Horticulturist

About Us

The Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is a 120-acre property with an interesting history. From about 1944 to 1961, the Humphries Gold Mining Company operated strip mines in this area of Jacksonville. Despite its name, Humphries did not mine for gold here but for minerals to make titanium. These mining activities severely impacted soils and vegetation in parts of the Jacksonville Arboretum, but these areas are recovering. In the early 1970s as a condition to an EPA Grant for building the Arlington East treatment facility, the City of Jacksonville purchased the property as a passive recreation and open space buffer around the treatment plant. For the next 30 years, however, the property went unused and was sometimes abused by illegal dumping.

In 2004, a group of citizens began discussions with the City to lease the property for recreational use as an arboretum. The lease was worked out, and the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens officially opened to the public in November 2008. At the time the Arboretum opened, there was a paved parking area, the Lake Loop, Jones Creek and Ravine trails. All of the trails, benches, board walks, and picnic tables in the Arboretum were built by volunteers from the community.

Duties & Responsibilities

This is a dedicated role to assist with all maintenance and care of the Arboretum to include the following:
• Shearing and plant maintenance to achieve aesthetics and design for each sculpture.
• Serve as horticulturist resource for the Arboretum.
• Work on special projects as assigned.
• Guide the development and management of JABG’s native ornamental collections
• Manage plant collecting/propagation, plant records, collection mapping, record-labeling, and electronic recordkeeping
• Direct the design, installation, and maintenance of the raised beds
• Manage insect and pest control in raised beds. Ensure that JABG is compliant with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Manage horticultural tools and supplies, inventory, maintenance, proper usage, and safety.
• Schedule, supervise and train volunteers interested in ornamental horticulture
• Demonstrate a continued interest and advancement in native ornamental horticulture and network with other arboretums and public gardens.
• Provide research and information on native ornamental horticulture to the public, media, staff, and volunteers. Give tours and presentations. Write articles for publications.
• Lead Volunteer Work Days
• Attend and work all special events (may include late nights and weekends).

Education and Experience

• Minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Horticulture, Botany or related field; a keen understanding of public garden administration, including experience in garden management, research, education, and curatorship of plant collections; extensive skills and knowledge of horticulture, flower production, weed science, plant propagation, irrigation systems, pest control and invasive species management; and progressive supervisory experience.
• Proven leadership experience and track record of quality and effective volunteer management; desire to be in a senior role with enhanced responsibilities, and to proactively lead a team of volunteers.
• Capacity to lead by pitching in and to quickly resolve problems and formulate solutions that are equitable, efficient and practical.  Able to make key decisions swiftly and is consistent at following policies and procedures.

Additional Information

Relocation expenses not provided.

Application Instructions

Please send your resume and a one-page cover letter explaining why you would be a good fit for this role to Michelleb@jacksonvillearboretum.org.