Horticulturist | San Diego Natural History Museum

Horticulturist | San Diego Natural History Museum

Love nature?

Then you’re going to love The Nat.

The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by amateur naturalists in 1874 and has played a major role in the conversation of our region. The Nat recently celebrated its 150th anniversary and completed a strategic plan focused on encouraging a love for nature, levering science and collections for conservation, and using our own voice to behere for nature.

The Nat is seeking a skilled Horticulturist to oversee the development, maintenance, and care of our public Native Plant Garden. Under the direction of the Senior Director of Learning and Engagement, the Horticulturist will be responsible for overseeing the garden's health and developing ongoing maintenance & care plans, as well as assisting with public engagement opportunities in the garden. The Horticulturist will be responsible for ongoing development, training and oversight of activities for all Nat Garden Corps volunteers.

• Assess garden conditions and make recommendations about planting, plant replacement, pruning, irrigation, soil management, and garden development.
• Select and source appropriate replacements for native plants, considering garden design and interpretive priorities, approved species, regional ecology, educational and conservation value, and aesthetic appeal.
• Monitor plant health, pest presence, and soil conditions through regular observations of the garden.
• Develop a comprehensive plant care schedule to execute with support from volunteer Garden Leads, including watering, pruning, and integrated pest management (no-pesticides).
• Regularly assess irrigation effectiveness, identify changing water needs, and communicate adjustments, working directly with Parks & Recreation staff, who remotely operate the garden’s irrigation systems.
• Maintain a high standard of tidiness in the garden, including periodic trash removal and plant care, while keeping the integrity of our garden habitat.
• Develop and update garden stewardship plans, detailing specific care requirements for each plant species in the garden.
• Stay informed about horticultural best practices, local environmental policies and impacts, and trends in native plant landscaping.
• Comply with safety guidelines for horticultural activities, ensuring a safe environment for visitors, staff, and volunteers.

• Plan and deliver training program for new Garden Corps volunteers in collaboration with the Volunteer Department, Garden Corps Leads, Science Departments, and partner organizations.
• Develop and deliver continuing education opportunities for volunteers in collaboration with the Volunteer Department, other Nat staff, and partner organizations.
• Plan, delegate, and supervise volunteer activities in the garden, including regular maintenance and interpretive engagements.
• Provide a safe, secure, and inclusive atmosphere for Garden Corps volunteers and garden visitors.
• Communicate with garden volunteers regularly to share information, disseminate garden-related resources, fill shifts, and recognize volunteers.
• Collaborate with Volunteer Department on volunteer appreciation and recognition of events, awards, and activities.

• Assist Learning & Engagement team with planning and execution of garden-related events, programs, and presentations, both on-site and in the community.
• Deliver mission-driven interpretive presentations and facilitate educational programs and tours focused on our garden, native plant cultivation, and conservation.
• Collaborate with museum volunteers to facilitate garden-based engagement programs.
• Represent the Museum at occasional…