HORTICULTUR COORDINATOR ASSISTANT

HILLSIDE INC • Atlanta, GA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Horticulture Therapy Assistant supports the Recreation Therapy Department by engaging children and adolescents in horticulture activities of both practical and therapeutic value. This role assists in teaching clients how to plant, grow, and care for flowers and plants throughout campus and within the greenhouse. The position also supports farm-to-table initiatives in collaboration with Food Services and provides meaningful educational and therapeutic experiences through gardening and plant-based activities.

Requirements

• Ability to support horticulture services organization-wide, including landscaping, gardens, and therapeutic activities.
• Assist with volunteer engagement to support programming and community relationships.
• Demonstrate fiscal responsibility by following established purchasing and budget guidelines.
• Manage responsibilities with professionalism and independence while maintaining communication with Recreation Therapy, Development, and Facilities departments.
• Assist with assessing seasonal planting and maintenance needs and acquiring supplies or services as directed.
• Support horticulture and nature-based experiential activities that encourage learning and exploration while ensuring safety.
• Seek support from Community Relations and Recreation Therapy as needed to communicate volunteer needs and maintain compliance with policies.
• Follow fiscal procedures for purchasing supplies and submit receipts to Accounting.
• Maintain effective interdepartmental communication to ensure consistent compliance and quality service delivery.
• Candidates must be able to meet the following essential requirements and submit to an annual physical exam:
• Ability to lift 20–60 lbs with assistance
• Ability to stand, walk, lead, and/or participate in physical activities for extended periods
• Maintain high alertness and respond to emergency situations involving children
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Business Administration with an emphasis in horticulture, or related field preferred
• Certificate in Horticulture Therapy preferred
• Relevant experience in horticulture, gardening, landscaping, or therapeutic programming
• Experience working with children or adolescents preferred
• Ability to follow safety procedures and work collaboratively as part of a therapeutic team
• Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree

Responsibilities

• Assist with campus landscaping tasks, including pruning, fertilizing, weeding, mulching, and watering during dry conditions.
• Support the preparation of horticulture therapy groups, including obtaining and organizing supplies.
• Educate children and adolescents participating in the horticulture program on planting, growing, and caring for flowers, plants, and shrubbery, including the safe use of tools and equipment.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the greenhouse, storage sheds, garden house, and garden areas.
• Assist with clearing and maintaining overgrown areas of campus to create safe, welcoming, and therapeutic outdoor spaces.
• Support the Horticulture Coordinator with assigned activities and related duties.
• Assist with the preparation and implementation of horticulture-related fundraising events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level