Horticulture Specialist

Job Title

Horticulture Specialist – Purdue University

We are looking for a Horticulture Specialist to support the planning, propagation, installation, and maintenance of plants across campus. The role involves greenhouse operations, plant production, interior plant care, and outdoor landscape maintenance to ensure healthy, attractive plantings year‑round.

• Maintain and grow plants from seeds, seedlings, and cuttings to mature, healthy plants.
• Pot plants; install, maintain, and measure planters; prepare and plant flowerbeds following blueprints and layouts.
• Plant flowers, ground covers, shrubs, and trees throughout campus.
• Assist in scheduling seed‑sowing timelines to ensure proper bloom periods.
• Help select and grow bedding plants using prior‑year records to manage costs effectively.
• Perform all plant propagation tasks, including proper lighting, ventilation, heating, misting, and growth regulator applications.
• Unload and deliver interior plants while taking precautions related to temperature and shipment volume.
• Inspect interior plants at various campus locations and perform all necessary maintenance.
• Monitor greenhouse crops daily; prune, fertilize, water, and adjust environmental conditions as needed.
• Prepare and test soil media for pH and moisture; use peat moss, custom mixes, and prebagged mixes; repot plants as required.
• Inspect and maintain flowerbeds daily, including watering, weeding, and soil cultivation.
• Prune trees and ornamental shrubs.
• Identify pest issues and prescribe appropriate pest control methods (biological, cultural, mechanical, sanitation, or chemical); apply pesticides as needed.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance on vehicles (fluids, tires, fuel, lights, etc.).
• Maintain and repair hand tools, including sharpening, lubricating, cleaning, and painting.
• Assist in maintaining accurate annual records of bedding plant varieties to guide future plant selections.

• Paid Time Off – Generous vacation, holiday, sick, and military leave
• Retirement Contributions – Purdue contributes up to 8% of your annual income
• Educational Opportunities – Tuition assistance for you and eligible family members, including the opportunity to earn a degree through Purdue Global
• Comprehensive Insurance – Medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy
• Life Insurance – Financial protection for you and your loved ones

• High School Diploma/GED
• 4+ years in Floriculture/greenhouse operations, including growing, planting, and pesticide application
• A combination of education and experience will be considered

• Ability to read, write, and speak English
• Effective verbal and written communication with supervisors, employees, and customers
• Basic mathematics and reading, writing, and performing basic math
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematics
• Strong work organization and problem‑solving ability
• Proficiency in growing and maintaining a variety of bedding plants/perennials and interior plants
• Minor equipment maintenance skills
• Ability to obtain and maintain a 3A Pesticide Applicator's License within the first year of employment
• Use of personal protective equipment as required
• Ability to lift 10–25 lbs. frequently, and up to 40 lbs. occasionally
• Work outdoors in temperatures below 32°F and above 90°F
• Valid driver’s license

• To learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary – click through the Purdue benefits page
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA:
  Non‑Exempt (Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility:
  Non‑exempt Defined Contribution Plan

• Employment type:
  
  Full‑time
• Seniority level:
  Mid‑Senior level
• Job function:
  Management and Manufacturing
• Industry: Higher Education
• Pay Band: S040
• Job Code:

Purdue University is an EA/EO employer.