Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Horticulturist

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a passionate and knowledgeable Horticulturist to join our team, acting as a steward for our vibrant landscapes and plant collections. In this role, you will be the driving force behind the health, beauty, and sustainability of our grounds. You will apply your deep understanding of plant science to cultivate and maintain a diverse range of flora, from intricate garden beds to expansive natural areas. The ideal candidate is a hands-on expert with a keen eye for detail, a proactive problem-solver in plant health, and a collaborative team player dedicated to creating and preserving exceptional green spaces. This position is critical for ensuring our environment not only thrives but also inspires and educates all who experience it.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Landscape Technician or Lead Gardener
Greenhouse Assistant or Nursery Worker
Botany or Horticulture Research Assistant
Recent graduate with a degree in Horticulture or Plant Science

Advancement To:

Head Horticulturist or Senior Horticulturist
Greenhouse Manager or Nursery Manager
Botanical Garden Curator or Director of Horticulture
Estate Manager or Grounds Superintendent

Lateral Moves:

Landscape Designer
Arborist or Urban Forester
Soil Scientist or Agronomist
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive plant health care program, including fertilization schedules, soil conditioning, and water management strategies to ensure the vitality of all plant collections.
Execute advanced Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies by regularly scouting for pests, diseases, and weeds, accurately identifying issues, and applying appropriate biological, cultural, or chemical controls.
Direct and perform all aspects of landscape maintenance, including expert pruning of trees and shrubs, deadheading, mulching, and weeding to maintain the highest aesthetic and horticultural standards.
Oversee plant propagation activities, including seed collection, sowing, cuttings, grafting, and division, to expand and sustain plant inventories and support conservation efforts.
Manage the environmental conditions within greenhouses, shade houses, and other controlled environments, regulating temperature, humidity, and light to optimize plant growth and production.
Plan, design, and install seasonal floral displays, perennial borders, and specialized gardens, selecting appropriate plant material to create visually stunning and cohesive landscapes.
Conduct regular soil and water quality tests, interpreting the results to make informed decisions on soil amendments, nutrient application, and irrigation adjustments.
Operate and provide routine maintenance for a wide range of horticultural equipment, including tractors, aerators, commercial mowers, sprayers, and various power tools, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
Maintain meticulous and organized records of all horticultural activities, including plant inventories, accession data, pest control applications, and growth observations, utilizing horticultural software or databases.
Lead, train, and mentor a team of gardeners, technicians, and volunteers, providing clear direction, hands-on instruction, and performance feedback on proper horticultural techniques.
Assess the health and structural integrity of trees and woody plants, performing or recommending arboricultural work such as corrective pruning and risk mitigation.
Manage the full lifecycle of turfgrass areas, implementing programs for mowing, aeration, overseeding, and fertilization to maintain dense, healthy, and resilient lawns.

Secondary Functions

Collaborate with landscape architects, designers, and management on long-term planning, renovation projects, and the development of new garden areas.
Develop and manage the annual horticulture budget, tracking expenditures for plants, tools, supplies, and equipment to ensure fiscal responsibility.
Source and procure high-quality plant materials, soil, amendments, and other horticultural supplies from nurseries and vendors, negotiating pricing and coordinating deliveries.
Serve as a subject matter expert, leading educational workshops, garden tours, and public presentations to engage visitors and promote horticultural knowledge.
Ensure all operations adhere to company safety policies and local, state, and federal environmental regulations, particularly concerning pesticide application and water usage.
Research and evaluate new plant cultivars, cultivation techniques, and sustainable technologies to drive innovation and continuous improvement within the horticultural program.
Develop and oversee a comprehensive composting program to recycle green waste and generate nutrient-rich soil amendments for use on the grounds.
Coordinate with other departments, such as facilities and events, to prepare landscapes for special functions and ensure minimal disruption to garden operations.
Respond to plant-related emergencies, such as storm damage or disease outbreaks, by developing and executing a swift and effective recovery plan.
Author and contribute content for newsletters, blogs, and signage to interpret the plant collections and communicate horticultural activities to a broader audience.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced Plant Identification: Comprehensive knowledge of plant taxonomy, including the ability to identify a wide range of trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals by their botanical names and characteristics.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Demonstrated expertise in diagnosing plant pests and diseases and implementing a full range of control strategies, with an emphasis on sustainable and low-impact methods.
Soil Science & Nutrient Management: Strong understanding of soil composition, pH, and fertility, with the ability to interpret soil test results and prescribe appropriate amendments and fertilization programs.
Propagation Techniques: Proficiency in various methods of plant propagation, including sexual (seed) and asexual (cuttings, grafting, division) methods for diverse plant species.
Pruning & Arboriculture: Expert-level skill in structural and maintenance pruning techniques for a variety of woody plants to promote health, safety, and aesthetic form.
Irrigation System Management: Experience operating, troubleshooting, and programming sophisticated irrigation systems, including drip, spray, and central control systems, to ensure efficient water use.
Horticultural Equipment Operation: Competency and certification (where applicable) in operating and maintaining horticultural machinery such as tractors, skid-steers, chippers, and aerial lifts.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous and observant, with a keen eye for subtle changes in plant health and landscape appearance.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and diagnostic skills to effectively troubleshoot complex horticultural challenges, from pest infestations to soil deficiencies.
Physical Stamina & Resilience: Ability to perform physically demanding tasks for extended periods and work outdoors in a variety of challenging weather conditions.
Communication & Leadership: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for training staff, collaborating with teams, and engaging with the public.
Adaptability: Flexible and able to adjust plans and priorities in response to changing weather, seasonal demands, and unforeseen project needs.
Organizational & Planning Skills: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and maintain detailed records.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Associate's (A.S.) or Bachelor's (B.S.) degree in a relevant field of study.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's (B.S.) or Master's (M.S.) degree, with professional certifications such as Certified Professional Horticulturist (CPH) or ISA Certified Arborist.

Relevant Fields of Study:

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

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7 years of progressive, hands-on experience in professional horticulture, such as in a botanical garden, public park, large private estate, or high-end nursery.

Preferred:

Demonstrated experience managing specific plant collections (e.g., roses, orchids, native plants) and leading small teams or projects. Experience with budget management and public-facing educational programming is highly desirable.