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.
Longwood Gardens is seeking a full-time Horticulturist to. maintain the terrace restaurant landscape and containers, birdhouse treehouse and Open-Air Theatre Garden. This individual will be supported by part-time, seasonal, student and volunteer staff to carry out daily tasks in the section. Teamwork and attention to detail are key qualities needed for this position. Responsibilities include:
- Maintaining perennial plantings, naturalized bulb displays, and supporting seasonal planting changes.
- Maintaining and evolving gardens and landscapes to the highest standards of horticultural excellence.
- Supervising and training students and volunteers in best horticultural practices.
- Supporting programming initiatives such as Christmas, Winter Wonder and other special projects that may arise.
- Participating in snow removal operations outside of normal work hours, as needed.
- Working scheduled weekends and holidays for watering and maintenance.
- 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 manual transmission vehicles, tractors and snow removal equipment as needed.
- Collaborating with the manager to design and care for floral containers and baskets during the growing season.
The ideal candidate will possess:
- An associate degree in Horticulture or related field or a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience preferred.
- A willingness to help accomplish large projects in other areas and reprioritize individual plans for the good of the organization.
- Gardening or landscape maintenance experience, preferably in a public garden or private estate. 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.
- The ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
- A valid driver’s license (required)
- A Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator Certification or a willingness and ability to obtain within six months of hire date
- A Forklift and Aerial Platform Certification or a willingness and ability to obtain within 1 year of hire date
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.