Seasonal Holiday Horticulture Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Light Up the Season: Seasonal Holiday Horticulture TechnicianAt Filoli, we connect a rich history with a vibrant future through beauty, nature, and shared stories. Every year, we welcome thousands of guests to our premier evening experiences, Nightfall and Holiday Lights. We are seeking Seasonal Holiday Horticulture Technicians who possess an aesthetic eye for design, a strong work ethic, and the technical knack to help transform our historic gardens into an unforgettable winter wonderland.

The Details

Location: Gorgeous Filoli Historic House & Garden

Position Type: Seasonal, Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Hourly

Schedule: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM (5 consecutive days per week; requires flexibility for occasional weekends and event shifts)

Hourly Rate: $26.00 per hour

Reports to: Formal Garden Manager

The Role: Crafting the MagicWorking under the direct supervision of the Formal Garden Manager or Director of Horticulture & Conservation, you will split your time between classic estate gardening and high-impact event production. This is an outdoor, highly active role where your daily efforts directly shape the guest experience.Key ResponsibilitiesHoliday & Event Installations

• Bring the Glow: Install intricate holiday tree wraps, seasonal lighting displays, uplighting, and temporary holiday décor across the entire property.
• Power the Display: Manage and run temporary electrical distribution and connections safely to ensure our lighting displays shine perfectly every night.
• Build & Shape: Construct, place, and eventually dismantle temporary event stages and displays, while safely moving heavy, planted seasonal pottery to highlight peak design areas.
• Partner with Pros: Coordinate directly with third-party vendors and contractors during high-volume setup and breakdown weeks.

Horticultural Care & Stewardship

• Protect the Landscape: Provide daily maintenance, weeding, and preservation care for Filoli’s world-class formal gardens, natural lands, and production spaces.
• Safety & Standards: Maintain an exceptionally organized, clean, and safe work environment while operating estate vehicles, tools, and specialty garden equipment.

Success Profile: Who You AreYou are a proactive, collaborative team player who loves working with your hands and thrives in a fast-paced, change-oriented outdoor environment.

• The Experience: A background or strong demonstrated interest in horticulture, landscaping, or hands-on outdoor event production. Experience with stage-style cord management and temporary electrical distribution is highly preferred!
• The Eye: A great eye for visual presentation, symmetry, and detail—you care about making sure every light strand and holiday garland looks pristine.
• The Tools: Comfortable working with ladders (orchard and extension ladders up to 16’) and basic mechanical equipment.
• The Mindset: A reliable self-starter who respects diverse perspectives, communicates inclusively, and easily adapts when priorities shift.

Physical Reality Check: This role is entirely outdoors, rain or shine. You must be comfortable walking across uneven terrain, climbing stairs, and working on scaffolding up to 25’. You should possess the physical strength to frequently bend, kneel, and lift/carry up to 35 lbs (and up to 75 lbs occasionally) to move large event equipment and heavy plant material.The Filoli CommunityFiloli is a culture rooted in integrity, hospitality, and continuous learning. We view our diverse team as our greatest asset and are dedicated to creating a welcoming space for all backgrounds. If you want to spend your fall and winter building something beautiful in a supportive environment, we would love to see your application.Ready to help us make the holidays bright? Apply today!