Job Description
The Descanso Gardens Display Horticulturist is responsible for the design, development and display of
all seasonally oriented horticulture presentations. This position works closely with the Descanso
Gardens Nursery manager to plan and execute appropriate seasonally rotating designs throughout the
year. The position requires maintaining a diverse selection of trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals to
high standards of horticultural excellence in a continually changing design. This standard is maintained
in flower beds, potted displays, museum exhibits and interior spaces. The Display Horticulturist may be
asked to assist with design of potted installations in other areas and to assist with museum installations.
The Display horticulturist is responsible for timely design and ordering of material to accommodate
these tasks.
This position requires extensive knowledge of plant material and its proper implementation in a
garden setting. Additionally the Display Horticulturist leads tours of their work, works companionably
with the Horticulture staff and assigned volunteers, assists the Education department with the
development and implementation of horticulturally focused programming and interprets the Gardens
daily to visitors.
Job Classification
This is a full‐time non‐exempt position. The candidate will be required to occasionally work evenings and
weekends
Essential Functions, Duties And Responsibilities
- Designs and installs horticultural and seasonal displays at the Boddy House property, green wall,
promenade beds, courtyard and Farmhouse, Magnolia , the Descanso Railroad garden, Mulberry
pond, and Bird Observation garden. The Display Horticulturalist is responsible for the
maintenance of the entry facade of Descanso Gardens including the Front Drive, Parking Lot and
Visitors Center
- Organizes, trains and leads staff and volunteers in planting and all aspects of maintenance of
display beds
- Works with the Education Department to develop and lead tours, programs, workshops and
volunteer and docent training. This position may be called on to write Descanso magazine
articles and educate staff on developments in the Garden
- Participates in day to day care of the collections including planting, weeding, fertilizing,
irrigating, staking , pruning, removing and replacing spent plants, and other general garden
duties
- Orders new plants and materials
Other Responsibilities
- Participates in public education programs as they relate to the Collection and the landscape. Works
with Public Programs in the presentation of horticulture talks, the offering of tours, classes, and docent
training. This position is responsible for writing articles that appear in the Descanso Gardens Newsletter,
or other publications.
- Provides public information about the plants in the collection. Furnishes information to the Plant
Records Coordinator to facilitate accessioning of new plants, deaccessioning of dead plants, mapping,
and the production of public identification labels and accession tags.
- Participates in monthly safety trainings, landscape committee meetings, and the team management of
the Descanso Gardens landscape.
- Minor irrigation repairs.
- Knowledge of organic IPM and weed management practices.
- Completion of other duties as assigned.
- Works in a safe manner, using personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with OSHA and
Descanso's IIPP.
- Keeps work areas, tools and equipment in good/clean working condition for optimum performance
and to prevent injury.
- Adheres to the Code of Safe Practices when performing various jobs duties which also includes the
safety of staff, visitors, and volunteers, and communicates any hazard concerns as needed
Equipment Used
This position requires the use of a full suite of garden hand tools, the operation of a garden cart, and
occasionally gas or electric equipment such as line trimmers, lawn mowers, rotary tiller, etc.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Highly organized with a demonstrated ability for planning
- Degree in horticulture, botany, or plant science or equivalent experience.
- Experience in a public horticulture setting.
- Strong knowledge of and previous work experience in the care and presentation of a diverse
collection of trees, shrubs, and perennials using organic horticultural techniques.
- Demonstrated experience scheduling staff, planning tasks and organizing projects.
- Knowledge of use and safe operation of manual and power gardening tools.
- Experience with the management and selection of a diverse palette of plant material
- Ability to work effectively in teams and guide groups with a diverse level of skills
- Strong interpersonal communication skills
- Basic computer skills
- Valid California Driver's License
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to
Enable Individuals With Disabilities To Perform The Essential Functions.
- The ability to walk, kneel, bend, stoop, sit, crouch, drive vehicles, and climb ladders.
- The ability to lift and carry 50 lbs., occasionally, but not routinely.
- Exposure to various noise levels on a daily basis.
- Ability to work both indoors and outdoors as required in inclement weather
- Ability to work at heights
- Ability to work extended periods of time both walking and/or standing
RATE
$23.00 to $26.00 per hour
TO APPLY: Interested parties may apply by submitting a MS Word or PDF Letter of Interest and Resume
to jobs@descansogardens.org with HORT2025 in the subject line. Only those meeting the minimum
requirements and submitting all required information may be contacted for further inquiry. We will
accept resumes until the position is filled.
No phone calls, please.
Descanso Gardens Guild Inc. acknowledges that equal opportunity for all persons is a fundamental
human value. Each employee will be considered on the basis of individual ability and merit, without
regard to race, color, age, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, sex, or marital status.
