Nursery Horticulturalist

REPORTS TO: Plant Introduction Manager and Director of Collections

LOCATION: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Coral Gables, Florida

Position Description:

Manage, improve, interpret, and promote Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden as a world-class horticultural institution. Provide leadership and vision to guide volunteers and staff members in propagating and growing plants for the Garden.

Job Responsibilities:

Horticulture & Plant Propagation

•  Grow plants to the highest possible standard, maintaining the health and diversity of Fairchild’s scientific collections while maximizing aesthetic appeal.
• Work with the Horticulture team to organize plant propagation.
• The Nursery Horticulturist is responsible for advancing plant propagation, hybridization, cultivation, and documentation of plant material from Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s collections and beyond.

Nursery Operations & Maintenance

• Conduct regular inspections of nursery facilities and address any issues that might affect safety (e.g. slippery pathways).
• Propagate plants from collections using appropriate horticultural techniques, including cuttings, divisions, and controlled pollination
• Work closely with the Plant Records Manager to ensure all documentation of plants comply with institutional standards.
• Coordinate propagation for sales initiatives with the Plant Introduction Manager.
• Coordinate with the Nursery Managers and related staff to ensure plants are properly maintained and monitored for health.
• Coordinate with the Nursery Managers to inspect irrigation, climate control, pest management, and sanitation practices within assigned growing areas.
• Contribute to storm preparation efforts prior to arrival of tropical storms or hurricanes, including triage protection measures, and cleanup activities when storm damage occurs.

Volunteer Leadership & Supervision

• Provide hands-on supervision, training, and mentorship to volunteers working in plant propagation and nursery operations.
• Develop clear daily work plans and ensure volunteers understand horticultural best practices, safety standards, and institutional procedures.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and educational volunteer environment that encourages skill development and long-term engagement.
• Model professional horticultural techniques and reinforce high standards of plant care, documentation, and nursery organization.

Education and Outreach

• Support Education, Marketing, and Special Events departments with horticultural interpretation and programming.
• Participate in Fairchild’s teaching programs, leading classes and tours for students, members, and the public.
• Assist with Fairchild’s initiatives to establish, curate, and interpret tropical plant collections in public and private landscapes throughout South Florida.

Qualification

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• A degree in Horticulture preferred but not required.
• Previous experience of working in a professional nursery setting is a plus.
• Must be able to commit to a flexible schedule.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods standing.
• Must be able to push, and/or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, climb, reach, and lift up to 40 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

To apply please submit cover letter and resume to hr@fairchildgarden.org