Horticulturist-Garden Curator

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

TRS retirement plan

Benefits eligible

Job summary

University of Georgia's State Botanic Garden seeks a Horticulturist-Garden Curator to plan, plant, curate and manage the garden areas. Responsibilities include design, plant acquisition, labeling and inventory control, ensuring paths, signs and fixtures are maintained in good condition.

The candidate will supervise part-time staff and volunteers, participate in outreach, and contribute to the garden's newsletters and committees; occasional weekends/evenings for events may be required.

Qualifications

• Technical knowledge in horticulture acquired via apprenticeship, a 2-year degree, or a professional certificate.
• Experience in garden curation and plant inventory management.
• Ability to supervise part-time staff and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Plan, plant, curate and manage assigned garden areas and plant collections.
• Maintain inventory, labeling and accession records for plants.
• Supervise part-time staff, students and volunteers.
• Engage in outreach with plant societies and community groups.
• Support garden design, events and educational programs.

Skills

Horticultural knowledge

Plant propagation

Irrigation management

Pest management

Record keeping

Education

2-year degree

Apprenticeship

Professional certificate

Tools

Database entry

Inventory databases

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Number: S15598P

Working Title: Horticulturist-Garden Curator

Department: PSO-State Botanic Garden of GA

About the University of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

College/Unit/Department website: https://botgarden.uga.edu/

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: M-F 8am-5pm Occasional weekends and weeknights for special events (i.e. Spring Plant Sale)

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date: 08/13/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 09/14/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants: Curator position for Heritage and Perennial Gardens. Garden Experience - State Botanical Garden University of Georgia. Contact the recruitment contact for more details.

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title: Agriculture/Forestry Technical/Paraprofessional/Professional

FLSA: Non-Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: Requires technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship, a 2-year degree, or professional certificate. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications:

Position Summary: Plan, plant, curate and manage the assigned areas at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Duties and responsibilities include planting design, selection, and acquisition of plant species and cultivars appropriate for this garden. The curator will work closely with the Director of Horticulture & Grounds to ensure accurate plant accessioning, inventory and record keeping, make certain that plant labels and interpretive signs are correct and in place, and ensure that plazas, pathways, lighting, and architectural features are safe, clean and in good condition. The candidate will supervise part-time employees, students and volunteers. Engage in outreach activities to individuals, businesses, plant societies, botanical and horticultural organizations that might provide support or services. Contribute to the Garden's newsletter and participate in various committees, educational programs, special events and other grounds/horticultural projects as needed. Work weekend or evening shift approximately six times a year.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Candidate must possess the horticultural knowledge necessary for the curation and management of diverse and extensive botanical and horticultural collections including proper fertilization, irrigation, propagation, pruning, and pest management techniques (including pesticide application).
• Candidate must also be knowledgeable of plant nomenclature, labeling, accessioning, and record keeping (including data entry into records databases, database maintenance, and production of plant labels).

Physical Demands

• Working in Inclement weather (extreme hot and/or cold, rain, etc.)
• Occasionally lifting +50lbs, lifting 25lbs repeatedly
• Performance of manual labor (moderately high physical demands including reaching, stooping, and kneeling)
• Sit at a computer for extended periods of time
• Duties associated with landscaping.
• Driving as necessary to complete job duties

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

Yes

Is this a Position of Trust?

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g. public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Design and installation of annual plant material.
• Maintenance of permanent plant collections in assigned area to include watering, fertilizing, propagating, weeding, pest control, pesticide application leaf/ litter removal, deadheading, and mulching.
• Specialized seasonal maintenance to include winter pruning of specimen woody ornamentals, division of herbaceous material, seed collection, and seasonal pruning of flowering shrubs.
• Routine maintenance of turf areas within display gardens to include mowing, fertilizer application, and renovation of areas as needed.
• Participation in garden design and planning activities.
• All other duties as assigned.

Percentage of time: 45

• Research plant selections for possible inclusion in assigned area collections.
• Develop sources for acquiring plants, seeds, etc.
• Submit purchase requests and production needs to Director of Horticulture & Grounds.
• Maintain accurate and up to date inventory records with special attention to changes in accession data.
• Keep plant species labeled and note any changes in nomenclature.
• Participate in garden wide collections inventory process.

Percentage of time: 20

• Supervise part-time employees, student workers (paid and unpaid) and volunteers in proper horticultural maintenance procedures.

Percentage of time: 20

• Participate in Garden's public service and educational programs.
• Assist in the set-up and breakdown required for internal events, search committees, and programs.
• Help with installations of seasonal and major displays at the Garden and with booths at trade and flower shows.

Percentage of time: 10

• Assist Director of Horticulture and Grounds in achieving departmental goals.
• Assist other horticulture and grounds staff members in their duties and responsibilities.
• Adhere to all regulations for occupational and chemical safety under Worker protection Standard (WPS) and OHSA requirements.
• Obtain (within 6 months of hire) and maintain Georgia Commercial Pesticide Applicators license/s.
• Routine maintenance of tools, vehicles, and equipment.

Percentage of time: 5