Horticulture Specialist

Lauritzen Gardens; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid sick time

Holidays & leave

Garden Membership

EAP

Bereavement Leave

Professional development

Job summary

Lauritzen Gardens seeks a Horticulture Specialist to care for natural native plant areas across 100 acres. You will manage tallgrass areas, woodland forest, trails, and interior native spaces under the Horticulture Manager guidance.

You’ll monitor invasive species, document progress, and lead restoration projects while training staff and volunteers in native plant management and ecological stewardship. Some evenings and weekends may be required.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in education, life science, or design.
• 7 years of horticultural experience and plant knowledge.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate equipment.
• Ability to supervise volunteers and interns and work in all weather.

Responsibilities

• Manage native and tallgrass areas using ecological practices.
• Maintain Woodland Forest, trails, and edge areas.
• Monitor plant health, invasives, erosion, and habitat conditions.
• Identify native and invasive species; document locations and treatments.
• Lead invasive species control and restoration projects with the team.
• Support planning and execution of prescribed burns and safety practices.
• Educate staff and volunteers on native plant management and stewardship.

Skills

Horticultural Experience

Plant Identification

Leadership

Strong Communication

Driving License

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree

Job description

About Our Organization

Lauritzen Gardens, acclaimed as the Best Attraction in the 2025 Omaha Metropolitan Area Tourism Awards and voted #3 by USA Today among Top Botanical Gardens in the United States, is home to 100 acres of horticultural displays that showcase the diverse Nebraska landscape. Lauritzen Gardens is a non-profit organization that conducts conservation efforts across the Great Plains, promotes thoughtful, ecologically minded horticultural practices, creates educational and inspirational experiences, and offers a year-round schedule of tours, programs, and workshops that explore, explain, and celebrate the world of plants. Lauritzen Gardens is dedicated to upholding its exceptional standards and providing joyful experiences for its visitors.

Job Summary

The Horticulture Specialist - Natural Native Plant Areas is responsible for the care, management, and stewardship of the natural native plant areas throughout the garden property, maintaining these spaces to a high standard of ecological horticulture excellence under the direction of a Horticulture Manager.

This position is responsible for the management and maintenance of tallgrass areas surounding parking lots and property edges, the 9-acre Woodland Forest and trail system, and interior tallgrass areas, including areas over the bale fill. The position works collaboratively with Horticulture Managers, the Grounds Superintendent, and other Horticulture & Grounds team members because responsibilities cross multiple areas of the garden.

The Horticulture Specialist will develop and maintain strong knowledge of native plant communities, ecological land management, and invasive plant identification and control. This position will monitor, document, and track invasive plant species and implement appropriate management practices to reduce invasive species while supporting the establishment and success of native plant communities.

The position will also educate and assist Horticulture and Grounds team members in currest best practices for native plant management, invasive species control, ecological stewardship, and natural-area maintenance. Once all required training, certifications, and qualifications are met, this position will serve as the lead for the prescribed burn team and assist with planning, preparation, implementation, and follow-up activities associated with prescribed burns.

The Horticulture Specialist contributes to the long-term health, biodiversity, appearance, and ecological function of the garden's natural areas while supporting the organization's commitment to conservation and ecolofically responsible horticultural practices.

Primary Job Duties

• Manage and maintain natural, native, and tallgrass areas throughout the garden property using sound ecological horticulture and land-management practices.
• Maintain tallgrass areas surrounding parking lots, property edges, the Woodland Forest and trail system, and interior tallgrass areas, including areas surrounding the bale fill.
• Perform seasonal and routine land-management activities, including mowing, cutting, trimming, invasive plant removal, native plant establishment, brush management, and other vegetation management practices as appropriate for each area.
• Monitor natural areas regularly to assess plant health, vegetation conditions, invasive species presence, erosion, woody encroachment, and other land-management concerns.
• Identify native and invasive plant species and maintain accurate records of invasive species locations, populations, treatment methods, and management progress.
• Develop and implement appropriate invasive species control practices under the direction of the Horticulture Manager, using current and environmentally responsible methods.
• Support the establishment, health, and expansion of native plant communities by implementing management practices that encourage desirable native species to thrive.
• Assist with the planning and implementation of restoration and improvement projects within natural and native plant areas.
• Monitor and maintain trails, access areas, and other infrastructure within assigned natural areas, reporting safety hazards, maintenance needs, erosion, or other concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
• Operate and maintain horticultural equipment, vehicles, tools, and machinery safely and efficiently. Perform routin inspections, cleaning, and basic mainteance and report repare needs as appropriate.
• Apply herbicides and other approved treatments in accordance with organizational procedures, product labels, applicable regulations, and required safety practices.
• Participate and lead prescribed burn planning, preparation, implementation, and post-burn activities after completing all required training and qualifications. Assist with monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of prescribed burns adn other land-management practices and make recommendations to the Horticulture Manager based on observed results.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Horticulture Manager or appropriate supervisor.

Qualifications, Skills, & Competencies

• 7 years of horticultural experience.
• An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in education, life science, or design.
• A valid driver's license.
• In-depth understanding and knowledge of plant culture and best management practices to manage the native plant communities.
• Plant identification and design preferred.
• Applicant must possess excellent soft skills such as active listening, flexibility, creativity, dependability, and empathy.
• Pest and disease identification.
• Must have organizational, multi-tasking, and year-ahead planning skills.
• Be comfortable supervising horticulturists, volunteers, and interns of all ages and abilities on a daily basis.
• Willingness to perform hands‑on horticulture tasks in all weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and rotating weekends with other horticulture team members.

Work Environment

• Primarily on-site working indoors and outdoors across multiple facilities, gardens, and grounds.
• Exposure to a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and wind.
• May work around mechanical equipment, tools, vehicles, and power equipment.
• Frequent interaction with staff, volunteers, contractors, and occasionally the public.
• May be required to respond to maintenance issues, emergencies, or operational needs during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Work will involve standing, walking, bending, climbing stairs or ladders, and lifting or carrying equipment or materials up to 50 pounds.
• Tasks can include routine maintenance, troubleshooting, equipment, repairs, and setup or teardown for events and programs.

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Long-term & short-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• 401 (k) with company match.
• Paid sick time.
• 8 Paid Holidays + 2 Paid Floating Holidays.
• Garden Membership.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Bereavement Leave.
• Opportunities for professional development.