Horticulture Specialist, Formal Gardens

About the North Carolina Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is a cherished community space that thrives on collaboration, education, and the beauty of nature. We are seeking a dedicated Horticulture Specialist for our Formal Gardens to help cultivate a welcoming environment where visitors can connect with the natural world. Our gardens are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for all, and we take pride in nurturing both plants and community spirit.

Horticulture Specialist, Formal Gardens – The primary purpose of this position consists of the installation and maintenance of intensely planted horticultural demonstration areas through the 424+ acres of The North Carolina Arboretum property. Reporting to the Garden Crew Leader, this role is responsible for maintaining the beauty and health of the Arboretum’s landscapes, and developing the educational aspects of the Arboretum’s Core Garden Areas.

Hiring salary is between $37,500 and $39,996
. Benefits will be offered through the State of North Carolina and University of North Carolina System, including 12 holidays per year, paid time off, retirement and health contributions.

The Arboretum gardens host one of the most valuable and educational plant collections in the state. Responsibilities include proper installation of new herbaceous and woody plant materials, mulching, irrigation, pruning, fertilization, and invasive weed control. The role also addresses soil issues such as tiling, incorporating amendments, adding nutrients, and improving drainage.

Perform daily cleaning routines, keep walkways and hardscape in good order, change trash cans and ash trays, and ensure safety for visitors. Tasks include snow removal, leaf removal, storm damage cleanup, and maintenance of benches, trellises, gates, fences, arbors, stone work, and sculpture.

Monitor plant health on a set schedule, identify and interpret damage symptoms, and report findings to the Garden Crew Leader. Apply environmentally responsible treatments, maintain records of pest activity and treatments, and keep updated plant and pest inventories.

Provide interpretation of collections, assist with guided garden tours, symposiums, and other events. Communicate effectively with the public and provide horticultural information daily. Lead, train, and support volunteers, seasonal staff, and temporary horticulture staff.

Manage the Arboretum’s plant records database by recording accessioned and de-accessioned material in the field and entering data into the tracking system. Ensure proper labeling and installation of labels for new plantings.

Extensive knowledge of horticulture principles, soil and plant health, identification and maintenance of various plant types, and garden construction and maintenance. Ability to operate large and small equipment.

Excellent written and verbal skills to communicate with staff, volunteers, and the public. Ability to interpret the Arboretum mission and horticultural techniques for a general audience.

Use judgment and initiative while working independently. Maintain professional relationships with crew members and volunteers, promote a positive environment, and participate in symposia and guided tours.

The candidate must be able to move a workload of 50 pounds occasionally and perform activities such as moving plants, lifting bags of soil, mixing fertilizers, using ladders, pruning, pulling hoses, digging, and planting. The position requires substantial physical activity, exposure to varying weather conditions, and working on uneven surfaces.

The Horticulture Department supports the Arboretum’s mission to promote stewardship and enjoyment of the plant life within the South Appalachians through world‑renowned gardens. Responsibilities include installation, maintenance, and care of gardens, landscaping, turf, grounds, trails, greenhouse and nursery production, and all other horticulture aspects.