Horticulturist
Employment Type
Job (Full-Time)Job Categories
Horticulture
Job Description
The Horticulturist has primary responsibility for the care and maintenance of inspiring planting displays in their assigned area. This includes performing skilled horticultural work in outdoor gardens, containers, and supporting seasonal displays. The Horticulturist works under the direction of senior horticulture staff and collaborates with team members, interns, and volunteers to maintain Mt. Cuba Center’s gardens to the highest horticultural standards.
About Us
Mt. Cuba Center is a public garden that highlights the beauty and value of native plants to inspire conservation. Once the private estate of Pamela and Lammot du Pont Copeland, the gardens opened for general admission in 2013 and now spans more than 1,000 acres. It features captivating blooms along garden pathways in formal and woodland settings, picturesque meadows and ponds with stunning vistas, and more than two miles of scenic trails throughout its natural lands. Mt. Cuba is recognized as a leader in native plant research and open space preservation, having protected more than 14,000 acres in the mid-Atlantic region.
Duties & Responsibilities
The Horticulturist will monitor and maintain the health and care of living plant collections by performing comprehensive horticultural maintenance activities including site/soil preparation, planting, transplanting, mulching, weeding, watering, fertilizing, monitoring for pests and disease, herbicide/pesticide applications, and pruning and hedging, while executing day-to-day tasks following direction from senior horticulture staff to uphold the highest standards and developing skills and knowledge to effectively maintain assigned areas. This role includes maintaining well-groomed and safe garden pathways free from debris with snow and ice removal as needed, working alongside volunteers in horticultural projects to support engagement and the overall guest experience, and providing horticultural support for public-facing opportunities such as tours and special events. The Horticulturist will maintain accurate records of plant collections ensuring compliance with the Living Collection Policy, collaborate with senior horticulture staff on seasonal planning and implementation, and support the development and execution of garden designs and renovations.
Education and Experience
The Horticulturist position requires a certificate in horticulture from a recognized program or associate degree in horticulture or plant science from an accredited college or university with 2+ years’ experience working in a garden or landscape setting, or equivalent experience, along with knowledge of plants including identification, growth and cultural characteristics, and pest/disease/weed management. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in gardening techniques such as planting, pruning, hedging, mulching, and weeding, while being self-motivated, organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage time effectively. The ideal candidate will possess the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and follow direction from senior staff, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with staff, volunteers, and the public, proficiency with technology and various software platforms, and the ability to safely and effectively operate and maintain a wide range of hand tools, power tools, vehicles, and equipment. This position requires willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions and flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.
Additional Information
This non-exempt, full-time, fully on-site position offers a competitive salary of $20.00-$22.00 per hour commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k) with up to 8% employer contribution, PTO, free garden admission, and professional development opportunities. Regular hours are typically Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM with occasional evenings, weekends, and early mornings for events, and candidates must have unrestricted work authorization in the U.S. To apply, please submit a resume and responses to application questions, with the interview process consisting of application review, a candidate screening questionnaire, video screen with HR, virtual interview, and a final in-person interview with an on-site garden tour. Application review begins January 26th on a rolling basis with the posting closing February 9th—we recommend interested applicants submit materials as early as possible—and Mt. Cuba is targeting an early April 2026 start date, with all candidates receiving a status update via email after their application has been reviewed. Mt. Cuba Center is also hiring a Senior Horticulturist for the Formal Gardens for those with extensive experience in design and fine gardening techniques, though candidates must apply separately to each position.
Application Instructions
https://mt-cuba-center.breezy.hr/p/20739b2bbe75-horticulturist
Application Deadline:February 9, 2026
