Head Horticulturalist
Job Title: Head Horticulturalist – Gardening & Landscaping Operations
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Location: Cave Hill Cemetery and Arboretum, Louisville, KY
Status: Full-Time
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Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Head Horticulturalist to oversee all gardening and landscaping operations across our grounds. This position leads the planning, design, installation, and maintenance of high-quality landscapes, gardens, and plantings while ensuring excellence in customer service and operational efficiency.
The Head Horticulturalist will supervise a team of gardening and landscaping staff, ensure sustainable and visually stunning plant care, and work directly with visitors and stakeholders to address needs and resolve concerns. This position also collaborates closely with the Head Arborist to support the current Level 2 arboretum and coordinate projects that maintain and enhance its collections and visitor experience, as well as with the General Crew Supervisor on special and annual grounds projects.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Oversight
- Direct, train, and supervise a team of gardeners, landscapers, and horticulture staff.
- Develop and implement seasonal and annual landscape maintenance schedules.
- Promote professional growth, safety, and high performance among team members.
Design & Installation
- Plan and execute new garden and landscape installations, including plant selection, hardscape integration, and seasonal displays.
- Align landscape design with site aesthetics, sustainability goals, and visitor experience standards.
- Collaborate with the Arboretum Manager on planting designs and projects that interface with arboretum spaces.
Customer Service & Issue Resolution
- Serve as the primary contact for horticulture-related inquiries, feedback, and complaints.
- Respond quickly to visitor or stakeholder concerns regarding plantings, maintenance, or installations.
- Ensure remediation work is completed to the highest horticultural and aesthetic standards.
Operations & Maintenance
- Oversee plant health care. Collaborate with General Crew Supervisor on soil management, irrigation systems, turf care, and pest management.
- Maintain accurate inventories of plant materials, tools, and equipment.
- Ensure all work meets environmental, safety, and regulatory guidelines.
Collaboration & Coordination
- Partner with the Arboretum Manager to maintain Level 2 arboretum plantings and grounds to accreditation standards.
- Work closely with the General Crew Manager on special and annual grounds projects, including pruning, leaf removal, and turf care.
- Coordinate schedules, staffing, and resources for overlapping or joint projects.
- Support special events, educational programs, and community engagement initiatives as needed.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Arboriculture, or a related field required; Master’s preferred. Comparable experience will be considered.
- Minimum 7 years of leadership experience in public gardens, large-scale landscaping, or horticultural operations preferred.
- Proven track record in landscape design, plant care, and team leadership.
- Strong customer service and communication skills.
- ISA Certified Arborist or other relevant professional certifications preferred.
- Ability to work outdoors in all conditions and lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to frequently stand, stoop, and kneel for long periods of time.
- Ability to navigate uneven/steep terrain with various mobility hazards.
Preferred Traits
- Creative, hands-on leader with a passion for exceptional landscapes.
- Commitment to sustainability and environmental best practices.
- Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Health, dental, and retirement benefits.
- Professional development and training opportunities.