Horticulturist

Job Title

Horticulturist I

Atlanta, Georgia

Regular

Full‑Time

292539

Horticulturist I is responsible for the planning, maintenance, and operations of the campus community garden, other student garden spaces, and an outreach hydroponic garden. They manage and mentor student volunteers, plan and host educational programs and events, and collaborate with campus partners to advance sustainability goals. This role combines hands‑on garden management with community engagement and sustainability education for students, faculty, and staff.

This position will interact on a consistent basis with staff, students, vendors, contractors, volunteers and community members, advise and counsel staff, students and volunteers, and it does not supervise.

• Plan, design, and oversee the maintenance of the campus community garden, student garden spaces, and outreach hydroponic garden.
• Recruit, train, and coordinate student, faculty, and staff volunteers ensuring meaningful engagement in garden operations.
• Implement sustainable gardening practices and techniques, such as composting, organic pest management, and rainwater harvesting.
• Maintain garden infrastructure, tools, equipment, and irrigation systems.
• Track and manage garden budgets and maintain detailed records of activities and outcomes.
• Design and deliver workshops, demonstrations, and seminars on gardening, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. Collaborate with faculty to integrate garden‑based learning into coursework and research projects.
• Organize guided tours to educate visitors about the gardens’ purpose, plants, and sustainability initiatives. Facilitate hands‑on learning experiences such as planting, soil testing, and seed propagation activities.
• Plan and execute garden events, including seasonal festivals and harvest celebrations. Manage event logistics, including set‑up, equipment rentals, catering, and volunteer coordination. Collaborate with campus departments and student organizations to co‑host events aligned with the garden’s mission and goals.
• Cultivate partnerships with local organizations, schools, and community groups to promote collaborative initiatives and expand the garden’s impact beyond campus.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.

• Educational Requirements:
  
  Technical Diploma, Associate’s Degree, or two years college coursework, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Required Experience:
  
  Two to three years of job‑related experience.

• Preferred Certifications, Licenses or Permits:
  Georgia Commercial Pesticide License, Category 24.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment.
• The job requires occasional travel up to 10% or more of the time and the individual must have the ability to handle objects up to 20 lbs or more.

• Landscape maintenance management experience.
• Community outreach and event/program coordination preferred.
• Experience with organic gardening practices, including soil health management, crop rotation, and integrated pest management essential.
• Requires knowledge of horticultural practices and processes including the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles, landscape design, turf management, plant selection and cultivation.

• Attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ability to engage and inspire.
• USG Core Values.

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Institute is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and Institute policy, Georgia Tech provides equal opportunity to all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community.

Georgia Tech complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities. Equal opportunity and decisions…