Horticulture Director

University of North Carolina Charlotte; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 71,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

UNC Charlotte is seeking a Horticulture Director to manage daily to annual operations of outdoor displays and natural areas at the Botanical Gardens. The role involves supervising horticulture staff, volunteers, and students, with hands-on support and safety oversight for staff and visitors.

The position emphasizes planning, plant health, water management, and collaboration with the administrative team on donor cultivation and community outreach. A pesticide license is required or anticipated.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in horticultural science and at least three years of applied horticulture experience with supervisory exposure.
• Experience overseeing outdoor garden displays, plant care, and staff planning.
• Knowledge of irrigation, fertilization, pest management, and native/cultivated Southeast plants.

Responsibilities

• Directly or indirectly supervise horticulturists, temporary staff, student workers, and volunteers.
• Implement best horticultural practices for plant health and environmental stewardship.
• Plan and supervise maintenance, contractor work, and special projects with safety and quality control.
• Engage in community outreach, donor relations, and campus collaborations.

Skills

Horticultural expertise

Supervisory experience

Irrigation planning

Environmental stewardship

Education

Bachelor's degree in horticultural science

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Horticulture Director

Position Information

• Position Number: 002730
• Vacancy Open to: All Candidates
• Working Title: Horticulture Director
• Position Designation: EHRA Non-Faculty
• Employment Type: Permanent - Full-time
• Months per Year: 12
• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30 am - 4:30 pm, with occasional weekend and evening responsibilities.
• Hours per week: 40
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Division: Academic Affairs
• Department: College of Science (Col)
• Work Location: Botanical Gardens
• Salary Range: $71,121 - $72,000
• Posting Open Date: 09/25/2026
• Posting Close Date: 11/01/2026
• Open Until Filled: No
• Proposed Hire Date: 01/01/2027

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.

Minimum Education/Experience

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.
• UNC Charlotte Benefits Information: https://hr.charlotte.edu/benefits/benefits-overview/