Horticulturist Assistant
Employment Type
Job (Part-time)Job Categories
Horticulture
Job Description
The Horticulturist Assistant position is an entry-level position perfect for someone wishing to gain practical horticultural experience. This role will help to perform all aspects of display bed maintenance in the assigned area to set a standard of horticulture excellence under the direct supervision of a Horticulturist or a Curator. Ideal candidates for this position would be team players passionate in the field of Horticulture & available Monday-Friday 7:00am-3:30pm with occasional weekend availability.
About Us
The Norfolk Botanical Garden (NBG) is Virginia’s largest botanical garden composed of 60-plus themed gardens covering 175 acres. Surrounded on three sides with fresh water and bisected with a canal system, it is one of the only botanical gardens in the nation that visitors can enjoy on foot, by tram, by boat or by bike. Over 80 years old, NBG is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. NBG’s mission is to immerse visitors in a world of beauty, lead through environmental action, and inspire through education and connection to nature. NBG serves more than 400,000 people each year and has a budget of over $6 million. From its humble beginnings as a depression era WPA project to its status as a nationally recognized garden that attracts visitors from around the world, NBG has experienced amazing growth. In the last 5 years, NBG’s operating budget has increased by 50%, our annual attendance has grown by over 150,000, and our membership roster has blossomed to over 15,000-member families. NBG is also proud to be named one of the Best Places to Work in Virginia 2025.
Duties & Responsibilities
• Assist Horticulturists in maintaining gardens and collections through weeding, watering, pruning, deadheading, mulching, edging, raking, fertilization and pesticide application.
• Perform the appropriate soil preparation and planting procedures.
• Works alongside other members of the Horticulture Dept. on team projects. The ability to work in a team environment is essential.
• Operate small engine equipment safely such as the golf cart, weed-eater, blower, edger, etc. (training provided)
• Clean and use hand tools and equipment responsibly.
• Assist their assigned Horticulturists in performing the basic tasks in their area when the Horticulturist is not present.
• Assists with Garden-wide special events and other duties as assigned.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to drive a golf cart.
• Ability to work outside for 8 hours in heat, cold or light rain and can continuously walk, stand, bend, twist and/or stoop.
• Has the ability to push, pull and perform manual labor during working hours.
• Ability to work on a ladder for extended periods.
Education and Experience
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• One-year practical horticultural experience preferred, but related experience is also considered and valued. Priority will be given to any applicant with an Associate’s Degree in Horticulture, or related field, or someone who is currently pursuing a degree.
• Interest and the ability to learn and perform horticultural practices preferred.
• Must be willing to work alongside horticulturists using fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides and herbicides with the label stated safety precautions.
Additional Information
Benefits:
• Staff discounts on programming and gift shop.
• NBG logo wear for work provided.
• EAP services for all employees.
Application Instructions
Send applications to hr@nbgs.org
Application Deadline:July 31, 2025
