Display Horticulturist

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 fulltime nonexempt 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 management practices.
Completion of other duties as assigned.
Works in a safe manner using personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with OSHA and
Descansos 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 Drivers 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 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.