Horticulturalist

Wake Forest University; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem is seeking a Horticulturist to maintain designated garden areas at Reynolda Gardens. You will work with the Director, Gardens Manager and staff to uphold high horticultural standards and manage volunteers and interns.

Responsibilities include planting, pruning, IPM, education outreach, and coordinating seasonal displays. The role requires an Associate’s degree in horticulture and an active pesticide license, with a flexible schedule including weekends.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Horticulture or related field.
• Active NC pesticide applicator license or the ability to obtain one within one calendar year.
• Valid driver license with good driving record; must be insurable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace, and other related computer programs and software.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks using effective organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to research and write horticultural related articles for publication.
• Ability to conduct tours and give classes and workshops on various horticultural topics.
• Ability to work with and organize volunteers.
• Effective communication skills both verbally and in writing; strong interpersonal skills and professional demeanor to work with a variety of constituents and colleagues.
• Ability to follow all University policies and procedures.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends on a rotating schedule, special events and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Plans, plants and maintains assigned areas in the 4 acres of the Formal Gardens and the 130 acres of the Greater Gardens as directed. Prepare planting beds and install woody and herbaceous plants, perennials, annuals, and bulbs.
• Prune, propagate, transplant, fertilize, and apply Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices.
• Support seasonal displays, special events, and garden enhancement projects.
• Coordinates with Reynolda Manager of Tours and Volunteers and trains, schedules and manages volunteers.
• Assists with the education program. Presents classes, gives tours and writes articles for Reynolda Gardens publications.
• Operates and handles various types of grounds maintenance equipment (i.e. power mowers, edgers, and power blowers).
• Operates light or medium weight trucks to pick up and deliver materials and supplies; operates light or medium weight tractors and attachments used to maintain grounds, as required.
• Follows all University policies and procedures.
• Subject to both conditions; activities occur inside and outside.

Skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Workspace

Volunteer management

Public speaking

Time management

Research and writing

Communication skills

Education

Associate’s degree in Horticulture or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Workspace

Job description

External Applicants

Please ensure all required documents are ready to upload before beginning your application, including your resume, cover letter, and any additional materials specified in the job description.

Cover Letter and Supporting Documents

• Navigate to the "My Experience" application page.
• Locate the "Resume/CV" document upload section at the bottom of the page.
• Use the "Select Files" button to upload your cover letter, resume, and any other required supporting documents. You can select multiple files.

Important Note: The "My Experience" page is the only opportunity to attach your cover letter, resume, and supporting documents. You will not be able to modify your application or add attachments after submission.

Current Employees

Apply from your existing Workday account in the Jobs Hub. Do not apply from this website.

A cover letter is required for all positions; optional for facilities, campus services, and hospitality roles unless otherwise specified.

Job Description Summary

The Horticulturist will work closely with the Director, Gardens Manager and Reynolda Gardens staff to maintain designated garden areas to high horticultural standards befitting a regionally recognized institution. Knowledge of plants, their cultural requirements as well as basic design principles is expected. They will manage volunteers, student workers and interns in their areas and work within the larger Reynolda Gardens team.

Essential Functions

• Plans, plants and maintains assigned areas in the 4 acres of the Formal Gardens and the 130 acres of the Greater Gardens as directed. Prepare planting beds and install woody and herbaceous plants, perennials, annuals, and bulbs.
• Prune, propagate, transplant, fertilize, and apply Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices.
• Support seasonal displays, special events, and garden enhancement projects.
• Coordinates with Reynolda Manager of Tours and Volunteers and trains, schedules and manages volunteers.
• Assists with the education program. Presents classes, gives tours and writes articles for Reynolda Gardens publications.
• Operates and handles various types of grounds maintenance equipment (i.e. power mowers, edgers, and power blowers).
• Operates light or medium weight trucks to pick up and deliver materials and supplies; operates light or medium weight tractors and attachments used to maintain grounds, as required.
• Follows all University policies and procedures. HS
• Subject to both conditions; activities occur inside and outside.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Associate’s degree in Horticulture or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• An active NC pesticide applicator’s license required or the ability to obtain one within one calendar year.
• Valid driver license with good driving record; must be insurable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace, and other related computer programs and software.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks using effective organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to research and write horticultural related articles for publication.
• Ability to conduct tours and give classes and workshops on various horticultural topics.
• Ability to work with and organize volunteers.
• Effective communication skills both verbally and in writing; strong interpersonal skills and professional demeanor to work with a variety of constituents and colleagues.
• Ability to follow all University policies and procedures.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends on a rotating schedule, special events and holidays.

Accountabilities

• Recruits, trains and schedules volunteers. Reports to the Manager of Reynolda Gardens.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to pick up or lift 40 lbs.

Environmental Conditions

• Subject to both environmental conditions, activities occur inside and outside.

Time Type Requirement

Full time

Note to Applicant

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status.

Accommodations for Applicants

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact [e-mail] or [phone].