Horticulturalist

Job Description

To further enhance the mission of the Gardens, we are looking for an individual to join our team as a full-time Horticulturalist. The Horticulturalist for the K-State Gardens will be responsible for the care and enhancement of all plant collections, landscaped areas and support facilities associated with the Gardens. This role supports the Gardens’ educational, aesthetic and environmental goals through expert plant care, sustainable practices and collaboration with staff, faculty and volunteers. The Horticulturalist contributes to garden planning, seasonal displays, and ensures high horticultural standards in plant production and maintenance and contributes to a positive visitor experience.

About Us

The Gardens have been a part of Kansas State University campus since 1875. Located on the main campus of Kansas State University (K-State), in Manhattan, Kansas, the Gardens were developed, and are still used today, as an outdoor lab and educational resource for students, faculty and the visiting public. Located in the central part of the United States, our gardens showcase plants that thrive in zone 6b. With over 5 acres of plant collections, theme gardens, water features, sculptures and other garden elements, the K-State Gardens are a place for the university community and the visiting public from near and far to find beauty, peace and joy.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Horticulturalist has a wide range of responsibilities which will include but are not limited to; assisting with educational programming and various administrative tasks, budgeting, planning, ordering, designing, supervising and training both employees and volunteers, turf maintenance program, irrigation and equipment maintenance, integrated pest management, installation and care of all seasonal displays, plant production and maintenance of all greenhouse, tropical and arid plant collections, and potential storm and winter clean-up. The Horticulturalist must be highly organized, detail-oriented and available for after-hours emergencies from time to time.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualifications
• High School diploma (or equivalent) and four years of relevant experience. Requirements may be met through a combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, plant science, landscape management or a related field.
• Hands-on experience in horticultural care and landscape maintenance.
• Strong knowledge of plant identification, soil science, and pest management.
• Ability to operate and maintain horticultural tools and equipment.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Commitment to sustainability and public education.
• Experience working in a public garden, botanical garden, or university setting.
• Certification in horticulture or pesticide application.
• Familiarity with native and regionally adapted plant species.
• Greenhouse plant production
• Maintenance of tropical and/or arid plant collections for controlled environments

Additional Information

Manhattan, Kansas has a wonderful college atmosphere and the people in this community are incredible. The quality of life is great, and work environment is fantastic.

In addition to being a great place to work, the Gardens at K-State are preparing to re-design the Gardens Master Plan which will include approximately 12 additional acres of gardens, a new Conservatory, Children’s Garden and educational building. The Horticulturalist will be a vital team member throughout the Gardens planning and development process.

Anticipated hiring range is $25-$30/hr. (40 hour week) and K-State has a great benefit package.

Application Instructions

Visit careers.k-state.edu/jobs/horticulturalist or click this link Horticulturalist – K-State Gardens to fill out an application and be prepared to submit the following documents:
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References