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Updated August 16, 2025
Horticulture Manager | Full-time Salaried | Annual salary starting range: $58,136 - $74,152 | Open until September 15, 2025
City of Orlando Search: Horticultural Manager
The Horticulture Manager is the senior leader responsible for the strategic vision, stewardship, and daily management of all horticultural operations across Harry P. Leu Gardens 50-acre living collections and landscapes. This position leads a multidisciplinary horticulture team of 16 direct reports, dozens of volunteers, and ensures excellence in botanical collections care, display, operations, and public garden design. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this role blends hands-on horticultural leadership with strategic planning, staff development, and cross-departmental collaboration to meet the Gardens mission. This position requires strong leadership skills, expertise in public horticulture, strong planning and organizational skills, and openness and curiosity when it comes to big ideas. A healthy work environment and culture is a chief value to Harry P. Leu Gardens and the Horticulture Manager will actively contribute to a welcoming, collaborative, cooperative and forward-thinking workplace.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Garden management, public horticultural field, plant science or related field with three (3) years experience in a similar role with supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. We are seeking a dynamic horticulture leader with proven experience managing large teams, budgets, and complex landscapes and botanical collections in a visitor-facing setting. Candidates should bring extensive knowledge of plant science, native and ornamental species, sustainable practices, landscape design principles, IPM, nursery operations, seasonal displays, and paired with a passion for public garden spaces. The role requires strong leadership skills to foster a healthy, collaborative team, along with excellent planning, organizational, and problem-solving abilities. The ideal candidate is comfortable working outdoors in all conditions and able to engage guests and colleagues in a professional, service-oriented manner. Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required for event coverage. Florida Pesticide Application License required within ninety (90) days of employment.
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Horticulture Specialist | Full-time | Salary range: $20.29-$25.87/hour | Open until August 29, 2025
City of Orlando Search: Horticultural Specialist
Our Horticulture Specialists are the hands and heart behind the living beauty of Harry P. Leu Gardens cultivating and caring for its vibrant botanical collections and displays. This vital role supports both the daily upkeep and long-term health of the Gardens, working closely with the horticulture team to steward diverse plantings, including trees, palms, fruits, vegetables, shrubs, groundcovers, flowers, and ornamentals, as well as horticultural hardscapes. Responsibilities include planning, designing, and installing seasonal displays and special projects; diagnosing and managing IPM; applying pesticides and fertilizers; amending soil; cultivating and propagating plants; leading assistants and volunteers; caring for and utilizing supplies and large equipment; engaging with the public; and, following all safety procedures and regulations, including the proper use of personal protective equipment and the safe handling of tools and chemicals.
Qualifications
High School Diploma/G.E.D. Certificate and one (1) year experience in horticulture or related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions. Physically capable of lifting up to 50 pounds. Commitment to teamwork, reliability, and delivering high-quality service. Familiarity with basic tools and equipment. Strong work ethic with attention to detail. Ability to problem solve, follow verbal and written instructions, and work independently. Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required for event coverage. Florida Pesticide Application License required within ninety (90) days of employment.
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