Horticulturist

Occupational Summary

Supervise and participate in the installation, maintenance, interpretation and documentation of a variety of botanical specimens for teaching, research and ornamental purposes at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke University.

• Supervise and participate in the installation, maintenance, interpretation and documentation of botanical specimens, including planning and development of horticultural displays, procedures, and methods.
• Procure, install and maintain plants including trees, shrubs, herbaceous plantings and a variety of botanical specimens in greenhouses, nurseries, formal and informal garden areas; preparation of soil, planting, watering, fertilizing, and pruning.
• Identify plant pests and diseases and make suggestions for their treatment; must be familiar with Integrated Pest Management.
• Calibrate application equipment.
• Apply knowledge of plant nutrition, plant physiology, and basic soil chemistry.
• Identify, document, and accurately label plants in the Sarah P. Duke Gardens.
• Safely operate and maintain mechanical equipment including trucks, tractors, specialized garden tools, and handheld power tools.
• Follow all necessary PPE protocols.
• Conduct regular and special tours; give instruction in areas of specialized garden interest.
• Maintain supply inventories and operational records.
• Make work assignments; supervise and review work of lower rated employees, students, and volunteers; train new personnel.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agronomy, botany or a related field.
• At least two years of horticulture or related experience (public garden or estate landscape maintenance preferred); equivalence of relevant education and/or experience accepted.
• North Carolina driver’s license or equivalent.
• Ability to obtain a North Carolina pesticide license.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

USD $44,766.00 to USD $71,706.00 per year.

Certain jobs may include essential physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and accommodation requests will be provided by the hiring department.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status. Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on robust exchange of ideas.

All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.