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Botanical Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Botanical Assistant information

See Washington salary details

$12

$76

$142

How much do botanical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for botanical assistant in Washington is $76.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.39 and $104.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some entry-level botanical assistant jobs?

Entry-level botanical assistant jobs typically involve supporting plant research, maintaining collections, and assisting with fieldwork or laboratory tasks. These roles often require basic knowledge of plant identification, the use of gardening tools, and may offer on-the-job training or require a high school diploma or equivalent.

What is a botanical assistant?

Botanical Assistants are professionals who support botanists and researchers in studying plants and their environments. Their tasks often include collecting plant samples, maintaining greenhouse environments, recording data, and assisting with experiments. They may work in laboratories, botanical gardens, research institutions, or in the field. Botanical Assistants play a crucial role in plant conservation, research, and education by providing essential technical and practical support. This entry-level position is ideal for those interested in plant sciences and ecology.

What degree do I need to work as a botanical assistant?

A botanical assistant typically does not require a specific degree but often benefits from a background in botany, horticulture, biology, or environmental science. Relevant coursework, plant identification skills, and experience with gardening tools or laboratory work can enhance job prospects.

What are some common challenges faced by botanical assistants when working in research or greenhouse environments?

Botanical Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise environmental conditions for plant growth, managing pests and diseases, and ensuring accurate data collection for ongoing experiments. They may need to adapt quickly to shifting project priorities or seasonal changes that impact plant care routines. Successfully collaborating with researchers, horticulturists, and other team members is essential for troubleshooting issues and achieving research objectives, making strong communication skills and flexibility highly valuable in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a botanical assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Botanical Assistant, you need foundational knowledge in botany or plant sciences, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, plant identification software, and data collection tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work well in a team are important soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for supporting research, maintaining plant specimens, and ensuring accurate data collection in botanical projects.

What is the difference between Botanical Assistant vs Horticultural Technician?

AspectBotanical AssistantHorticultural Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer botanical or plant science courseworkHigh school diploma; some positions may require horticultural certifications or associate's degree
Work EnvironmentGreenhouses, botanical gardens, research facilitiesNurseries, parks, landscaping companies, botanical gardens
Industry UsageResearch institutions, botanical gardens, plant conservation projectsLandscaping, garden centers, public parks, horticultural services

Botanical Assistants typically support botanical research and conservation efforts in controlled environments, while Horticultural Technicians focus on plant care, landscaping, and maintenance in outdoor or commercial settings. Both roles require plant knowledge but differ in work environment and specific duties.

What cities in Washington are hiring for Botanical Assistant jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Botanical Assistant job openings:

Pedagogical Director - Elementary / Adolescent

Fiore Montessori

Vienna, VA • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Fiore Montessori School is seeking an experienced AMI Elementary / Adolescent Guide who is interested in joining our dedicated faculty and staff as a Pedagogical Director to lead our Elementary and Adolescent Programs.

The Pedagogical Director has the fundamental responsibility to directly manage the guides in the Elementary and/or Adolescent classrooms and take responsibility to deliver a high fidelity AMI Program to families, children and the school community. They will work directly with guides to support them in their classroom responsibilities. This includes:

Manage and Normalize Classroom Communities
  • Maintaining thorough knowledge of the students, offering strategic oversight and making recommendations related to their progress and parent relationships
  • Offering feedback and guidance to ensure beautiful, well maintained and effective environments
  • Reviewing lesson plans, lessons given, conference reports, parent presentations and written communication
  • Maintaining and/or overseeing classroom budgets and inventory, including ordering, materials and supplies
  • Reviewing new student applications and making admissions recommendations
  • Preparing student transcripts
Manage and Develop Guides and Assistants
  • Mentoring the elementary and adolescent teams and individual guides, assistants and experts/specialists
  • Assisting with hiring, onboarding and training of staff
  • Observing environments, faculty and staff in their roles
Assist Guides in Parent Relationships
  • Educating parents and answering parent questions about the programs
  • Conference Preparation, Feedback and Written Reports
  • Review Written Recommendation Forms from Guides
  • Parent Resource, Parent Education and Parent Support
Collaborating with the Pedagogical Directors of other program levels and administration strategically
  • Coordinating and managing after school and summer programs
  • Substitute for long-term absence of a guide when applicable
  • Coordinating staffing, events, logistics and schedules for the levels with the operations and business office teams
Our ideal candidate will be
  • trained as an AMI guide at the Elementary and/or Adolescent level and dedicated to the AMI philosophy
  • have 5-10 years of experience running an Elementary and/or Adolescent classroom
  • an exceptional communicator
  • able to manage a team of guides and assistants
  • Wants to commit long term

Conveniently located on two campuses, each 4.5 rural acres just 20 miles outside of Washington DC. The first is a renovated “village-style” multi-building campus with Nido, Toddler, Primary, Elementary and Adolescent communities, a commercial kitchen, a fully equipped “maker” space, an art and music studio building, garden beds, undeveloped open land, a basketball court, a soccer field and a swimming pool. The neighboring property includes a farm with a Farmer’s Market (CSA/Community Supported Agriculture) selling produce and eggs. The second has vast outdoor “natural play” areas for toddler and primary children, plus “wilderness” wooded acreage with a stream, garden beds in an “outdoor classroom,” and an outdoor stage with seating. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens and natural bike paths are directly across the street for student research, PE classes, and bike rides/hikes.

A fully AMI accredited school, Fiore offers a dedicated faculty and supportive culture. Our communities span the entire age range of three months (3) to fifteen (15) years. Our classrooms include: Nido (Infant Community) Toddler, Primary Children’s House, Elementary (6 year span) and Adolescent (Junior High 3 year span). Conveniently located on two neighborhood campuses just 20 miles outside of Washington DC, our lovely environments are well‑equipped with the full range of Nienhuis materials. We currently have 200 students.

Fiore is dedicated to supporting its guides and administrative team with competitive salaries, benefits, professional development and growth opportunities. We also regularly offer coaching from AMI trainers and consultants as new guides establish successful working environments. Our Pedagogical Council consists of talented and experienced trained guides who support each of the levels at our school thus raising the bar once again.

Salary is commensurate with education, experience and roles/responsibilities. Benefits include health, matching 401k, vacation plus holidays, and tuition for children.

Please email your resume and cover letter describing your background and interest to: staffing@fioremontessori.com

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