Horticulturist
Employment Type
Job (Full-Time)Job Categories
Horticulture
Job Description
This position will join a team of skilled Horticulturists dedicated to the advancement, conservation, and effective display of Texas native plants! Working alongside team members and within assigned areas, the Horticulturist will support the mission of the Wildflower Center through creation and curation of exemplary garden spaces. Enthusiasm and dedication to native plants, learning about native Texas species, and their role within ornamental horticulture is a defining aspect of this position. Teaching and inspiring through traditional class/lecture setup, staff interaction, and regular guest engagement is essential. Regular, outdoor work in sometimes strenuous weather is part of the job, though we strive to work safely when adverse conditions arise.
About Us
The University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is committed to inspiring the conservation of native plants through its garden, education, research and outreach programs. Founded by Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes in 1982, 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, sustainable landscapes, land restoration and research. It is home to the largest living collection of Texas native plants in the state, welcomes over 276,000 visitors annually, has over 17,000 members and reaches more than 2 million people per year through its website and plant database. The Center is focused on improving landscapes, promoting biodiversity, and connecting people with our environment.
Benefits-eligible Wildflower Center staff members enjoy the robust health, vacation, and retirement benefits of The University of Texas at Austin employees. Wildflower Center staff also get free parking and annual membership, discounts on Center classes, access to Wildflower Center featured events, and discounts at the Gift Store and Wildflower Café. An inspiring and beautiful work environment with outstanding coworkers awaits you.
Duties & Responsibilities
-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. Assist the public in answering questions relating to the Wildflower Center and horticulture while striving to ensure a positive visitor experience. Perform associated administrative duties.
-Irrigation – 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.
Education and Experience
-Bachelor’s Degree.
-Minimum of three years professional horticultural experience.
-Must have 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.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate. (High School Diploma or GED, and 7 years of horticultural experience will substitute for the Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of horticultural experience.)
Preferred Qualifications
-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.
Additional Information
Salary Range
-$45,000 + depending on qualifications
Working Conditions
-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
-Sunday through Thursday, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm
-An occasional evening or weekend day may be required for mission-related events.
Application Instructions
Required Materials
-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
Please access this link to apply for this position:
Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers:
You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
April 30, 2026
