Job Description

About the Position

The Senior Horticulturist of the Formal Gardens has the primary responsibility for the development, care, and maintenance of inspiring planting displays in their assigned area. In the Formal Gardens, this includes outdoor gardens, containers, interiorscapes, and floral arrangements. The Senior Horticulturist in the Formal Gardens requires expertise in both design and fine gardening techniques, and they regularly create new seasonal and permanent displays in collaboration with the Gardens Manager and Director of Horticulture. The Senior Horticulturist also leads, guides, and trains support staff, interns, and volunteers performing work in the area.

Essential Functions of the Role

The following outlines key responsibilities of the role:

Gardens Care & Maintenance  

• Monitor and maintain the health and care of living plant collection by performing a variety of horticultural maintenance activities including, but not limited to, site/soil preparation, planting, transplanting, mulching, weeding, watering, fertilizing, monitoring for pests and disease, herbicide/pesticide applications, pruning and hedging.  
• Provide day-to-day direction to horticulturists, interns, and volunteers to ensure best practices are carried out to the highest horticultural standards. 
• Oversee the care of container, interiorscape, and floral displays.
• Develop specialized horticultural skills and knowledge required to maintain assigned areas, effectively acting as a subject matter expert.
• Maintain well-groomed and safe garden pathways that are free from debris, including snow/ice removal as needed. 

Support for Guest & Organizational Programs

• Lead volunteers in horticultural projects and floral arranging, fostering engagement and supporting the overall guest experience. 
• Act as a horticultural expert for public-facing opportunities such as tours, teaching, articles, media segments, and special events. 

Horticultural Planning , Design, & Documentation 

• Maintain detailed records of plant collections and ensure compliance with the Living Collection Policy.  
• Regularly develop designs and plans for innovative seasonal, container, and floral displays. 
• Collaborate with the Director of Horticulture and Gardens Manager to plan and implement large garden designs and renovations.  
• Develop plans and schedules for seasonal plant needs in collaboration with the Greenhouse Manager and Gardens Manager.

OTHER:  Carry out other such duties as may be assigned or  requested. Contribute to MCC activities as required. Actively participate as a member of Mt. Cuba Center's community 

Major Objectives/Projects for the First 6-12 Months

The incoming Senior Horticulturist of the Formal Gardens will be expected to make significant impacts in the following key areas during their first year:

• Support the design and installation of the Round Garden renovation. 
• Develop designs for fall container and annual plantings.
• Develop opportunities to increase volunteerism in the Formal Gardens.

Education and Experience

• Associate degree in horticulture or plant science from an accredited college, university, or recognized certificate in horticulture and 5 years' experience working in a public garden setting or equivalent experience.

Qualifications and Skills

• Broad knowledge of native plants, including identification, growth and cultural characteristics, and pest/disease/weed management.
• Expertise in fine gardening techniques such as planting, pruning, hedging, mulching, and weeding. 
• Strong design ability for formal landscapes, containers, seasonal displays, and floral arrangements. Demonstrated experience developing multi-season planting schemes and cohesive displays is strongly preferred. 
• Self-motivated, organized, attentive to details and able to manage time and effectively function without close supervision. 

• Ability to plan and lead weekly and daily workflows for horticulturists, interns, and volunteers working in the area.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with staff and the public.
• Willingness to act as a subject matter expert in tasks that include but are not limited to; teaching, writing articles, tours, and media opportunities.
• Proficiency with technology and computers and various software platforms. 
• Ability to safely and effectively operate and maintain a wide range of hand tools, power tools, vehicles and equipment.
• Willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.

About the Role: Compensation, Benefits, and Perks

• Salary commensurate with experience with a starting range of $26.00 - $31.00 per hour.
• Non-Exempt, full-time position, fully on-site.
• Generally, regular hours are: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM with occasional evenings, weekends and early mornings depending on events.
• Candidates must have unrestricted work authorization in the U.S.
• Benefits include medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k) with up to 8% employer contribution, PTO, free garden admission, and professional development opportunities.

Application and Hiring Process

To apply, please submit:

• Resume
• Responses to our application questions

Interview Process:

• Application Review
• Candidate Screening Questionnaire 
• Video screen with HR 
• Virtual Panel Interview
• Final In-Person Panel Interview with an On-Site Garden Tour

Timing:

• Application review begins November 21st. We recommend that interested applicants submit their applications prior to this date.
• Mt. Cuba is targeting a start date for the final candidate in early to mid-January 2026.
• All candidates will receive a status update via email after their application has been reviewed.

Commitment to Diversity: Mt. Cuba Center is committed to diversity and inclusivity. We encourage qualified candidates from all cultures and communities to apply. For accommodations or assistance, please email careers[a]mtcubacenter.org.

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