CONSERVATORY HORTICULTURIST presso Longwood Gardens

As one of the great gardens of the world located just 30 miles outside of Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens is rooted in a steadfast mission of bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Across our many departments, each and every staff member creates the magic that makes our Gardens distinctive. Our team of dynamic professionals is what sets us apart, and our spirit of legacy, innovation, and opportunity is what guides us. While beauty is our heart, our people are our soul. 

We are seeking a full-time Conservatory Horticulturist to join the West Conservatory Team. This role centers on the hands-on curation and care of Longwood’s cherished Cascade Garden, a living expression of Roberto Burle Marx’s design philosophy, and a collection of large outdoor containers. The successful candidate will be entrusted with preserving the artistic and horticultural integrity of Burle Marx’s original vision, while also contributing to the evolution of seasonal displays. Responsibilities include:

• Developing expertise in tropical plant care, interpreting and honoring the design intent, and participating in the selection, installation, and management of new seasonal crops.
• Installing and maintaining permanent and seasonal plant collections
• Supporting the design, installation, maintenance, and removal of ‘A Longwood Christmas’ and other extensive seasonal plant displays
• Daily deadheading, watering, staking, pruning, ordering supplies, assisting with receiving and unloading plants
• Operating systems for conservatory environmental control and irrigation
• Collaborating with other departments and divisions to support programming and seasonal displays
• Training and mentoring students, part-time employees, and volunteers in proper conservatory maintenance techniques.

We are looking for a candidate The ideal candidate will possess: 

• A Bachelor of Science in Horticulture with Ornamental-Horticulture emphasis is preferred but not required. 
• A minimum of 2 years of horticulture experience in a conservatory setting.
• Working knowledge of greenhouse plants, environmental controls, and irrigation systems
• Strong organizational and communication skills with experience working in a team setting
• A valid driver’s license and willingness to obtain a Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator’s license; forklift operator’s training certificate; and aerial lift training within the first six months of employment
• The ability to adjust schedules around special events and some evening, night, weekend, and holiday work, which is scheduled in advance
• The ability to work from ladders & aerial-lifts up to 30’, working in hot conditions, bending, stooping, lifting at least 50 pounds
• Demonstrated experience working proactively to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and indoors in hot and cold conditions. 

Longwood Gardens is committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment that celebrates the complexities and differences of all living things. We welcome and respect diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. Diversity creates a more beautiful world, sparks innovation, and unites us.