Assistant Horticulturist

Job Description

The assistant horticulturist works alongside horticulturists performing duties involved in the production and care of plantings and garden spaces in the Culberson Asiatic Arboretum, one of four large thematic areas at SPDG. This team consists of four full-time members and is led by the curator. Volunteers, students, and interns may also assist the team throughout the year. The work week is Monday through Friday but some weekend work is also required.

About Us

Sarah P. Duke Gardens is a dynamic 52 acre public display garden centrally located on the Duke
University campus in Durham, NC. Dedicated in 1939, Duke Gardens now welcomes approximately 600,000 visitors per year. The gardens are divided into four main thematic areas; the Doris Duke Center Gardens, Culberson Asiatic Arboretum, Historic Gardens, and the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants. Throughout these sections are many specialty gardens including an organic edible garden, rose garden, perennial border, aquatic plantings, iris garden, seasonal display gardens, Japanese garden, moss garden, Piedmont prairie, and endangered native species collections. SPDG has a vibrant educational department with programming offered for both children and adults. The gardens hosts many events throughout the year including weddings, corporate meetings, horticulture lectures, and biannual plant sales.

Duties & Responsibilities

Garden duties vary on a daily basis but the assistant horticulturists is expected to perform basic tasks such as; soil conditioning, planting, propagating, pruning, weeding, watering, mulching, and practicing integrated pest management. Candidates must be able to operate and maintain a variety of mechanical equipment, including tractors, mowers, blowers, string trimmers, and other specialized garden power tools and hand tools. Assistant horticulturists may oversee the work of students and volunteers, and may also lead educational programming and give garden tours.

Education and Experience

The position requires knowledge of horticulture acquired through a two-year associate degree in
horticulture or related field or two years of post-secondary education in horticulture or a related field or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience. Candidate must possess or be able to possess a North Carolina drivers license and be able to obtain a North Carolina pesticide applicators
license. Candidate must be able to lift 50lbs.

Additional Information

Garden staff are employees of Duke University and are eligible for Duke University medical benefits, paid time off, and retirement package. This is a full-time hourly position with compensation starting range of $18.25—$20.50 / hr based on experience and education.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health
System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities.
Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Application Instructions

Please apply at https://careers.duke.edu/job/Durham-ASSISTANT-HORTICULTURIST-NC-27710/1032418300/

Also send copies of resumes to bobby.mottern@duke.edu.