Horticulturist

Referral Job Portal; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Universal Orlando Resort is seeking a Landscape Maintenance Specialist to service high-profile properties. You will maintain shrubs, trees and turf, apply fertilizers and pesticides, and contribute to planting plans.

The role requires strong decision making and leadership to ensure timely, quality results. One year of landscape maintenance experience is required, with 5–7 years in upscale environments preferred.

Qualifications

• One year of landscape maintenance experience is required.
• Five to seven years in upscale landscape environments preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Maintain shrubs, vines, ground cover and turf; decide methods, timing and tools.
• Care for specialty crops including roses, topiaries, and foliage plants.
• Bed plant selection, care and layout.
• Diagnose plant nutrition and pest control needs; fertilization and herbicide.
• Perform landscape rehabilitation, including demolition and installation.
• Operate heavy equipment (e.g., JCB front end loader).
• Water management via irrigation zones and hand watering.
• Maintain equipment in proper running order.
• Adhere to Environmental, Health & Safety policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Landscape maintenance

Plant knowledge

Decision making

Leadership

Irrigation

Education

High school or GED

AA in Horticulture preferred

Valencia CC Horticulture courses

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

Performs specialized landscape maintenance functions as part of a Horticulture team in addition to having knowledge in the botanical names of all common trees, palms, and shrubs; ability to install shrubbery, foliage, trees; ability to understand the nomenclature of all common foliage; ability to make decisions.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for maintenance of shrub, vine, ground cover and turf maintenance, including decision making on method, timing, and tools.
• Responsible for culture and care of specialty crops including roses, topiaries, and foliage plants.
• Responsible for bedding plant selection, care and layout.
• Performs diagnosis of plant nutrition and pest control needs; fertilization and herbicide.
• Performs landscape rehabilitation, including demolition and installation.
• Heavy equipment operation i.e.: JCB front end loader
• Identify need for and provide supplemental water with manual operation of automatic irrigation zones and hand watering.
• Maintains equipment in proper running order.
• Understands and actively participates in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SCOPE:

Responsible for performing basic horticulture functions including: All shrub and tree installations, maintenance of all foliage, detailing and clean-up. In addition, being able to operate manual irrigation valves and support watering efforts. Being accountable to spot deficiencies in the landscapes and identify pests. Furthermore, having good decision making skills and strong leadership qualities.

EDUCATION:

• High school degree or GED is required
• Associate’s degree (AA) in Horticulture or equivalent from two-year College or technical school is preferred
• Successful completion of 6 courses as listed below for Valencia Community College Horticulture Program or equivalent training is preferred:
  • HOS 1010 Introduction to Horticulture
  • ORH 1510 Ornamental Plant Materials I
  • ORH 1511 Ornamental Plant Materials II
  • SOS 2101 Soils and Fertilizers
  • ENY 1007 Principles of Entomology
  • BOT 2501 Plant Physiology

EXPERIENCE:

• One year of landscape maintenance experience is required
• Five to seven years experience of landscape maintenance in upscale commercial, residential, or resort environment or other horticultural enterprise is preferred
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid Florida Driver’s License required
• One of the following certifications is preferred: Florida Certified Nursery Professional or Florida Certified Landscape Technician, Landscape Maintenance Operator, Certified Arborist

Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Orlando via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Orlando HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Orlando. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Orlando as a result of the referral or through other means.

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Advertised: Jul 23 2026 Eastern Daylight Time Applications close: