Horticulturist (Estate/Herb Garden)

Job Description

The Dow Gardens Horticulturist will bring a high level of knowledge, professional gardening talent, and design aesthetic, to create a quality experience for the guests who visit the gardens each year. Specifically, this role will be responsible for maintaining a horticulture landscape that specializes estate garden plantings. Key components include an herb garden, secret garden and a variety of perennial and annual elements.

About Us

Since being established in 1899, as a home for Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow and family, the 110-acre Dow Gardens now welcomes more than 200,000 guests per year. Visitors are invited to leave the pathway and explore the uniquely-designed landscape, take a tour of the historic Pines Home, participate in one of many hands-on educational programs, stroll the nation’s longest canopy walk, and discover beautiful art and music in a relaxed setting.

Dow Gardens is a signature gift of The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation.

Duties & Responsibilities

-Manage an outdoor garden area including all aspects of its horticultural care from design through implementation and day-to-day maintenance activities
-Implement best practices to achieve exceptional horticultural standards in a garden area
-Preserve the historic integrity of the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Estate
-Positively motivate and lead volunteer and seasonal workers
-Perform all levels of landscape and grounds maintenance tasks as required for the garden as a whole
-Safely and effectively use a variety of tools including mechanized equipment
-Assist in educational programming and other broad horticultural-related activities
-Effectively communicate with leadership and other campus team members

Education and Experience

-Experience working in a public garden setting
-Flexibility and a willingness to learn
-Work outdoors under various weather conditions
-Ability to work independently, as a team, and with leadership
-Positivity, enthusiasm, and energetic characteristics
-Ability to appreciate and contextualize work product within a larger vision
-Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, plant science, soil science, arboriculture, turf or related field
-Broad hands-on knowledge of standard horticultural practices including but not limited to planting fertilization, irrigation, propagation, pruning, integrated pest management and turf care practices
-Valid driver’s license and hold (or have an ability to obtain) a pesticide applicator’s certification

Application Instructions

Apply online at https://dowgardens.org/gardens/careers/