Horticulture Technician

Kennesaw -ga.gov • Kennesaw, GA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Smith-Gilbert Gardens is seeking a motivated horticulture professional with experience in landscape and garden maintenance to join our team. This position plays a vital role in maintaining the health, beauty, and integrity of the Gardens’ living collections while supporting the organization’s conservation-focused mission and commitment to environmentally responsible horticultural practices. The Horticulture Technician performs a wide range of horticultural and grounds maintenance duties necessary to maintain the highest standards of plant health, landscape quality, safety, and visitor experience throughout the property. As a City of Kennesaw Botanical Garden, the mission of Smith-Gilbert Gardens is to serve as a resource for conservation, education and the enjoyment of horticulture, fine arts and historic preservation. This position serves as an ambassador for Smith-Gilbert Gardens and the City of Kennesaw by providing exceptional customer service and fostering positive experiences for visitors, volunteers, interns, and event guests.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in horticulture, landscape maintenance, nursery production, public gardens, parks, or a related field.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.
• Ability to safely operate equipment, machinery, tools, and materials used in horticultural operations including mowers, chainsaws, blowers, trimmers, and utility vehicles, etc.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical labor in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment while maintaining positive and professional relationships with staff, volunteers, interns, and guests.
• Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of ornamental plant identification, growth habits, and cultural requirements.
• Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles.
• Knowledge of safe pesticide handling and application procedures.
• Knowledge of irrigation system operation and troubleshooting.
• Ability to identify common landscape pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Ability to use Microsoft 365 programs, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a botanical garden, arboretum, museum garden, or public garden setting.
• Experience with ArcGIS, plant database software, or living collections management.
• Experience supervising or working with volunteers and interns.
• Experience with beekeeping, native plant conservation, or ecological horticulture.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily horticultural and landscape maintenance activities including watering, weeding, mulching, planting, transplanting, pruning, deadheading, mowing, string trimming, leaf removal, trash removal, and general grounds upkeep.
• Maintain the health, vigor, and appearance of plant collections through proper cultural practices, including propagation, seasonal maintenance, and monitoring for environmental stressors.
• Install, maintain, and refresh plant displays, horticultural exhibits, seasonal plantings, and garden features.
• Maintain bed edges, tree rings, pathways, and landscape features to preserve a professional appearance and visitor accessibility.
• Inspect plants regularly for insects, diseases, weeds, and other pest issues; coordinate treatment strategies with the Garden Manager in accordance with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles and the Gardens’ minimal-toxicity philosophy.
• Apply fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, pre-emergent, and post-emergent products as directed and in compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Maintain accurate records of horticultural activities, chemical applications, fertilization, irrigation repairs, and maintenance activities.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain irrigation systems, including controllers, valves, emitters, and related components.
• Operate and maintain hand tools, power tools, horticultural equipment, and larger equipment as required.
• Coordinate plant additions, removals, and replacements within the plant database and assist with plant labeling, inventory, and documentation of living collections.
• Participate in seasonal display change-outs, garden improvement projects, and conservation and sustainability initiatives.
• Monitor and report infrastructure issues affecting plant health, irrigation, safety, or visitor experience.
• Assist with volunteers, interns, educational programs, classes, and special events as needed.
• Engage positively with visitors and provide information, assistance, and excellent customer service.
• Open and close the Gardens, including unlocking and securing gates, buildings, and facilities necessary for daily operations.
• Utilize Microsoft 365 applications to communicate, maintain records, and complete administrative tasks.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA and FSA options (includes employer contribution to HSA plans)
• Life and AD&D insurance for employee and dependent(s)
• Employer paid short and long-term disability insurance for employee
• Accrued vacation and sick leave (with option to sell back)
• Tuition reimbursement program (employer pays 70%)
• 12 paid holidays
• 2 paid personal days
• Longevity pay bonuses (after every 5 years)
• 1% employer contribution on first 2% of employee contribution toward a 457 deferred compensation plan
• 4% employee contribution toward a defined benefit pension plan (vested after 10 years)
• Wellness benefits

What This Job Offers

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