Missouri Botanical Garden, world-renowned botanical institution, is seeking Horticulturist I – Outdoor for St. Louis to be responsible for selection and addition of plant species into Garden’s Living Collections for assigned areas supporting plant conservation and building research capacity, work with herbaceous perennials, bulbs, shrubs, trees, and vines, design installation and maintenance of landscapes to highest standards, research and record cultivation information, maintain accurate and detailed plant labeling and record keeping, and contribute to botanical garden excellence and plant conservation mission.
About Missouri Botanical Garden – Botanical Excellence
World Reputation: Internationally recognized botanical garden and research institution
Living Collections: Extensive plant collections supporting conservation and research
Conservation Mission: Plant conservation, capacity building, and botanical research worldwide
Professional Environment: Collaborative culture with volunteers, researchers, and horticulture professionals
Competitive Package: $19.07/hour with comprehensive benefits and professional development
Horticulture Career in Botanical Gardens
Conservation Impact: Support plant conservation and expand living collections
Research Capacity: Build research collections and contribute to botanical knowledge
Outdoor Focus: Hands-on work with herbaceous perennials, shrubs, trees, and vines
Professional Growth: Advance expertise in plant curation and landscape horticulture
Position Overview
This Horticulturist I – Outdoor role involves comprehensive responsibility for plant species selection and living collections development. You will work with Supervisor to target and develop plant collections according to Garden policy, utilize Index Seminum and Targeting Database to select species, conduct research on plant habit and cultivation entering information into databases, perform landscape maintenance and individual plant care to highest standards, maintain accurate plant record keeping ensuring all plants have accession labels, execute wide range of landscape tasks including planting, pruning, irrigation, and IPM, complete landscape designs and oversee installation, and participate in field work for plant collecting expeditions locally, nationally and internationally.
Why This Role Matters: As Horticulturist I at Missouri Botanical Garden, you contribute to plant conservation mission at world-renowned botanical institution, develop and curate living collections supporting research and education, work hands-on with herbaceous perennials, bulbs, shrubs, trees, and vines in outdoor gardens, advance horticulture career with competitive $19.07/hour rate and professional development opportunities, participate in plant collecting expeditions locally and internationally, and contribute to botanical excellence while preserving rare and threatened plant species.
Key Responsibilities
Plant Collections Development
- Work with Supervisor to target and develop plant collections according to Garden policy
- Utilize Index Seminum, Targeting Database, and resources to select species
- Conduct research entering information on plant habit and cultivation
- Expand assigned collections supporting plant conservation and research capacity
Record Keeping & Documentation
- Perform plant record keeping ensuring all plants have accession labels at all times
- Record relevant procedures in Living Collections Management System
- Maintain accurate documentation of new plantings, divisions, moves, deaths
- Utilize internal and external data sources for cultivation decisions
Landscape Maintenance & Plant Care
- Perform wide range of landscape tasks – soil preparation, planting, staking, mulching
- Execute weeding, watering, fertilization, irrigation, pruning, training
- Implement IPM and pesticide application as needed
- Monitor and implement appropriate irrigation requirements for diverse plant material
Design & Installation
- Complete landscape designs and oversee layout and installation of plant material
- Plan for minor and major landscape changes requesting propagation in advance
- Maintain displays preserving plant genetics and enabling public to read labels
- Ensure care of assigned areas meets Missouri Botanical Garden expectations
Conservation & Propagation
- Request propagation of plants ensuring survival of rare and threatened species
- Pay particular attention to wild origin specimens
- Exhibit highest ethical conduct in obtaining and sharing plant material
- Ensure compliance with MBG policies and conservation standards
Field Work & Expeditions
- Participate in field work locally, nationally and internationally
- Support plant collecting expeditions and horticulture capacity building
- Engage with botanical institutions and conservation organizations
- Contribute to global plant conservation initiatives
Equipment & Volunteer Management
- Operate technical equipment – vehicles, forklifts, lifts, tractors, sprayers
- Maintain general care of tools and equipment
- Assign, lead and direct work of volunteers to complete projects
- Support seasonal displays and annual flower shows
Additional Duties
- Perform assigned weekend watering rotation duties
- Execute snow removal maintaining safe environment for staff and visitors
- Maintain professional demeanor answering public questions
- Ensure tool storage and work areas kept clean and tidy
Requirements
Educational Requirements
- Associate’s degree in Horticulture, Biology, Botany or related field (REQUIRED)
- OR Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Biology, Botany or related field
- Equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered
Experience Requirements
- Minimum 3-4 years hands-on, relevant horticulture work experience (REQUIRED)
- Knowledge of plant material and landscape maintenance techniques
- Emphasis in herbaceous perennials, bulbs, shrubs, trees and vines
- Experience with living collections, curation and plant recording
Essential Technical Skills
- Knowledge of appropriate and effective watering practices for wide range of plants
- Proficient ability to identify plant fungus, pests and pathogens
- Apply sound, appropriate pest and disease controls
- Safe operating procedures of landscaping tools and equipment
- Proficient in equipment maintenance
Computer & Data Management
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Ability to enter data into spreadsheets and databases
- Solid internet research skills
- Mathematical skills for calculations and measurements
Licenses & Certifications
- Ability to possess and maintain valid driver’s license (REQUIRED)
- Pesticide applicator’s license required
- International travel requires obtaining clearances, permits, vaccinations
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs (tools, equipment, supplies)
- Work outdoors year-round in all weather conditions (0°F to 100°F+)
- Standing, walking, bending, stooping for extended periods (80%+ of workday)
- Work at varying heights (climb ladders, lift operation)
- Work in bright sunshine with high UV levels
Professional Attributes
- Proven ability to convey technical concepts to staff and volunteers
- Effective communication at all levels
- Comfortable interacting with general public answering questions
- Scheduling flexibility for weekends, holidays, watering rotation
- Teamwork, cooperation, and respect in all interactions
- Initiative, accountability, and problem-solving abilities
About Missouri Botanical Garden Excellence
Missouri Botanical Garden stands as world-renowned botanical institution dedicated to plant conservation, research, and education. With extensive Living Collections supporting conservation initiatives and research capacity worldwide, the Garden maintains highest standards in horticulture, curation, and plant documentation. Horticulturists contribute to global plant conservation mission while working with diverse plant material in beautifully designed landscapes accessible to millions of visitors annually.
Career Excellence: Horticulturist I role at Missouri Botanical Garden offering competitive $19.07/hour compensation, hands-on work with living plant collections, participation in international field expeditions, and contribution to plant conservation mission at prestigious botanical institution in St. Louis.
Who Should Apply?
- Experienced Horticulturists: With 3-4 years hands-on work in plant collections and landscapes
- Botany/Biology Graduates: With Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree and horticulture experience
- Plant Collections Specialists: From botanical gardens seeking advancement in conservation work
- Landscape Professionals: With herbaceous perennials, shrubs, and trees expertise
- Conservation Enthusiasts: Looking to contribute to plant conservation and research capacity
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