ASSISTANT HORTICULTURIST

Duke Careers • Durham, NC

3d • $18 - $27 • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• Duke offers a competitive benefits package, professional development opportunities, and a supportive environment that values your well-being and growth.
• Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees