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Botanic Garden Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

County of Los Angeles

LIGHT BUS DRIVER

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$52K/yr

The department maintains four botanic gardens: the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, the South Coast Botanic Garden, Descanso Gardens, and Virginia Robinson Gardens. It also owns the ...

Drab To Fab

Horticulturalist

San Diego, CA

$22 - $25/hr

John previously served as Director of Gardens at the San Diego Botanic Garden and brings more than 50 years of horticultural experience throughout Southern California. Over the course of his career ...

Drab To Fab

Horticulturalist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

John previously served as Director of Gardens at the San Diego Botanic Garden and brings more than 50 years of horticultural experience throughout Southern California. Over the course of his career ...

The Living Desert

Collections Gardener

Palm Desert, CA · On-site

$20.75/hr

Performs general grounds and garden maintenance of assigned areas. Specific Tasks: * Perform daily ... Visitation of other zoos, botanic gardens, or botanically represented geographical areas available.

Windsor Hospitality

Cook

Arcadia, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Home to the renowned Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden and the historic Santa Anita racetrack. Arcadia offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation and rich cultural heritage. Why do we ...

Windsor Hospitality

Dishwasher/Houseperson

Arcadia, CA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Home to the renowned Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden and the historic Santa Anita racetrack. Arcadia offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation and rich cultural heritage. WHAT WE ...

WINDSOR CAPITAL GROUP

Cook

Arcadia, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Home to the renowned Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden and the historic Santa Anita racetrack. Arcadia offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation and rich cultural heritage. Why do we ...

WINDSOR CAPITAL GROUP

Dishwasher/Houseperson

Arcadia, CA

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Home to the renowned Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden and the historic Santa Anita racetrack. Arcadia offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation and rich cultural heritage. WHAT WE ...

WINDSOR CAPITAL GROUP

Cook

Arcadia, CA

$20 - $22/hr

Home to the renowned Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden and the historic Santa Anita racetrack. Arcadia offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation and rich cultural heritage. Why do we ...

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Botanic Garden information

What degree do I need to work in a botanic garden?

A degree in botany, horticulture, plant science, environmental science, or a related field is typically required for many positions in a botanic garden. Relevant skills include knowledge of plant identification, cultivation, and conservation, and some roles may require additional certifications or experience in garden management or education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the botanic garden position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a botanic garden role, you typically need a background in horticulture, botany, or environmental science, along with hands-on experience in plant care and landscape management. Familiarity with horticultural tools, greenhouse systems, and sometimes specialized certifications such as pesticide application or arboriculture are valuable. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, public communication, and a passion for environmental education make individuals stand out. These skills are crucial for maintaining plant collections, supporting educational programs, and ensuring a high-quality visitor experience.

What are the typical daily responsibilities for someone working at a botanic garden?

Daily responsibilities at a botanic garden often include caring for a wide variety of plants, maintaining garden beds and greenhouses, monitoring plant health, and assisting with pest control or irrigation systems. Staff may also participate in educational programs, lead tours, or contribute to plant research and conservation efforts. Collaboration with other horticulturists, educators, and volunteers is common, creating a dynamic and engaging work environment. This range of tasks allows you to apply both practical and scientific skills while sharing your passion for plants with the public.

What is a botanic garden?

A Botanic Garden job involves the care, maintenance, and scientific study of plants within a botanical garden. Roles can vary from horticulturists and garden curators to educators and researchers, all working to conserve plant species and educate the public. Employees may be responsible for plant propagation, landscaping, pest management, research, or organizing educational programs. The goal is to support biodiversity, sustainability, and environmental awareness through well-maintained gardens and collections.

What are popular job titles related to Botanic Garden jobs in California?

For Botanic Garden jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Botanic Garden jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Botanic Garden jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Botanic Garden jobs?

Cities in California with the most Botanic Garden job openings:

Botanic Garden jobs near you
Infographic showing various Botanic Garden job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Gardener 2

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Inc

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Overview:

The Gardener 2 position is principally responsible for garden maintenance and oversight of designated sections at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Under the direction of the Grounds Manager (or their designee), the Gardener 2 will manage their garden section(s) daily, and will proactively seek and aid other members of the Horticulture team to maintain a high aesthetic standard, across the Garden, for public enjoyment.

This is a front-line position in primary plant care, including: planting and weeding (by hand and tools); manual watering and operation of irrigation systems; mulching, pruning, grooming and dead heading; trapping rodents, removal of trash and debris; and generally maintaining aesthetic standards of the Garden for members and guests. Gardeners also participate in cleaning and maintaining tools and keeping an inventory of supplies, ensuring all equipment is in safe, working order. Gardeners should understand that the Garden is a museum-curated living collection and the importance of their role in maintaining integrity of plant labeling and high-quality plant care. This is a full-time (40 hours/week), non-exempt position that reports to the Grounds Manager.

Essential Functions:

  • Provide general plant care, including: soil preparation, planting, watering, weeding, pruning, fertilizing, soil amending, mulching, and monitoring/controlling pest populations.
  • Assist with general maintenance of Garden grounds, including: trails, brush chipping, compost pile turning and seasonal weed mitigation in undeveloped sections of the Garden.
  • Participate in staff crew days outside of their section and lead volunteer work crews, when assigned.
  • Operate non-mechanical tools such as shovels, rakes, shears, saws, wheelbarrows, etc.
  • Operate mechanical power tools such as chain saws, blowers, line trimmers, electric carts, tractors, and manual vehicles.
  • Install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair irrigation systems.
  • Conduct all assigned tasks in accordance with the Garden’s safety procedures.
  • May be assigned to perform one or more of the following:
    • Water containerized plants within the nurseries
    • Substitute to cover other Gardeners’ holidays, vacations, and sick days
    • Participate in setup for Garden events when needed
    • Train volunteers in safe and effective gardening tasks when needed
  • Proactively participates in teamwork with coworkers to ensure the Garden is maintained to a high aesthetic degree for public enjoyment.
  • Maintain positive and professional working relationships with all staff, volunteers and visitors. Assists visitors in answering questions and wayfinding as needed to ensure great customer experience.

Knowledge and Abilities:

  • Proficiency in MS Word and Outlook email for effective written communication in a timely manner.
  • Must manage their time and work under pressure to meet deadlines and priorities.
  • Knowledge of California plants and their cultivation preferred.
  • Must be able to stand/walk for extended periods of time, lift and carry up to 75 lbs., bend, squat, and walk the Garden trails.
  • Tolerance of an outdoor work environment including exposure to outdoor environmental conditions, including: extreme temperature fluctuations, rain, dust, allergens, poison oak, insects, small wild animals, and sun exposure.
  • Ability to perform physically strenuous work assignments on a regular basis, 8 hours a day.

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Two years of applied work experience in garden maintenance, preferably in a public garden setting.
  • College coursework in horticulture, ecology, wildlife science, and/or habitat restoration preferred.
  • Experience with ornamental garden techniques and standards preferred.

Certificates & Licenses:

  • Must have valid California driver license and maintain an acceptable driving record (this position requires driving a Garden cart and Garden vehicles).