Position Summary
The Lead Horticulturist maintains and enhances Lake View Cemetery’s collection of trees, shrubs, and perennials. This position works closely with the Annual Horticulture Specialist and the Director of Arboretum to support the day-to-day operations and management of the Horticulture Department. The Lead Horticulturist is responsible for designing and installing landscape plans for clients, as well as enhancing and maintaining green spaces throughout the cemetery.
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Education, Training, and Experience (Preferred)
• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or a related field from an accredited college or university, or an associate degree in horticulture.
• Three to five (3–5) years of experience in horticulture maintenance.
• Three to five (3–5) years of experience in landscape design.
• Ohio Commercial Pesticide Applicator License.
• ISA Certified Arborist credential.
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Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Assists in the supervision and training of seasonal and full-time horticulture staff; manages crews and coordinates daily work assignments for seasonal employees.
• Works closely with the Annual Horticulture Specialist and Director of Arboretum to determine and implement seasonal work plans.
• Meets with clients to discuss Premium Care lot plantings; designs planting plans that consider client needs and preferences, site conditions, and the “right plant, right place” philosophy.
• Installs and maintains Premium Care lot plantings with support from the horticulture team.
• Collaborates with sales staff to determine pricing and timelines for Premium Care lot plantings.
• Designs and installs plantings throughout the cemetery to enhance year-round horticultural interest.
• Coordinates with outside contractors and nurseries to determine plant availability and pricing.
• Assists with the implementation and maintenance of the landscape plan, including planting and care of trees, shrubs, groundcovers, perennials, bulbs, and annuals.
• Performs soil preparation, planting, watering, pruning, transplanting, seed collecting, weed control, mulching, and tree or shrub removal as necessary.
• Assists the Annual Horticulture Specialist with the preparation, installation, and maintenance of seasonal displays, including spring bulbs, summer annuals, and winter wreaths and displays.
• Assists with computerized record keeping and data collection related to annual flower beds, ivy beds, Premium Care lots, and tree plantings.
• Utilizes Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices for pest and weed control; applies pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers as required and completes all required application documentation.
• Works alongside Lake View Cemetery’s Foundation to provide educational programming and lead tours for visitors and volunteers.
• Observes good housekeeping and safe work practices; follows cemetery policies and procedures and performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Requirements
• Valid Ohio driver’s license.
• Strong knowledge of perennial, annual, shrub, and tree identification.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to follow instructions, work independently, and collaborate as part of a team.
• Experience designing and installing landscape beds, including selecting appropriate plant material based on site conditions and communicating design choices to clients and sales staff.
• Ability to establish priorities, manage competing tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, productive, and positive work environment.
• Ability to read maps.
• Knowledge of and ability to safely operate hand and power tools and equipment, including but not limited to pruners, weed whips, backpack blowers, chainsaws, tractors, dump trucks, watering tanks, trailers, and utility vehicles.
• A passion for horticulture and a desire to serve the public and the environment.
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Working Conditions / Environment
• Primarily outdoor work in varying weather conditions, including sun, heat, snow, and rain, with temperatures ranging from 0–100 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Regular movement by foot over varied terrain that may be wet, slippery, uneven, or rocky.
• Exposure to plants and pests, including poison ivy, bees, and wasps.
• Physical activity including walking, standing, lifting, bending, sitting, and working in sustained postures.
• Ability to lift and transport materials and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.