Specialist, Horticulture, Temporary

SOUTH COAST BOTANIC GARDEN FOUNDATION • Unincorporated Rolling Hills Estates, CA

12d • $20 - $20 • Onsite

About The Position

South Coast Botanic Garden is seeking a knowledgeable, detail-oriented, and enthusiastic Seasonal Horticulture Specialist to support the care, maintenance, and presentation of the Garden's permanent and seasonal plant collections. This position plays an essential role in preserving the beauty and health of living collections while creating exceptional guest experiences through outstanding horticultural practices and visitor engagement. The job requires working primarily outdoors during early mornings, weekends and some holidays in various weather conditions. Attention to detail, plant and gardening knowledge and teamwork are desired attributes.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid California driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• One or more years of experience working in public gardens and/or similar institutions/organizations
• Demonstrated customer service experience, preferably in a public-facing environment.
• Must be able to work weekends, evenings and holidays in an indoor and outdoor environment in various weather conditions
• Strong verbal communication skills; must be able to communicate clearly on written documents
• Must act with integrity and possess the ability to carry oneself with a professional demeanor and decorum in a busy, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work primarily outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, rain, humidity, and direct sunlight.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, reach, climb, and perform repetitive physical tasks for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, push, and pull up to 25 pounds on a regular basis and heavier materials with assistance or appropriate equipment.
• Ability to navigate uneven terrain, slopes, pathways, gardens, and other outdoor work areas across the Garden's 87-acre campus.
• Ability to safely operate golf carts, utility vehicles, and horticultural equipment following appropriate training.
• Ability to use hand tools and small power equipment to perform horticultural maintenance and exhibit care.
• Ability to perform detailed horticultural tasks requiring manual dexterity, including planting, pruning, weeding, watering, mulching, deadheading, and general plant maintenance.
• Ability to work early mornings, weekends, evenings (as needed for programs or special events), and holidays based on operational requirements.
• Ability to work safely around visitors while maintaining awareness of surroundings and following established safety procedures.
• Ability to wear and properly utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate to assigned tasks.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in horticulture preferred; experience in education, interpretation, museum studies, curation, science, communication, botany, and/or similar fields are also desirable
• Demonstrated curiosity, appreciation for nature, and enthusiasm for sharing knowledge with visitors.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple time-sensitive tasks/priorities simultaneously
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail without losing sight of the Garden's mission and vision
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Google Workspace applications or similar programs preferred

Responsibilities

• Daily assessment and improvement of assigned plant exhibit spaces include, but are not limited to: Responsible for dedicated plant spaces (i.e., Rose Garden, Pollination Garden, Nursery, etc.) ensuring that the spaces are pristine and plant collections and exhibits are well maintained, safely accessible and engaging for all guests.
• Maintain and care for plant material including but not limited to weeding, watering and pruning to ensure the quality of the exhibit.
• Describe points of interest to visitors and respond to questions about the exhibits and the plants within the exhibit.
• Use strong customer service skills to ensure a high-level experience for visitors by sharing knowledge and information about the exhibits.
• Responsible for maintenance of tools, equipment and supplies used to maintain permanent, seasonal and traveling exhibits.
• Follow safety guidelines to ensure a safe working environment for staff and visitors and consistently demonstrate safe work conduct.
• Drive gator or golf carts throughout the Garden to access the various exhibits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED