Assistant Horticulturist
(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities
Start Date: March 31 2025 Compensation: $21-23
The Assistant Horticulturist will coordinate and oversee the care of the grounds under the direction and supervision of the Director and Deputy Director of Horticulture. Additional responsibilities include assisting in Arboretum-wide functions such as festivals, concerts, and fundraisers, as well as coordinating with educational events and programs.
This is a year-round, part-time position with room for growth. 24 hours per week, some weekends required
Responsibilities/Duties
- Meet weekly with the Horticulture Department to assess priorities and set weekly tasks and goals.
- Help to coordinate and supervise the physical work of the seasonal gardener, interns, and volunteers.
- Attain and maintain high standards of cleanliness, tidiness, and organization in all work areas, including back-of-house areas, as well as removing litter from grounds.
- Weeding, edging, mulching, wood chipping, pruning, deadheading of garden areas.
- Installation, watering, staking, and fertilizing of seasonal and perennial garden areas.
- Greenhouse maintenance, including sanitation, potting up, preparing soilless potting media, watering, and pest control.
- Weekly maintenance and troubleshooting of water features.
- Overseeing the maintenance of the sprinkler system and hose bibs.
- Checking and maintaining the deer fence and gates.
- Overseeing all pruning, planting and fertilizing.
- Keeping grounds equipment in good running order.
- Assisting in snow removal for tenant access, handicap accessibility, and fire egress. Includes application of ice melt as needed.
- Complete assigned tasks and projects in an efficient and effective manner.
- Assist in managing garden spaces, trees and irrigation systems as assigned and work with a team to identify solutions as appropriate to focus on optimum plant health.
- Assist in scouting and reporting potential insect, disease and other pest problems in line with integrated pest management techniques, including identification and implementation cultural controls.
- Assist in maintaining, updating, and creating appropriate records and documents.
- Assist in plant identification signage, including engraving of memorial and plant labels.
- When requested, work closely with other staff and departments to participate in public educational activities such as garden tours, volunteer groups, and public and programmed events
- As with all positions, this position will continually exemplify and promote the core values, mission, and culture of Reeves-Reed Arboretum.
Qualifications/Requirements
- Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in Horticulture and/or related field
- High School Diploma or GED
- Valid U.S. Driver’s License
Preferred Qualifications
- Certifications, higher education, and/or training on relevant skills
- Experience working in public settings
- Experience with sustainable landscaping practices
- Experience with pest management
- Possession of, or willingness to obtain, a NJ Pesticide Applicators License
Additional Information
Please attach resume and cover letter.
Contact Information
Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Contact Name: John Beirne
Email: j.beirne@reeves-reedarboretum.org
Phone: 908-273-8787 ext. 1818
Website: Apply Online