Horticulturist

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This range is provided by Filoli. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

$38.77/hr - $38.77/hr

Horticulturist:
Preserve History & Cultivate the Future at Filoli

Do you have a passion for high-standard horticulture and a desire to connect people with nature? Filoli, a magnificent 654-acre historic estate, is seeking a dedicated and talented Horticulturist to take ownership of a specific area of our world-renowned gardens.

This is a chance to be a hands-on leader in historic landscape preservation, sharing your expertise with visitors and training the next generation of horticulturists.

Your Mission:
Beauty, Nature, and High Standards

• Hands-On Stewardship:
  Execute all duties necessary to maintain world-class standards, including planting, intricate pruning and training (hedges, topiary, vines), turf care, and structural maintenance.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM):
  Implement advanced IPM programs, manage pest/weed control, and maintain accurate records while adhering to strict safety protocols (requires a California Qualified Applicator’s Certificate or License within 6 months).
• Leadership & Training:
  Set routine work priorities, coordinate projects with other departments, and be responsible for working with Horticultural Trainees, Interns, and Service Learning volunteers.
• Visitor Engagement:
  Interact daily with Filoli guests, sharing information about our historic landscape and displays, and occasionally leading programs or demonstrations.
• Technical Expertise:
  Operate and maintain a range of equipment (from hand tools to tractors) and utilize computerized collections management systems like IRIS BG.

If assigned to the Greenhouse, you will also:

• Manage propagation and production of bedding plants, perennials, and woody plants from seeds and cuttings.
• Oversee plant collections management, including environmental controls and inventory records.

• Connect History & Future:
  Be a core part of preserving one of the finest remaining country estates of the early 20th century while supporting a Strategic Plan focused on increasing access to nature.
• Horticulture Excellence:
  Work together with newer staff, interns, and volunteers, elevating the standards and safety practices across the Horticulture team.
• Compensation:
  This is a full-time, benefit-eligible position with an hourly rate of $38.77.
• Schedule:
  
  Typically Tuesday through Saturday (7:00 am to 3:30 pm), with flexibility needed for occasional events.

• Experience:
  
  A minimum of 2 years of practical experience maintaining gardens. (Applicants with less than one year may be considered for a provisional Horticultural Trainee position.)
• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture or a directly related field is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Required Certification:
  Must obtain a California Qualified Applicator’s Certificate or License within six months of hire.
• Decisive Nature:
  The ability to independently anticipate problems, analyze situations, and formulate rapid solutions while maintaining high standards.
• Commitment to Values: A dedication to our core values: being Inclusive, Welcoming, Innovative, Collaborative, and committed Stewards of the estate.

• Entry level

• Full-time

• Management and Manufacturing
• Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos