HORTICULTURIST, OUTDOOR GARDENS

Longwood Gardens; Kennett Square (Chester County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA is seeking a full-time Horticulturist for the East Outdoor Gardens to manage seasonal displays and garden spaces, lead students and volunteers, and ensure high standards of care.

The role requires at least three years of gardening, an associate’s degree preferred, and the ability to lift 50 pounds, work weekends, and engage guests. The team emphasizes inclusivity and hands-on learning within a dynamic public garden.

Qualifications

• A minimum three years of gardening or landscape maintenance experience, preferably in a public garden or private estate.
• An associate’s degree in horticulture or equivalent educational experience is preferred.
• A passion for horticulture and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
• The ability to engage with guests while working, collaborate with colleagues, and work independently.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• The ability to lift at least 50 pounds, work from ladders, and operate small equipment such as tractors.
• A valid driver’s license.
• A willingness to obtain Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator License, forklift operator’s certificate, and aerial lift certification within six months of start date
• The ability to work scheduled weekends and holidays as required.
• The ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Strong decision-making, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining annual plantings, spring bulb displays, and fall change outs.
• Maintaining and evolve gardens and landscapes to the highest standards of horticultural excellence.
• Supervising and training students and volunteers in horticultural practices.
• Being an active participant in snow removal.
• Being available to occasionally respond to on-call duties during our Christmas display season or snow events.
• Performing a full range of horticultural tasks, including weeding, mulching, planting, and maintaining herbaceous and woody plants.
• Pruning a variety of plant materials, including shearing hedges.
• Operating Longwood vehicles, utility carts, and snow removal equipment as needed.
• Helping provide content for the Marketing team.
• Answering questions and interacting professionally with guests to the garden.

Skills

Gardening experience

Guest interaction

Organizational skills

Time management

Independent worker

Education

Associate degree in Horticulture

Job description

HORTICULTURIST, OUTDOOR GARDENS

Full Time Front Line Kennett Square, PA, US

As one of the great gardens of the world located just 30 miles outside of Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens is rooted in a steadfast mission of bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Across our many departments, each and every staff member creates the magic that makes our Gardens distinctive. Our team of dynamic professionals is what sets us apart, and our spirit of legacy, innovation, and opportunity is what guides us. While beauty is our heart, our people are our soul.

We are seeking a full-time Horticulturist to join our East Outdoor Gardens team. This individual will be responsible for the Visitor Center seasonal display and surrounding permanent garden spaces. This individual would coordinate and lead students and volunteers to carry out daily tasks in the section. Teamwork and attention to detail are key qualities needed for this position. Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining annual plantings, spring bulb displays, and fall change outs.
• Maintaining and evolve gardens and landscapes to the highest standards of horticultural excellence.
• Supervising and training students and volunteers in horticultural practices.
• Being an active participant in snow removal.
• Being available to occasionally respond to on-call duties during our Christmas display season or snow events.
• Performing a full range of horticultural tasks, including weeding, mulching, planting, and maintaining herbaceous and woody plants.
• Pruning a variety of plant materials, including shearing hedges.
• Operating Longwood vehicles, utility carts, and snow removal equipment as needed.
• Helping provide content for the Marketing team.
• Answering questions and interacting professionally with guests to the garden.

This standard hours for this position will be Monday through Friday, starting at 6:00 AM. Some weekend and evening availability will be required, as needed.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A minimum three years of gardening or landscape maintenance experience, preferably in a public garden or private estate.
• An associate’s degree in horticulture or equivalent educational experience is preferred.
• A passion for horticulture and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
• The ability to engage with guests while working, collaborate with colleagues, and work independently.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• The ability to lift at least 50 pounds, work from ladders, and operate small equipment such as tractors.
• A valid driver’s license.
• A willingness to obtain a Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator License, forklift operator’s certificate, and aerial lift certification within six months of start date
• The ability to work scheduled weekends and holidays as required.
• The ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Strong decision-making, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Longwood Gardens is committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment that celebrates the complexities and differences of all living things. We welcome and respect diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. Diversity creates a more beautiful world, sparks innovation, and unites us.