Horticulture Career Opportunities

Local Job Openings

• Landscape Development Group, Inc.—Landscape Project Supervisor
• South Carolina Botanical Garden, CU Campus
  

Job Openings

• Fockele Garden Company—Installation and Maintenance Gardeners
• Birmingham-Southern College—Assistant Director of Landscaping
• Kauai Fresh Farms—General Manager—Horticulture/Hydroponic Specialist
• City of Greenville—Assistant Superintendent of Grounds—Parks and Grounds
• Yeamans Hall Club—Horticulturist
• Snee Farm Country Club—Assistant Superintendent
• All Seasons Landscaping Services—Horticulturist
• Lockerly Arboretum Foundation, Inc.—Executive Director
• North Carolina Arboretum—Temporary Gardener
  
  

Scholarships

• No Scholarships Available
  
  

Fellowships and Assistantships

• No Fellowships/Assistantships Available
  

• Summary:   The Landscape Development Group, Inc., located in Piedmont, SC, has a position opening for a Landscape Project Supervisor.  The company is a 9-year-old, growing company with an average of 35 employees.  The company provides landscape and irrigation installation and maintenance.  Their work is 95% commercial and 5% residential.
  
  
• Duties:
  1. Supervise landscape installation crews;
     
     
  2. Procure job materials;
     
     
  3. Job tracking;
     
     
  4. Quality control;
     
     
  5. Cultivate and maintain customer relations.
     
     
• Qualifications:
  1. Must have a degree in Ornamental Horticulture;
     
     
  2. Knowledge of Spanish is a plus.
     

• Salary and Benefits:  $35,000 per year, plus vehicle.  Benefits include paid holidays, vacation and health insurance.
  
  
• Application packet must consist of the following:  1) resume, 2) letter of application, and 3) three letters of recommendation or references.
  
  
• Deadline:  Until position is filled.
  
  
• Contact:   Send application packet to:  Patty Haselden, Landscape Development Group, Inc., P. O. Box 51348, Piedmont, SC 29673.  Phone:  (864) 269-2025; Fax:  (864) 269-4209; Email:  patty@ldg-inc.com.
  
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• Summary:  The South Carolina Botanical Garden, located on the Clemson University campus, has several part-time positions available.  The openings are in grounds maintenance, the nursery/greenhouse and also in facilities (which includes buildings, vehicles and construction).
  
  
• Salary:  $5.25 per hour; hours are flexible
  
  
• Hours:  Hours are flexible, anytime Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.
  
  
• Contact:  Ryan Merck, Program Coordinator, at 656-2458 (e-mail: merck3@clemson.edu).
  

• Summary:   The Fockele Garden Company, a small, well-established company providing landscape design, installation, and maintenance services located in Gainesville, GA, has position opening for Installation and Maintenance Gardeners.
  
  
• Duties:
  1. Installation of stonework, drainage, water features, garden structures, and plantings;
     
     
  2. Care for sophisticated gardens featuring a wide variety of plants--from perennials and bulbs to lawns and ground covers to shrubs, trees and vines.
     
     
• Qualifications:
  1. B.S. degree in horticulture or landscape design or equivalent experience;
     
     
  2. Prior positive experience with general landscape equipment and maintenance practices is helpful but not necessary;
     
     
  3. Must have knowledge of and ability to carry out fertilization and pest control and annual and perennial flowers, and ornamental shrubs and trees;
     
     
  4. Must be self-motivated, hands-on, and posses the ability to direct seasonal labor;
     
     
  5. Must have a valid drivers license and pesticide license;
     
     
  6. Must have ability to coordinate and implement landscape design plans;
     
     
  7. Should have a clean MVR.
     

• Salary and Benefits:   Salary is negotiable.  Full benefit package includes vacations, holidays, insurance, retirement, opportunities for continuing education, and more.
  
  
• Application packet must consist of the following:  1) A letter of application and resume stating qualifications and 2) three professional letters of reference (including immediate supervisor).
  
  
• Deadline:  June 2008.
  
  
• Contact:   Send application packet to:  The Fockele Garden Company, Attn: Human Resources, P. O. Box 671, Gainesville, GA 30501. Phone:  770-532-7117; Fax:  770-532-7245; E-mail:  office@fockelegardencompany.com.
  
