Horticulture Supervisor - Parks Landscaping & Conservation

Kids for the Future; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The Horticulture Supervisor role at Kids for the Future leads the year-round care, maintenance, and stewardship of ornamental plantings and native landscaped areas. You’ll oversee a Horticulture team, work with the Horticulture Manager and Director of Greenspace, and manage park zones including Japanese Garden, Lake Plaza, and Parkwide areas.

You will supervise staff, seasonal workers, interns, and volunteers; plan daily work; monitor IPM practices; coordinate with arborists and contractors; and

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience in horticulture, conservation, or landscape maintenance, including supervisory experience.
• High school diploma or GED required; a degree in Horticulture, Natural Science, Environmental Science, or a related field preferred; or completion of a professional training program.
• Functional knowledge of irrigation systems, chemical application, equipment maintenance, plant identification, and proper horticultural techniques.
• Experience in park operations or public garden settings preferred.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license and able to work legally in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Lead greenspace and horticulture staff, seasonal workers, interns, and volunteers.
• Develop daily, weekly, and seasonal work plans; delegate and prioritize tasks to ensure efficient maintenance across park zones.
• Foster a culture of safety, professionalism, and accountability.
• Monitor attendance, schedule and assign weekend rotational shifts as needed, and review timesheets for approval.
• Oversee maintenance of ornamental garden beds, native landscaped areas, bioswales, lawns, pond and water areas, shrubs, and trees.
• Plan, supervise, and ensure completion of seasonal landscape tasks including planting, pruning hedging, mulching, weeding, irrigation management, soil care, fertilization, and pest/disease management.
• Apply appropriate pruning techniques according to Japanese Garden aesthetic standards. Train staff on unique cultural practices, handiwork crafts and traditional methods for Japanese Garden maintenance as guided by designers and instructors.
• Monitor plant health, scout for pests, and implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.
• Assist with design and implementation of planting plans and landscape improvements.
• Ensure consistent horticultural standards across assigned areas through inspections and proactive interventions.
• Collaborate with arborists, contractors, and other departments to complete projects and resolve maintenance issues.
• Monitor irrigation systems and report issues; utilizing relevant work order systems to ensure tracking and timely repairs.
• Track and manage equipment, supplies, and materials; ensure proper inventory and maintenance.
• Coordinate and lead volunteer projects, including training, task assignments, and supply staging.
• Operate a variety of equipment including utility vehicles, tractors, blowers, edgers, trimmers, and spray equipment.
• Document and report on work activities, asset conditions, and maintenance needs using appropriate software systems.
• Represent the park professionally when interacting with visitors; educate the public on park etiquette and horticulture practices.
• Participate in educational tours and support community outreach programs related to the Japanese Garden and cross-departmental initiatives.
• Enforce safety policies and procedures, including proper use of PPE.
• Promote a safe and welcoming environment for staff, volunteers, and visitors. Identifyand report hazards, infrastructure issues, and public safety concerns.
• Maintain clean and organized workspaces, storage areas, and equipment.
• Required to work at a public park with a high degree of public interaction.
• Requires physical labor, including bending, kneeling, standing, and regularly lifting/moving up to 25 lbs., frequently up to 50 lbs.
• Primarily outdoor work in variable weather conditions.
• Interaction with the public and volunteers.
• Flexibility to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and special events.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Communication

Public engagement

Education

High school diploma or GED

Degree in Horticulture or related field

Tools

Irrigation systems

Equipment maintenance

Job description

The Horticulture Supervisor role at Kids for the Future leads the year-round care, maintenance, and stewardship of ornamental plantings and native landscaped areas. You’ll oversee a Horticulture team, work with the Horticulture Manager and Director of Greenspace, and manage park zones including Japanese Garden, Lake Plaza, and Parkwide areas.

You will supervise staff, seasonal workers, interns, and volunteers; plan daily work; monitor IPM practices; coordinate with arborists and contractors; and