Horticulturist

Rice University•Houston, TX

44d•$20 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of Grounds and Landscape Design, the Horticulturist works closely with the horticulture crew to provide daily care and maintenance of ornamental gardens and flower beds across the 300-acre campus. This role ensures exceptional landscape presentation and plant health through the application of industry best practices, including professional pruning, planting, fertilization, and pest management. The Horticulturist may also assist with garden bed design as needed. The ideal candidate is a skilled and motivated horticulture professional with an advanced degree and hands-on experience in ornamental garden care, plant health, and sustainable landscape practices. They demonstrate reliability, teamwork, and a commitment to safety and stewardship while maintaining high standards of horticultural excellence across all seasons. In addition to joining a meaningful and mission-driven team, employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including PTO, health insurance, tuition discounts, and access to campus facilities.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis
4 years of experience with planting, pruning, harvesting, applying soil amendments, water management, weed, and pest control
In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis
Experienced and knowledgeable in the cultivation practices of native and non-native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, with an awareness of environmental practices that enhance local ecosystems
Experience operating a variety of equipment, including assorted hand and power tools, chainsaws, electric and diesel gators, tractors, loaders, aerial lifts, and dump trucks
Ability to implement proper pruning techniques for all types of woody plants

Nice To Haves

An Associate's degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, or a closely related field, or other directly applicable certifications
A background in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, experience, and knowledge of pesticides, including the proper application of pesticides
Holder of a TDA pesticide applicator's license or ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire date

Responsibilities

Performs daily inspection, planning, planting, harvesting, pruning, applying soil amendments, water management, debris removal, weed and pest control, mulching, and assisting with invasive plant management
Uses current best practices and responsible stewardship when performing the tasks outlined above
Works with other team members to identify and control insects, diseases, and weeds; applies insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides safely and properly, and maintains pesticide records
Understands basic soil structure and soil health and their relationship to plant health
Operates and maintains equipment and power tools as needed
Maintains records of work activities and submits information for monthly reports
Stays up-to-date and informed on the latest horticultural practices and pesticides
Interacts positively with visitors, answering questions and giving directions
Practices and maintains safety standards and procedures in all work areas and ensures others' work safety as well
Works independently with minimal supervision; certain tasks require working closely with other horticulture staff in a team setting
Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation within the grounds department, with co-workers, management, and volunteers
Performs other related duties as requested and completes special assignments; may occasionally assist Tree or Grounds crews