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• Summary:   Birmingham-Southern College, located in Birmingham, AL, has a position opening for an Assistant Director of Landscaping.  Work hours:  6:30 AM-3:00 PM, M-F, some overtime required.
  
  
• Duties:
  1. Overseeing and providing care and maintenance of College’s landscaping and grounds;
     
     
  2. Supervise assigned members of the landscape staff in the maintenance of the campus grounds and athletic fields.  This work includes but, not limited to:  mowing of all turf areas, pruning and removal of trees and shrubs, installation and care of annual beds, and minor irrigation;
     
     
  3. Direct a team of landscape services staff in a safe manner, assuring policies and procedures are being met;
     
     
  4. Provide direction in the Director’s absence.
     
     
• Qualifications:
  1. College degree in horticulture or related field is required;
     
     
  2. Minimum two years experience in care and maintenance of similar facilities, or any combination of education, training, or experience;
     
     
  3. Supervisory experience preferred;
     
     
  4. Excellent communication skills required;
     
     
  5. Must posses and maintain a valid driver’s license;
     
     
  6. Must be able to work under limited supervision and work in all types of weather;
     
     
  7. Must be able to lift up to 80-100 lbs.
     

• Salary and Benefits:   $38-40,000.  Benefits include, but not limited to, health, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and retirement.  For detailed benefit information visit the BSC Human Resources Benefits Page.
  
  
• Application packet must consist of the following:  1) a letter of interest to include salary requirements, 2) resume, and 3) contact info for three professional references.
  
  
• Deadline:  Until position is filled.
  
  
• Contact:   Send application packet to:  Birmingham-Southern College, Human Resources Department, Box 549090, Birmingham, AL 35254.  Phone:  (205) 226-4646; Fax:  (205) 226-4627; E-mail:  humanresources@bsc.edu.
  
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• Summary:   Kauai Fresh Farms, a privately owned hydroponic farm and company located on the island of Kauai, HI, has a position opening for a General Manager—Horticulture/Hydroponic Specialist to manage, with full responsibility and authority four large state-of-the-art greenhouses growing tomatoes and lettuce.  Produce is sold locally.  Customers include local grocery stores, chain grocery stores, big hotels including the Kauai Sheraton and Marriott’s, and local restaurants.  A period of training with the current manager, who must leave due to personal issues, is available.
  
  
• Duties:
  1. Would be responsible for overseeing installation of 100 acres of ornamental tropical nursery crops and a couple acres of asparagus plants (nursery and asparagus are non-hydroponic);
     
     
  2. Would be responsible for health and maintenance of plants, management of employee tasks and schedules, harvesting schedules and allocation to customers, and communication with customers (grocery stores, restaurants, and hotels).
     
     
• Qualifications:
  1. Masters degree in horticulture;
     
     
  2. Advanced knowledge of hydroponic systems is required, and experience in management is preferred.
     

• Salary and Benefits:   Salary commensurate with knowledge and experience.  A new three-bedroom house provided free on property, along with medical and usual benefits.  Limited travel and moving costs provided if necessary.  Opportunity to share in profits.
  
  
• Application packet must consist of the following:  1) a letter of interest, 2) resume, and 3) at least three references.
  
  
• Deadline:  Until position is filled.
  
  
• Contact:   Send application packet via e-mail to:  Karen H. Tang, Assistant to William A. Porter, Kauai Fresh Farms, 3770 Punahele Road, Princeville, HI 96722.  Phone:  808-826-4520; Fax:  808-826-4519; E-mail:  tangio@gmail.com.
  
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• Summary:   The City of Greenville, SC, has a position opening for an Assistant Superintendent of Grounds—Parks and Grounds.
  
  
• Duties:
  1. Assist in the supervision and coordination of work crews that maintain and upgrade landscape areas within the City;
     
     
  2. Provide crews with proper equipment and plant materials to accomplish all beautification tasks;
     
     
  3. Assist and supervise crews in daily activities;
     
     
  4. Supervise grave interments and locate graves for family members;
     
     
  5. Perform other duties as assigned by a supervisor.
     
     
• Qualifications:
  1. Requires an Associates degree or equivalent in Horticulture and a minimum of two-three years supervisory experience;
     
     
  2. Must have a SC Pesticide Applicators license;
     
     
  3. Must have a valid SC CDL license;
     
     
  4. Must be able to lift 50 lbs unassisted and 100 lbs assisted.
     

• Salary and Benefits:   $32,383 - $53,171 (Salary commensurate with knowledge and experience).
  
