Outdoor Gardens Horticulturist & Team Mentor

Longwood Gardens; Kennett Square (Chester County); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Longwood Gardens seeks a full-time Horticulturist for Outdoor Gardens West, Kennett Square. You will maintain sections of Hillside Garden and surrounding landscapes, mentor volunteers, and collaborate with the Outdoor Gardens Manager and Production/Research team.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years of gardening experience, strong plant ID, and the ability to lift 50 pounds, operate tractors, and work outdoors in varied weather.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Horticulture or equivalent experience preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years gardening or landscape maintenance experience, preferably in a public garden or private estate.
• Strong plant identification knowledge or willingness to learn.
• Strong organizational, project, and time-management skills, with ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to engage with guests, collaborate with colleagues, and work independently.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds, climb ladders, and operate small equipment such as tractors.
• Valid driver’s license (required) with ability to obtain DOT medical card for vehicles.
• Willingness to obtain Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator License, forklift operator’s certificate, and aerial lift certification within 6 months of starting.
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions and some weekends/evenings/holidays.

Responsibilities

• Train and mentor staff, students, and volunteers in collaboration with Outdoor Gardens Manager.
• Coordinate with Production/Research team to ensure plant material for projects.
• Maintain annual plantings, spring bulbs, and seasonal displays throughout the year.
• Maintain gardens to high horticultural standards; perform hands-on tasks (weeding, mulching, planting, pruning).
• Supervise students/volunteers in horticultural practices.
• Support garden programming through tours, talks, and guest initiatives.
• Implement designs and planting projects across the section.
• Lead new planning projects in Hillside Garden and beds.
• Participate in snow removal and weekend watering rotation.
• Join Outdoor Christmas Light display installation team.
• Coordinate part-time, seasonal, student, and volunteer staff; prune hedges; operate tractors and equipment.
• Assist other Outdoor Gardens teams as needed.

Skills

Plant identification

Organizational skills

Project management

Time management

Guest engagement

Education

Associate’s degree in Horticulture

Tools

Tractors

Snow removal equipment

Job description

Longwood Gardens seeks a full-time Horticulturist for Outdoor Gardens West, Kennett Square. You will maintain sections of Hillside Garden and surrounding landscapes, mentor volunteers, and collaborate with the Outdoor Gardens Manager and Production/Research team.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years of gardening experience, strong plant ID, and the ability to lift 50 pounds, operate tractors, and work outdoors in varied weather.