ASSISTANT HORTICULTURIST

Duke Gardens is looking for an Assistant Horticulturist to join our team. If you love working with plants, creating beautiful outdoor spaces, and being part of a mission-driven public garden, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to grow your craft every day.

You'll support the horticultural care of one of the most visited and celebrated university gardens in the country, helping prepare soils, plant and prune collections, treat pests, and ensure our garden spaces stay healthy and inspiring for the community. You'll use your hands, your technical abilities, and your curiosity to care for plants and contribute to an environment that welcomes more than 600,000 visitors a year.

Daily, you'll get to work closely with a talented horticulture team, maintain plant collection records, operate garden tools and equipment, and make maintenance decisions when needed. You'll also have opportunities to train and collaborate with interns, volunteers, and student workers - helping others grow alongside you.

• Knowledge of botany or horticulture, typically gained through a two-year associate degree in horticulture or two years of post-secondary education in botany or a related field.
• One year of experience in horticulture or a related area, including plant cultivation, propagation, plant selection, or greenhouse maintenance. Public garden experience preferred.
• OR an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

• Experience operating horticultural equipment (trucks, tractors, garden tools, handheld power tools).
• Experience maintaining plant records and plant labeling.
• Ability to train or guide student workers, interns, or volunteers.

• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to obtain a North Carolina Pesticide License.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Familiarity with required PPE and safety protocols.

This position is onsite. Work is performed at Duke Gardens.

• Prepare and maintain plant collections, including soil preparation, planting, propagation, pruning, mulching, weeding, watering, and pest treatment.
• Maintain plant collection records, including documentation updates and plant labeling.
• Operate and maintain horticultural equipment such as trucks, tractors, specialized garden tools, and power tools.
• Support garden operations by making maintenance and equipment decisions in the absence of the Curator and Horticulturist.
• Assist in training and guiding interns, student workers, and volunteers.

Duke Gardens is one of the most iconic and beloved destinations on campus - a nationally recognized public garden committed to excellence, inclusion, education, and environmental stewardship. As part of our horticulture team, you'll help shape and sustain living landscapes that inspire learning, reflection, and joy for visitors of all ages.

Working at Duke means joining a community known for its innovation, discovery, and commitment to its people. Duke offers a competitive benefits package, professional development opportunities, and a supportive environment that values your well-being and growth. Learn more about Duke University's competitive benefits package: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $18.00 to USD $26.62. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.