  
• Application packet must consist of the following:  1) application (to download a City of Greenville application form [PDF], click here), 2) resume, 3) cover letter, 4) salary history and 5) five work-related references.
  
  
• Deadline:  Until position is filled.
  
  
• Contact:   Fax application packet to:  Ruby Moore, Human Resources Department, City of Greenville, 206 S Main St., 2nd Floor - City Hall, Greenville, SC 29602.  Fax: 864-467-5722.
  
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• Summary:   Yeamans Hall Club, located in Charleston, SC, has a position opening for Horticulturist in the Grounds Department.
  
  
• Duties:
  1. Landscaping duties in homeowners’ yards and throughout property surrounding golf course, grounds maintenance, and invasive plant species removal;
     
     
  2. General monitoring of yards and other landscaped areas (clubhouse, cottages):  mow grass, trim shrubs and trees, and applies pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizer under the supervision of the grounds manager;
     
     
  3. Inspects yards before homeowner arrival and performs any necessary tasks;
     
     
  4. Performs yard duties on request by grounds manager or homeowners;
     
     
  5. Monitors irrigation clocks and heads throughout the year;
     
     
  6. Repairs equipment associated with irrigation;
     
     
  7. Work with grounds maintenance crew when needed (ex. mulching and over seeding yards);
     
     
  8. Safely operates equipment such as mowers and tractors for various grounds needs;
     
     
  9. Assists Grounds Manger when necessary;
     
     
  10. Works with grounds manager and homeowners to design, plant, and maintain outdoor beds;
      
      
  11. Assist in greenhouse plant care and propagation.
      
      
• Qualifications:
  1. Must have comprehensive knowledge of horticultural principles and practices;
     
     
  2. Must have Comprehensive knowledge of trees, flowers, shrubs, turf, cultivation, pruning and other aspects of plant propagation and care, including the use of common insecticides, fungicides and fertilizers;
     
     
  3. Must have knowledge of insects, parasites and diseases which attack trees, shrubs, flowers and grass and of the chemical and biological methodologies for controlling such attacks;
     
     
  4. Must have the ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions;
     
     
  5. Must have a valid drivers license and pesticide license;
     
     
  6. Must have the ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge;
     
     
  7. It is normal club policy to administer background checks and drug tests.
     

• Salary and Benefits:   Starting salary based on education and experience.  Benefits include the following:  Health and Dental Insurance, Vacation pay, Short Term and Long Term disability insurance, 401k plan and Christmas Bonus.
  
  
• Application packet must consist of the following:  1) resume, 2) letter of application, and 3) three letters of recommendation or references.
  
  
• Deadline:  Until position is filled.
  
  
• Contact:   Send application packet to:  Lisa Lord, Grounds Manager, Yeamans Hall Club, 900 Yeamans Hall Road, Hanahan, SC 29406.  Phone:  (843) 709-3298; E-mail:  llord@yeamanshallclub.com.
  
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• Summary:   Snee Farm Country Club, located in Mt. Pleasant, SC, has a position opening for an Assistant Superintendent.
  
  
• Duties:
  1. Will be responsible for assisting the superintendent and equipment technician with the following: training new employees, fertilizer and pesticide applications, irrigation adjustments and repair, management of staff, and supervision of projects.
     
     
• Qualifications:
  1. Must have a bachelor of science in a turf related field;
     
     
  2. Must have completed of at least two summer internships;
     
     
  3. Must have a S.C. pesticide license or the ability to obtain one in six months.
     

• Salary and Benefits:  $12-$15/hour.  Benefits include the following:  Paid vacation/sick leave, uniform allowance, meals, dues paid to Carolinas GCSA, cell phone.
  
  
• Application packet must consist of the following:  1) letter of application, 2) resume, and 3) three letters of reference.
  
  
• Deadline:  Until position is filled
  
  
• Contact:   Send application packet to:  Rob Daniel, GCS, Snee Farm Country Club, 1200 Club Drive, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.  E-mail:  rob_daniel@bellsouth.net.
  
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• Summary:   All Seasons Landscaping Services, located in Irmo, SC, has a position opening for a Horticulturist to take over the Landscaping Company.
  
