Horticulturalist

Job Title: Horticulturalist

About Drab to Fab

Drab to Fab is an award-winning landscape design, construction, and horticultural services company serving San Diego County. As a Certified B Corporation, we believe business should be a force for good, creating exceptional outdoor spaces while improving our environment, supporting our team members, and serving our community.

Unlike traditional landscape maintenance companies, our mission is not simply to mow lawns and blow debris. We are passionate horticulturists, designers, builders, and stewards of the landscapes entrusted to our care. We approach every property with the goal of cultivating healthy, thriving, beautiful outdoor environments that improve with age.

Our team works with some of San Diego County’s most unique residential landscapes, caring for diverse plant collections, mature specimen trees, native habitats, edible gardens, and environmentally responsible landscapes.

An Exceptional Opportunity to Learn from One of Southern California’s Most Experienced Horticulturists

This position offers a rare opportunity to work directly under the guidance of our Director of Horticulture & Development, John Clements.

John previously served as Director of Gardens at the San Diego Botanic Garden and brings more than 50 years of horticultural experience throughout Southern California. Over the course of his career, he has developed, managed, and cared for some of the region’s most respected botanical collections and landscapes.

For individuals who are passionate about plants and eager to build a long-term career in horticulture, this position provides hands-on mentorship and professional development opportunities rarely available outside of institutions such as the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and San Diego Botanic Garden.

Whether you are an experienced horticultural professional or someone seeking to turn a passion for plants into a career, you will have the opportunity to grow your knowledge, skills, and career under John’s stewardship and leadership.

Position Summary

We are seeking passionate, curious, and hardworking Horticulturalists to join our growing team.

This role focuses on plant health, horticultural excellence, and proactive landscape stewardship. Successful candidates genuinely enjoy working outdoors, learning about plants, and helping landscapes thrive.

We are not looking for people who simply want a job. We are looking for individuals who are excited to come to work each day because they care about plants, enjoy continuous learning, and take pride in their craft.

While prior horticultural or landscape maintenance experience is valued, a passion for plants is absolutely required.

This is a full-time position with hourly pay ranging from $22-$25+ per hour depending on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated horticultural knowledge.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and promote overall plant health across residential properties.
• Perform horticultural maintenance including pruning, weeding, planting, mulching, fertilization, and soil improvement.
• Identify plant stress, pest issues, disease concerns, irrigation deficiencies, and environmental challenges.
• Assist with seasonal horticultural tasks and landscape improvements.
• Support irrigation inspections and basic irrigation troubleshooting.
• Maintain clean, safe, and professional job sites.
• Communicate observations and recommendations to supervisors and team members.
• Continuously develop horticultural knowledge through training and field experience.
• Deliver exceptional client service while representing the Drab to Fab brand professionally.

Required Qualifications

• Social Security Number and ability to pass I-9 verification.
• Ability to communicate in basic English.
• Ability to follow company policies, safety procedures, and professional standards.
• Genuine passion for plants, landscapes, and outdoor work.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in residential landscape maintenance or horticulture.
• Knowledge of plant identification and plant care practices.
• Experience with irrigation systems, including sprinkler and drip irrigation.
• Valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.
• Enrollment in or completion of horticulture-related coursework.

Important Application Requirement

We believe passion matters.

Applicants without significant professional experience in horticulture, landscaping, nursery work, botanic gardens, agriculture, or related fields must include either:

• A cover letter, or
• A professional summary on their resume

explaining why they want to work at Drab to Fab, their interest in plants and horticulture, and what excites them about this opportunity.

Applications lacking relevant experience and failing to provide this information will not be considered.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, kneel, stoop, climb, and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to safely operate landscaping and horticultural equipment.

Employee Benefits

Eligibility begins after 90 days of full-time employment.

Health Insurance

Medical and dental insurance with:

• 75% company-paid premiums for full-time employees averaging 32+ hours per week.
• 50% company-paid premiums for part-time employees averaging 24+ hours per week.

Paid Time Off

• Accrue 40 hours of PTO annually.

Retirement Savings

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions.

Education Assistance

We strongly support continuing education and professional growth.

Drab to Fab offers tuition reimbursement for approved horticulture, landscape, irrigation, construction, and related programs, including the Cuyamaca College Ornamental Horticulture Program. Reimbursement includes tuition, fees, books, and parking expenses.

Why Join Drab to Fab?

• Learn directly from one of Southern California’s most respected horticultural leaders.
• Work with diverse and interesting plant palettes throughout San Diego County.
• Build a meaningful career in horticulture.
• Join a mission-driven Certified B Corporation.
• Advance into leadership and specialized horticultural roles as the company grows.
• Help redefine what professional landscape care should look like.

If you are passionate about plants, eager to learn, and excited by the idea of developing your horticultural expertise under exceptional mentorship, we encourage you to apply.

Drab to Fab is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.