Outdoor Gardens Horticulturist for Public Garden Experience

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

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.