Horticulturist Holden Arboretum

Horticulturist

Holden Arboretum

Holden Forests & Gardens connects people with the wonder, beauty and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities. When you join HF&G, you join a team of professionals who are passionate about improving Northeast Ohio’s communities through our mission-driven programs.

Opportunity:

The Arboretum Landscapes department seeks a professional who will use sound horticultural principles to enhance, maintain, and improve outdoor gardens ensuring plants are grown and cared for under optimal conditions. Responsibilities will include leading the maintenance and planning of a specific garden area while performing other activities as required. The Horticulturist will participate in short and long-range planning activities guided by Holden Forests & Gardens’ (HF&G) strategic plan and assist in the setting of goals to accomplish those objectives.

We are seeking a professional who will take initiative in developing and implementing improvements by planning and executing scheduled garden tasks. The Horticulturist will share knowledge with colleagues and guests through tours, classes and social media and will work collaboratively with colleagues in other departments.

This role involves leading the planning, supervision, and upkeep of designated garden areas in close collaboration with Gardeners, Volunteers, and other horticultural staff.  We are seeking a professional who will present a positive attitude that leads to successful teamwork, superb customer service, a high-quality aesthetic and wants to do meaningful work in an organization that values diversity of thoughts and perspectives. 

Position Details:

• Reports to the Director of Arboretum Horticulture
• Full-time, non-exempt position
• 40 hours a week, guaranteed
  • Monday – Friday 7am – 3:30 pm
• Medical, Dental, Vision benefits
• Driver’s license with acceptable driving record, required

Key Responsibilities: 

Key responsibilities of the Horticulturist include, but are not limited to: 

• Supports Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission, vision, values, and core commitment 
• Cares for and guides the maintenance of various woody and herbaceous plant materials within assigned core garden area using sound and sustainable horticulture practices including but not limited to soil preparation, planting, watering, fertilizing, bed renovation, mulching, propagating, pruning, staking, transplanting, and weeding
• Conducts soil assessment, provides fertilization and amelioration guidance 
• Safely operates a variety of machinery and equipment including, but not limited to, motorized utility cart with dump body and motorized utility cart with plow, tractor with bucket loader and fork attachments, skid steer, excavator, van, pick-up and dump truck, chain saws, chipper, single and double stage snow blowers, pruners, hand shears and saws, pole pruners and saws, weed eaters, sprayers, push and riding mowers, and various wheeled carts
• Works with the Director of Arboretum Horticulture and Collections team to develop garden designs for new and existing beds, select and acquire appropriately sourced plant material, ensuring curatorial, research, educational and aesthetic themes are congruent with the mission
• Orders tools, plants, and supplies as needed and maintains financial records in accordance policy
• Maintains operational and pesticide records
• Monitors assigned irrigation system and works with Collections Maintenance and Facilities departments to ensure optimal function
• Inspects and maintains small equipment to ensure safe operating condition
• Designs, installs, and maintains interior and exterior horticulture displays associated with special shows, events, and exhibitions
• Assists the Plant Collections Curator and Plant Recorder by labeling plants on the grounds and maintaining detailed planting records
• Maintains a safe and productive working environment for staff and guests
• Implements Plant and Pest Management practices in accordance with the law
• Participate in ice and snow removal as needed

Public Outreach

• Manages day-to-day activities of Gardener(s), Seasonal Gardener(s), Intern(s) and, 1 or more Volunteers
• Interacts regularly with guests, members, and the public positively to create a welcoming atmosphere both in-person and on-line
• Shares horticultural and gardening expertise with other professionals and amateurs by coordinating and teaching a minimum of classes, workshops, or public tours annually
• Shares photos, videos, and written content suitable for members and guests throughout the year with the Marketing department and submits a minimum of four blog posts annually
• Actively participating in conferences, organizational meetings, committees, and events to promote a culture centered around trust, sharing, and collaboration
• Engages with donors and board members as requested
• Assists in the hiring process as requested
• Performs other duties as required by supervisor

Qualifications and Skills:

• Degree in horticulture, landscaping, botany, perennial plant production, ecologically informed horticulture and/or related fields
• Significant practical horticulture experience in a garden of merit and deep plant knowledge will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in landscaping, garden maintenance or related field; previous work experience in public horticulture gardens a plus.
• Broad range of plant knowledge including nomenclature, husbandry, pruning, and required cultural conditions
• Knowledge of plant taxonomy and ability to use a dichotomous key
• Demonstrated experience in garden design preferred.
• A passion for nature, plants, the environment, and the outdoors with interest in working outdoors year-round performing manual labor in all weather conditions
• Work independently as well as on a team.
• Posses strong oral and written communication skills and proficiency with computer software: Microsoft 365 products, including Word and Excel, 
• Maintain a valid driver's license and acceptable vehicle record

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Willing and able to operate small power equipment and perform strenuous, hands-on work year-round, in all types of weather conditions.
• Working outdoors or indoors where the ambient temperature spans 0-100 degrees Fahrenheit
• Transporting oneself by foot over a variety of terrain that may be wet, slippery, uneven and/or rocky.
•  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel and crouch; use hand or finger, handle or feel objects, tools, and controls, reach with hands and arms, and have the ability to talk and hear.
• The employee must have the ability to exert 50 pounds of force regularly and be able to transport oneself by foot over a variety of terrain that may be wet, slippery, uneven, or rocky
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, and diagram form
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers and common fractions

Some of the reasons Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) is a great place to work!

We offer Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits | Paid Time Off | 8 Paid Holidays a year | 403(b) | Employee sponsored life insurance, long term disability and short-term disability | Work in a beautiful environment within Greater Cleveland | Discounts in our stores & cafes  | Free parking at both campuses anytime we are open | Free admission to many Northeast Ohio Museums | Free Employee Assistance Program | And Much More!

Apply:

Qualified applicants should submit resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references. Candidates will start to be reviewed August 14, 2026 and continue until the role is filled. 

Holden Forests & Gardens is an equal opportunity employer and values an authentic sense of belonging at all levels of the organization, including staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and visitors. HF&G believes that working toward an equitable culture that values all perspectives enriches the work environment, helping achieve our goal to build a greener and healthier Northeast Ohio. We are working to create and sustain a supportive environment and sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds. HF&G promotes an equitable approach in its hiring, retention, and promotion; in Board recruitment efforts; and in community partnerships and programming.