Assistant Horticulturist

Assistant Horticulturist

Opportunity Title: Assistant Horticulturist

Reports To: Director of Horticulture

Salary or Hourly: Hourly $20.51 - $23.08

Year Created: 2026

Description

Assistant Horticulturist will be assigned specific areas of this century old garden in both the historic and contemporary sections. Some rotation between gardens will occur weekly. This position will be responsible for maintaining all types of plant material within those areas. Maintain new plant arrivals until they are under the care of horticulturists. They will lead volunteers to assist in regular garden maintenance and seasonal display initiatives. Unique to this position is the opportunity to participate in exciting garden renovations scheduled for the next several years including planting and maintaining woody plants to establish a more diverse canopy and understory.

Responsibilities

• Install vibrant plants for permanent and seasonal displays.
• Reimagine new plantings to reinvigorate historic garden areas while preserving their character defining features.
• Plan and implement garden tasks including installation and maintenance of woody and herbaceous plants. Mulching, weeding, watering, string trimming, and edging.
• Supervise and adopt a leadership role with volunteers and interns in the management and maintenance of garden beds and natural areas. Participating in seasonal festival change outs
• Assist in receiving and unloading plant material. Monitor nursery/holding plants for sustained health and develop a plan with the Director of Horticulture to improve outcomes. Acquire and maintain a pesticide applicators licensing for the State of IN.
• Provide horticultural information to the public through tours and classes.
• Assist other departments as necessary with demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a team; be part of an organization that values service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation and teamwork.
• Serve as Newfields ambassador in the garden through excellent guest relations and responding to requests in a cordial and friendly manner.

Required Skills

• Knowledge of plants, garden maintenance, and plant care with an understanding of seasonal tasks
• Ability to start seeds with basic knowledge of plant propagation techniques
• Safe operation of equipment including tractor, skid steer, chainsaw and other tools to clear and maintain the garden
• Organizational skills to efficiently schedule seasonal tasks and activities
• Basic Computer skills to communicate with colleagues

Compensation: A competitive wage is offered for all positions and a generous benefits package for full-time positions. To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

B.A./B.S. degree in horticulture, botany, or a related field.

Twelve months of understanding and implementing seasonal change outs and garden cultural management and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience with in-depth knowledge of plants, their cultivation and identification

Physical Demands of Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the position. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.