Horticulture Director

The University of North Carolina

Anchorage (AK)

On-site

USD 71,000 - 72,000

Full time

7 days ago

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Job summary

The University of North Carolina Charlotte Botanical Gardens seeks an experienced horticulture supervisor to manage daily, seasonal, and annual display maintenance. You will lead a team of horticulturists, volunteers, and student workers, ensuring safe operations and high-quality plant care across outdoor displays and gardens.

Responsibilities include planning, coordinating irrigation and pest management, supervising contractors, and engaging with the campus and community through tours, classes,

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in horticultural science with at least three years of applied horticulture experience and one year of supervisory experience.
Preferred eight+ years in horticultural or botanical industry with four years of supervisory experience.
Experience with plant installation, irrigation, fertilization, maintenance, and propagation.
Working knowledge of native and cultivated plants in the Southeast.
Ability to work in all weather conditions.
Clear written and verbal communication; strong teamwork.
Familiar with Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

Directly or indirectly supervise horticulturists, temporary staff, student workers, and volunteers.
Institute best horticultural practices to optimize plant health (water management, including automated irrigation, fertilization, pest identification and control) while balancing environmental stewardship.
Plan, design, and implement routine maintenance activities, as well as diverse special projects; supervise on-site contractors for safety and quality control.
Participate in community outreach, including plant sales, garden tours, classes, and media interviews; collaborate with administrative team for donor cultivation and campus relations.

Skills

Plant installation

Irrigation

Fertilization

Maintenance

Propagation

Pest identification

Communication

Teamwork

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Education

Bachelor’s degree in horticultural science

Three years of applied horticulture experience

One year of supervisory experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

The finalist will be subject to a Criminal Background Check and/or a Motor Vehicle Report
The Search Committee will not contact references without first verifying permission with the finalist.
Please ensure your resume reflects the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences to support your answers to the supplemental questions.

Monday through Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm, with occasional weekend and evening responsibilities.

Hours per week 40

FLSA Status

FLSA Status Exempt

Division

Division Academic Affairs

Department

Department College of Science (Col)

Work Location

Work Location Botanical Gardens

Salary Range

Salary Range $71,121 - $72,000

Primary Purpose of Department

The goal of the Botanical Gardens is to promote the knowledge and appreciation of plants for educational, environmental, and aesthetic purposes within a university setting. The Botanical Gardens are composed of the McMillan Greenhouse, the Susie Harwood Garden, and the Van Landingham Glen. The Gardens are funded through a combination of state monies, endowments, and donations.

Primary Purpose of Position

Develop and implement plans associated with the daily, seasonal, and annual management of outdoor horticultural displays, collections, and natural areas. Provide hands‑on support for all operations. Effectively manage, deploy, and assist the horticulture team, which includes volunteers and student workers as well as full- and part-time employees. Provide a safe environment for staff and visitors. Provide input into all aspects of the planning and operations of the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens.

Summary of Position Responsibilities

Directly or indirectly supervise horticulturists, temporary staff, student workers, and volunteers who care for the outdoor gardens.
Institute best horticultural practices to optimize plant health (water management, including automated irrigation, fertilization, pest identification and control, etc.) while balancing these practices with responsible environmental stewardship.
Direct and participate in the planning, design, and implementation of routine maintenance activities, as well as diverse special projects. Special projects may include such tasks as securing outside contractors for special jobs, Acquisition of specialized materials and supplies, training and supervision of staff and students, and evaluating and reporting on the outcomes of these many tasks. Establish and meet completion schedules for garden projects; supervise on-site contractors for safety and quality control.
Participate in community outreach, including but not limited to: plant sales, garden tours, classes, and media interviews (radio, podcasts, TV). Partner with the administrative team for donor cultivation, stewardship events, and community networking. Maintain professional relationships across the campus and resolve issues with a solution‑oriented mindset.

Bachelor’s degree in horticultural science, with at least three years of applied horticulture experience and one year of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Extensive experience: eight or more years in the horticultural or botanical industry, with four years of supervisory experience
Must have skills in proper horticultural practices, including plant installation, irrigation, fertilization, maintenance, and propagation.
Must have working knowledge (including routine use of scientific names) of native and cultivated plants that can be grown in this region of the Southeast.
Must be able to carry out these tasks in all weather conditions.
The ability to identify common pests, diseases, and deficiencies and know how to take action early to combat problems.
The ability to communicate clearly through both written and verbal means while maintaining a professional manner and calm demeanor.
Fosters strong team dynamics through respectful collaboration, positive interactions, and effective communication with coworkers, volunteers, and visitors.
Knowledge of basic computer programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Necessary Certifications/Licenses

Must be willing to acquire and maintain a pesticide applicator’s license.

Special Notes to Applicants

The finalist will be subject to a Criminal Background Check and/or a Motor Vehicle Report
The Search Committee will not contact references without first verifying permission with the finalist.
Please ensure your resume reflects the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences to support your answers to the supplemental questions.

If time-limited please indicate appointment end date

Contact Information

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

* How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
- UNC Charlotte Website
- HERC Job Board
- Inside Higher Education
- Mitratech Circa (formerly known as Local JobNetwork)
- Another Website
- Agency Referral
- Advertisement/Publication
- Personal Referral
- Other
Where did you learn about this posting?
(Open Ended Question)
* Do you have a Bachelor’s degree in horticultural science, with at least three (3) years of applied horticulture experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience?
- Yes, I have a Bachelor’s degree in horticulture science with at least three (3) years of applied horticulture experience?
- Yes, I have an Associates degree with at least five (5) years of applied horticulture experience?
- Yes, I have a HS Diploma/GED with at least seven (7) years of applied horticulture experience?
- No, I do not
* Do you have at least one year of supervisory experience as it relates to this position?
- Yes
- No