  
• Duties:
  1. Design;
     
     
  2. Consultation;
     
     
  3. Installation;
     
     
  4. Turf, shrub, and ground cover maintenance;
     
     
  5. Irrigation design;
     
     
  6. Irrigation installation and repair;
     
     
  7. Outdoor lighting.
     
     
• Qualifications:
  1. High school diploma or equivalent required;
     
     
  2. Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related field or Master Gardener Certificate preferred;
     
     
  3. Minimum two years experience in care and maintenance of similar facilities, or any combination of education, training, or experience;
     
     
  4. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license;
     
     
  5. Must be able to work under limited supervision and work in all types of weather;
     
     
  6. Experience in golf course maintenance and the game of golf helpful.
     
     
  7. Must be able to lift up to 80-100 lbs.
     

• Salary and Benefits:  Salary is negotiable.  The selected candidate will become an immediate stockholder and officer in the company.  After one year, he/she will become a 45% stockowner and after two years could potentially become the major stockholder or new owner.  
  
  
• Application packet must consist of the following:  1) letter of application, 2) resume, and 3) three letters of reference.
  
  
• Deadline:  Until position is filled
  
  
• Contact:   Send application packet to:  All Seasons Landscaping Services, P. O. Box 3, Irmo, SC 29063-0003; FAX:  803-781-1854.
  
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Lockerly Arboretum Foundation, Inc.—Executive Director

• Summary:   The Lockerly Arboretum Foundation, Inc., located in Milledgeville, GA, has a position opening for an Executive Director.
  
  
• Duties:
  1. Will be responsible to the Board of Trustees to provide vision and direction;
     
     
  2. Will be responsible for overall programming and management of the Arboretum.
     
     
• Qualifications:
  1. A bachelor’s degree in applied plant science, botany, or horticulture is required; a master’s degree or high is preferred;
     
     
  2. Must have 5 years of progressively increasing management experience;
     
     
  3. Must have experience in arboretums, botanical gardens or a related organization;
     
     
  4. Should possess leadership and public relations skills with a successful track record of management and fiscal integrity;
     
     
  5. Must have a knowledge of and passion for the environment, natural habitats, horticulture and research;
     
     
  6. Must have an understanding of nonprofit management and working with a board of trustees as a professional or volunteer;
     
     
  7. Will be expected to develop programs and teach diverse groups appropriate classes based on his/her specialty.
     

• Salary and Benefits:  Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.  
  
  
• Application packet must consist of the following:  1) letter of application; 2) resume and compensation requirements; 3) Three letters of recommendation or references.
  
  
• Deadline:  Until position is filled
  
  
• Contact:   Send application packet to:  Lockerly Arboretum Foundation, Inc., P. O. Box 310, Milledgville, GA 31061; E-mail:  lockerly@alltel.net.
  
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North Carolina Arboretum—Temporary Gardener

• Summary:   The North Carolina Arboretum, located at the University of North Carolina in Asheville, NC, has a position opening for a Temporary Gardener.  This is a seasonal temporary position working with The North Carolina Arboretum Gardens Crew.  This position will focus on both container and in-ground seasonal garden displays.
  
  
• Duties:
  1. Include watering, grooming, fertilization and weeding of garden displays;
     
     
  2. General garden duties such as mulching, pruning, litter removal and insect and disease control will be assigned as necessary.
     
     
• Qualifications:
  1. Completion of high school or equivalent combination of education and experience;
     
     
  2. Prior public or commercial gardening experience preferred;
     
     
  3. This is a hands-on position requiring a high level of physical effort.  Tasks will frequently call for climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking and hearing, and repetitive motion;
     
     
  4. Must be expected to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects;
     
     
  5. Must have visual acuity sufficient to operate machines, motor vehicles, and heavy equipment; and to determine the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
     

• Salary and Benefits:  Salary is negotiable.  The selected candidate will become an immediate stockholder and officer in the company.  After one year, he/she will become a 45% stockowner and after two years could potentially become the major stockholder or new owner.  
  
  
• Application packet must consist of the following:  1) Completed N.C. State application (PD107), 2) letter of application, 3) resume, and 4) three letters of reference.
  
  
• Deadline:  Until position is filled
  
  
• Contact:   Send application packet to:  The North Carolina Arboretum, Attn:  Human Resources, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806.  Phone:  828-665-2492, ext. 204; Fax:  828-665-2371; E-mail:  hr@ncarboretum.org.
  
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