A Farm, Nursery, or Greenhouse Worker propagates, cultivates and harvests plants, primarily flowers, trees, shrubs and sod, and other crops such as mushrooms that are grown in greenhouses, or grows and harvests farm crops such as grain, fruit or vegetables. Operates and maintains equipment used to grow and harvest plants and crops. Cares for animals including dairy cows or chickens, pigs or other animals raised for meat.
Horticulturist I ABOUT Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, is a 20 acre botanical garden located in the Riverside neighborhood of Wichita, Kansas. Since opening in 1987, Botanica has welcomed thousands of guests annually for daily garden enjoyment and signature events, including the Spring Tulip Festival and Illuminations. The gardens continue to expand, requiring dedicated daily maintenance to ensure high-quality horticultural displays, efficient irrigation, and well-maintained turf. Botanica relies heavily on volunteer support, and staff members regularly collaborate with volunteers as part of daily operations.
POSITION SUMMARY
Botanica is seeking a dedicated and skilled Horticulturist I responsible for the maintenance, development, and horticultural excellence of assigned garden areas and our diverse living collections. This position provides day-to-day leadership and guidance to a seasonal gardener and volunteer team ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard of detail, plant health, aesthetics, and guest experience. The Horticulturist I reports to the Director of Horticulture and serves as a key member of the horticulture team. This is a full-time, non-exempt position. 40 hours per week, M-F with some rotational weekend shifts required. Flexibility for some weekend, holiday, or evening work may be required to support peak seasons or special events.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
Perform and oversee planting, pruning, fertilization, irrigation, pest management, and soil care for annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees Maintain assigned garden areas to a high horticultural and aesthetic standard Monitor plant health and diagnose insect, disease, and environmental issues; implement appropriate corrective actions Ensure gardens are consistently prepared for public viewing and special events Assist with seasonal garden changeovers and installation of major displays Lead, train, and direct assigned Seasonal Gardeners in daily maintenance tasks and best horticultural practices Provide guidance and support to volunteers working in assigned garden areas Model professional behavior and promote teamwork, accountability, and safe work practices Safely operate and maintain horticultural tools, equipment, and vehicles Maintain accurate records related to garden care, plant performance, and pest management as required Participate in departmental planning and collaborate with other horticulture staff Perform other related duties as assigned
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in horticulture, plant science, landscape management or a related field - An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training may be considered. Demonstrated knowledge of plant identification, propagation, soil science, pest and disease management, and sustainable landscape practices. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 3
years of technical horticultural experience, preferably in a public garden. 1 year of supervising horticultural staff, preferably in a public garden. Pesticide applicator's license or ability to obtain license within 6 months of hiring.
REQUIREMENTS OF WORK
Ability to perform physical labor outdoors in varying weather conditions. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to work effectively as part of a team and interact professionally with volunteers and the public Ability to safely operate golf carts and maintenance vehicles. Ability to tolerate airborne nuisances associated with open grounds and windy conditions. Ability to lift and carry bulky items weighing up to 50 pounds. Ability to be continuously performing tasks that require one to push, pull, climb (ladders and in and out of vehicular equipment), bend, twist, reach, stand, and walk about (up to a half mile at a time) for most of an eight-hour shift. An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of a sponsorship. Offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory evaluation of a criminal record check.
Pay:
$18.00 per hour
Benefits:
Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Paid sick time Paid time off Vision insurance
