Horticulturist

Horticulturist

Assist the Horticulture team in the daily operations and maintenance of the living collections and grounds of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

The University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is committed to inspiring the conservation and cultivation of native plants through its gardens and programs. The Wildflower Center is the state botanic garden of Texas, a treasured Austin gem, and a national leader in the field of native plant education, gardening, sustainable landscapes, land restoration, plant conservation and research. It is home to the largest living collection of Texas native plants, welcomes 300,000 visitors annually, has over 18,000 member households and reaches more than 2 million people per year through its popular native plant database. The Center envisions thriving, native plant landscapes everywhere that nurture wildlife, uplift communities, and ensure ecological resilience for generations.

Wildflower Center staff are University of Texas at Austin employees receiving all associated benefits as well as an annual membership to the Center, discounts on Center classes, access to Wildflower Center events, and discounts at the Shop and Gallery. An inspiring, collaborative and beautiful work environment with outstanding coworkers awaits you.

Responsibilities include:

• Assist the Horticulture department in the daily operations and maintenance of the living collections and grounds.
• Design, install, and maintain assigned garden areas.
• Raking, weeding, mowing, watering, mulching, pruning, and shaping.
• Bed preparation and construction and spot repair of paths.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
• Safe and effective use of hand tools and light power equipment.
• Update plant identification signage.
• Removal of garden debris.
• Collect and process seeds.
• Use of powered carts as needed to accomplish work.
• Document and record plant species incorporated into collections/displays within assigned garden areas.
• Effectively coordinate and communicate with members of the horticulture staff and all other teams.
• Inspect, maintain, and repair the irrigation system in the Wildflower Center gardens.
• Participate in education and events including media requests, classes, site tours, nursery operation, and special events.
• Work independently and unsupervised on scheduled weekends.
• Be proactive in team efforts to achieve team and Center goals.
• Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge and skills.
• Train, direct, and work with regular volunteers, community service volunteers, interns, and contractors daily to accomplish required tasks.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required qualifications include:

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Minimum of three years professional horticultural experience.
• Substantial knowledge of horticultural techniques, plant materials and pathologies.
• Experience with tools and equipment related to horticultural activities.
• Ability to maintain safety standards in the workplace and provide guest services.
• Work well with and supervise various groups of people, be well organized, detail oriented, take direction well from supervisor, and have excellent communication skills.
• Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel, email) required.
• Class "C" Operator's Driver's license, or the ability to acquire a valid Texas driver's license within 30 days of start date.
• First Aid certification, or the ability to acquire First Aid certification within 30 days of start date.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Extensive knowledge of Texas native plants or ecological systems.
• Skill and willingness to make public presentations and conduct media interviews.
• Experience at Botanical or public gardens.
• Supervisory experience.
• Degree in Horticulture.

This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident. Employees who are required to have a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing (pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing).

Salary range is $45,000+ depending on qualifications.

Working conditions include:

• Moderate physical activity (bending, lifting, pushing/pulling), stamina, and the ability to lift fifty pounds required.
• Must be able to work outside in all types of weather.
• Ability to maneuver in narrow or confined places around fragile plants required.

Work shift is Tuesday through Saturday, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm. An occasional evening or weekend day may be required for mission-related events.

Required materials include:

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information (email and phone number); at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest