Kansas State University campus since 1875. They were developed and are still used as an outdoor lab for students and faculty. Through time, the Gardens grew into a beautiful horticulture display garden and so much more. The Gardens are a place for the university community and the visiting public from near and far to find beauty, peace and joy.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma (or equivalent)


• Four years of relevant experience. Requirements may be met through a combination of education and experience.


• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, plant science, landscape management or a related field.


• Hands‑on experience in horticultural care and landscape maintenance.


• Strong knowledge of plant identification, soil science, and pest management.


• Ability to operate and maintain horticultural tools and equipment.


• Excellent communication and organizational skills.


• Commitment to sustainability and public education.


• Experience working in a public garden, botanical garden, or university setting.


• Certification in horticulture or pesticide application.


• Familiarity with native and regionally adapted plant species.

Additional Role Information

This role has wide ranging responsibilities, including mowing, trimming, edging, applications of fungicides, insecticides and fertilizers for plant health and herbicides for weed control, irrigation maintenance, installing trees, shrubs, perennial and annual flowers, pruning trees and shrubs, maintaining grounds equipment and snow removal. This position requires the employee to be on-call for after-hours emergencies from time-to-time.

Sponsorship Eligibility

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Application Window

Applications close on: August 28, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$25.00 - $30.00 Hourly

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