Horticulturist

Filoli; Woodside (CA); On-site; USD 44,062 - 62,756; Full time

Job summary

A historic estate in Woodside, California is seeking a dedicated Horticulturist. This role involves maintaining high standards of horticulture, engaging with visitors, and leading a team of trainees. Applicants should have at least two years of experience and preferably a Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture. This is a full-time position offering a competitive hourly rate of $38.77, with a commitment to preserving nature and culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of practical experience maintaining gardens.
• Ability to obtain California Qualified Applicator’s Certificate within 6 months.
• Commitment to inclusive and collaborative values.

Responsibilities

• Execute all duties to maintain world-class horticulture standards.
• Implement advanced IPM programs and ensure safety protocols.
• Coordinate projects with interns and trainees and engage with visitors.

Skills

Horticulture expertise

Leadership and training

Visitor engagement

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Technical expertise in equipment operation

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture or related field

Tools

Computerized collections management systems (IRIS BG)

Hand tools and tractors

Job description

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This range is provided by Filoli. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$38.77/hr - $38.77/hr

Horticulturist: Preserve History & Cultivate the Future at Filoli

Do you have a passion for high-standard horticulture and a desire to connect people with nature? Filoli, a magnificent 654-acre historic estate, is seeking a dedicated and talented Horticulturist to take ownership of a specific area of our world-renowned gardens.

This is a chance to be a hands-on leader in historic landscape preservation, sharing your expertise with visitors and training the next generation of horticulturists.

Your Mission: Beauty, Nature, and High Standards

What You’ll Be Doing Day-to-Day

• Hands-On Stewardship: Execute all duties necessary to maintain world-class standards, including planting, intricate pruning and training (hedges, topiary, vines), turf care, and structural maintenance.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Implement advanced IPM programs, manage pest/weed control, and maintain accurate records while adhering to strict safety protocols (requires a California Qualified Applicator’s Certificate or License within 6 months).
• Leadership & Training: Set routine work priorities, coordinate projects with other departments, and be responsible for working with Horticultural Trainees, Interns, and Service Learning volunteers.
• Visitor Engagement: Interact daily with Filoli guests, sharing information about our historic landscape and displays, and occasionally leading programs or demonstrations.
• Technical Expertise: Operate and maintain a range of equipment (from hand tools to tractors) and utilize computerized collections management systems like IRIS BG.

If assigned to the Greenhouse, you will also:

• Manage propagation and production of bedding plants, perennials, and woody plants from seeds and cuttings.
• Oversee plant collections management, including environmental controls and inventory records.

Why Join the Filoli Team

• Connect History & Future: Be a core part of preserving one of the finest remaining country estates of the early 20th century while supporting a Strategic Plan focused on increasing access to nature.
• Horticulture Excellence: Work together with newer staff, interns, and volunteers, elevating the standards and safety practices across the Horticulture team.
• Compensation: This is a full-time, benefit-eligible position with an hourly rate of $38.77.
• Schedule: Typically Tuesday through Saturday (7:00 am to 3:30 pm), with flexibility needed for occasional events.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience: A minimum of 2 years of practical experience maintaining gardens. (Applicants with less than one year may be considered for a provisional Horticultural Trainee position.)
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture or a directly related field is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Required Certification: Must obtain a California Qualified Applicator’s Certificate or License within six months of hire.
• Decisive Nature: The ability to independently anticipate problems, analyze situations, and formulate rapid solutions while maintaining high standards.
• Commitment to Values: A dedication to our core values: being Inclusive, Welcoming, Innovative, Collaborative, and committed Stewards of the estate.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Management and Manufacturing
• Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos