Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Horticultural Coordinator

🎯 Role Definition

A Horticultural Coordinator is the creative and scientific force behind an organization's living landscapes. This role is responsible for the planning, implementation, and day-to-day management of all horticultural elements, from formal gardens and turfgrass to interior plantscapes and natural areas. More than just a gardener, the Coordinator blends a deep knowledge of plant science with an eye for design and strong leadership skills. They ensure that the grounds are not only beautiful and healthy but also sustainable, safe, and aligned with the organization's brand and vision. This individual acts as the primary expert on plant health, landscape enhancement projects, and the effective management of the groundskeeping team.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Lead Gardener / Senior Gardener
Landscape Technician or Foreman
Nursery Specialist / Greenhouse Grower
Plant Health Care Technician

Advancement To:

Horticulture Manager / Grounds Manager
Director of Horticulture / Director of Grounds
Arboretum or Botanical Garden Curator
Landscape Architect (with further licensure/education)

Lateral Moves:

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Specialist
Irrigation Manager / Water Conservation Specialist
Greenhouse Manager
Arborist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive horticultural care programs for all designated landscapes, including turf, trees, shrubs, perennials, and annual flower displays.
Supervise, train, and schedule a team of gardeners and groundskeepers, providing clear direction, performance feedback, and hands-on guidance to ensure high standards of quality and safety.
Plan and execute seasonal planting designs and rotations for high-visibility areas, including garden beds, containers, and entranceways, to ensure year-round visual appeal.
Manage all aspects of plant health care, including the development and implementation of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program to scout for, identify, and treat pests and diseases.
Oversee soil and turf management programs, including fertilization, aeration, overseeding, and amendment application, based on regular soil testing and analysis.
Source, procure, and manage the inventory of all necessary plant materials, tools, equipment, and horticultural supplies, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality.
Coordinate and oversee the operation, maintenance, and repair of irrigation systems, making adjustments to ensure efficient water use and optimal plant health.
Lead landscape enhancement projects from conception to completion, including new garden installations, renovations, and hardscape feature integrations.
Develop and manage the annual horticulture budget, tracking expenses and providing regular reports on financial performance to senior management.
Ensure the proper and safe operation of all horticultural and landscape maintenance equipment, leading training on machinery like mowers, tractors, and specialized tools.
Maintain meticulous records of horticultural activities, including planting schedules, pesticide/fertilizer applications, and plant inventories.
Serve as the primary point of contact for and manager of external landscape contractors and vendors, ensuring their work meets organizational standards.
Conduct regular inspections of all grounds and plant life to assess health, identify potential issues, and proactively develop solutions for improvement.
Champion sustainable and environmentally responsible landscaping practices, including water conservation, native plant use, and composting programs.
Create and maintain a comprehensive tree care program, including pruning schedules, risk assessments, and new plantings in collaboration with certified arborists.
Design and manage greenhouse and nursery operations for the propagation and cultivation of plant material for use across the property.
Ensure all horticultural operations comply with local, state, and federal regulations, including those related to pesticide application and environmental protection.
Provide expert horticultural advice and support to other departments for special events, interior plantscaping, and seasonal decorations.
Stay current with industry trends, new plant varieties, and innovative horticultural techniques through continuing education and professional networks.
Develop and lead educational tours, workshops, or informational sessions for staff or the public regarding the property's plant collections and gardens.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc requests from other departments for special event landscaping, temporary installations, and floral arrangements.
Contribute to the development of the organization's long-term sustainability and environmental stewardship strategic plans.
Collaborate with facilities, marketing, and events teams to ensure landscape aesthetics align with organizational branding, events, and seasonal campaigns.
Participate in budget planning, capital project proposals, and resource allocation meetings related to all grounds and landscape initiatives.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced Plant Identification: In-depth knowledge of woody and herbaceous plants, including their scientific names, cultural requirements, and pest/disease susceptibility.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Proficiency in diagnosing plant health issues and implementing control strategies that minimize chemical use.
Soil Science & Management: Ability to interpret soil tests and manage soil health through fertilization, amendments, and proper cultivation.
Irrigation System Management: Expertise in the operation, repair, and scheduling of complex, multi-zone irrigation systems for water efficiency.
Landscape Design Principles: Strong understanding of design concepts such as color, texture, form, and scale to create aesthetically pleasing landscapes.
Pruning and Arboricultural Techniques: Correct and safe pruning methods for a wide variety of trees and shrubs to ensure their health and structure.
Horticultural Equipment Operation: Safe and efficient operation of landscape machinery, including commercial mowers, tractors, chippers, and sprayers.
Budgeting and Financial Tracking: Skill in developing and managing departmental budgets, tracking expenditures, and managing procurement.

Soft Skills

Leadership and Team Supervision: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and mentor a diverse team of grounds staff.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with staff, management, vendors, and the public.
Problem-Solving: Proactive and resourceful in identifying issues and implementing effective, practical solutions in a dynamic environment.
Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail to ensure the highest standards of landscape quality and plant health are consistently met.
Project Management: Strong organizational skills to plan and execute multiple projects simultaneously, from small tasks to large-scale installations.
Adaptability: Flexibility to work in varying weather conditions and adjust plans based on environmental changes or organizational needs.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Associate's Degree (A.S.) or a professional certificate in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's of Science (B.S.) Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Horticulture
Plant Science
Landscape Architecture or Management
Agronomy / Soil Science
Botany

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7 years of progressive, hands-on experience in a professional horticultural or landscape management setting. This must include experience with a wide variety of plant materials and maintenance techniques.

Preferred:

At least 2 years of experience in a supervisory or lead-worker capacity is highly preferred. Experience working on a large-scale corporate campus, luxury resort, public park, or botanical garden is considered a significant asset. State-issued Pesticide Applicator's License and/or industry certifications (e.g., Certified Horticulturist) are highly valued.