Horticulturist–Garden Curator

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); Presencial; USD 37 000 - 46 000; Tempo integral

Resumo da oferta

University of Georgia is seeking a Horticulturist–Garden Curator for the State Botanic Garden of Georgia in Athens. You will design, plant, curate, and manage garden areas, ensuring accurate plant accessioning, labeling, and inventory control.

The role involves supervising part-time staff and volunteers and engaging with community outreach. Responsibilities include site maintenance, planting design, and coordinating with the Director of Horticulture & Grounds to keep grounds safe and attractive.

Qualificações

• High school diploma or equivalent required, with 2 years of related experience.
• Experience in plant labeling, accessioning and record-keeping practices.
• Knowledge of pest management, fertilization, and basic horticultural operations.

Responsabilidades

• Design and maintain plant collections in the garden; ensure correct labeling and signage.
• Perform routine turf maintenance and landscape upkeep in display gardens.
• Research and select plant species; coordinate purchases with the Director of Horticulture.
• Maintain inventory records and keep accession data up to date.
• Coordinate and supervise part-time staff and volunteers for maintenance tasks.
• Support seasonal displays, events, and garden outreach activities.
• Assist in setup/breakdown for internal events and programs.
• Maintain tools, vehicles, and equipment used in garden operations.

Conhecimentos

Horticultural knowledge

Plant nomenclature

Record keeping

Formação académica

High school diploma

Descrição da oferta de emprego

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number S15988P 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.

About the College/Unit/Department 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 Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information

M-F 8am-5pm

Occasional weekends and weeknights for special events (i.e. Spring Plant Sale)

Advertised Salary $41,400 Posting Date 10/29/2026 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 12/14/2026

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 Horticulture Technician II FLSA Non-Exempt FTE 1.00

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience

Preferred Summary

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 maintain collections in assigned garden area to include weeding, pest control, leaf and litter removal, deadheading, mulching, and fertilizing.
• Routine maintenance of turf areas within display gardens to include mowing, fertilizer application, and renovation of areas as needed.

Percentage of time 45

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

Percentage of time 20

• Coordinate part-time employees and volunteers in proper horticultural maintenance procedures.

Percentage of time 10

• Specialized seasonal maintenance to include winter pruning of specimen woody ornamentals, division of herbaceous material, seed collection, and seasonal pruning of flowering shrubs.
• Maintenance of plant collections in assigned garden area to include watering, fertilizing, and propagation.
• Keep accurate maintenance and accession records on these collections. Monitor soil conditions in all garden beds. Correct problems through drainage adjustment, soil amendment, and fertilization.

Percentage of time 10

• Participate in Garden’s public service and educational programs. Assist other horticulture and grounds staff members in their duties and responsibilities.
• Assist Director of Horticulture and Grounds in achieving departmental goals.
• Assist in the set-up and breakdown required for internal events 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

Routine maintenance of tools, vehicles, and equipment

Percentage of time 5

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name Jason Young Recruitment Contact Email [e-mail] Recruitment Contact Phone [phone]

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents