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Botanical Garden Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

NOVA Parks

Educator

Vienna, VA

Interpret and work with facility features that may include animals, gardens, water features, trails, etc. * Assist with preparation, cleaning, maintenance, and organization of Meadowlark Botanical ...

NOVA Parks

Educator

Vienna, VA

$15.75/hr

Interpret and work with facility features that may include animals, gardens, water features, trails, etc. * Assist with preparation, cleaning, maintenance, and organization of Meadowlark Botanical ...

All JobsBotanical Garden JobsBotanical Garden Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Botanical Garden information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$9

$18

$33

How much do botanical garden jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for botanical garden in Silver Spring, MD is $18.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.52 and $20.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a botanical garden?

A botanical garden is a carefully curated space where a wide variety of plants are grown for scientific study, conservation, education, and public enjoyment. These gardens often feature collections of plants labeled with their botanical names and may include greenhouses, research facilities, and educational programs. Botanical gardens play a crucial role in preserving plant biodiversity, conducting horticultural research, and providing a peaceful environment for visitors to learn about and appreciate plant life.

What are different jobs at a botanical garden?

City, state, and private botanical gardens are typically large operations that require numerous workers to keep them running. Some of the different jobs at a botanical garden include arborists, landscape designers, groundskeepers, facilities managers, a director of public services, tour guides, horticulture specialists, and other scientists who have a background or interested in plants. Some jobs at a botanical garden are strictly manual labor, some have a mix of duties involving labor and planning the grounds, and others are more public-oriented and have visitor services, community outreach, and fundraising responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Botanical Garden Manager, you need expertise in horticulture, plant science, and garden management, often supported by a degree in botany or a related field. Familiarity with landscape design software, plant database systems, and pest management certifications is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills help you effectively manage staff, volunteers, and public programs. These skills are crucial for maintaining healthy plant collections, ensuring visitor satisfaction, and supporting educational and conservation goals.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working in a botanical garden, and how can they be addressed?

Staff at botanical gardens often face challenges such as maintaining plant health across diverse species, managing changing weather conditions, and balancing educational outreach with conservation work. Collaboration with horticulturists, educators, and volunteers is key to overcoming these challenges. Continual learning about plant care, pest management, and public engagement helps staff adapt and excel in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Botanical Garden vs Horticulturist?

AspectBotanical GardenHorticulturist
CredentialsBotanical degrees, plant science certificationsHorticulture certifications, plant care training
Work EnvironmentPublic gardens, research institutionsNurseries, landscape companies, gardens
Industry UsageEducational, research, conservationPlant cultivation, landscape design, maintenance

While both roles involve working with plants, a Botanical Garden typically refers to the institution or location dedicated to plant collection and research, whereas a Horticulturist is a professional who actively cultivates, manages, and maintains plants within such environments. The Horticulturist often works directly in the field, applying specialized skills to ensure healthy plant growth, while the Botanical Garden may employ multiple professionals including Horticulturists, botanists, and educators.

More about Botanical Garden jobs

What are popular job titles related to Botanical Garden jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Botanical Garden jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Botanical Garden jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Botanical Garden jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Botanical Garden jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Botanical Garden job openings:

Botanical Garden jobs near you
Infographic showing various Botanical Garden job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,504 per year, or $19 per hour.

Educator

NOVA Parks

Vienna, VA

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

NOVA Parks rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

719th of 855 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Educators are highly motivated individuals that are responsible for the supervision, activity planning and implementation, safety, and group management of tours and programs.  Work is done under the general supervision of Full Time Staff.  

Pay Rate:  $15.75 per hour 

Major Duties/Specific Tasks

  • Prepare and present programs, tours, games, and other outdoor educational activities.
  • Interpret and work with facility features that may include animals, gardens, water features, trails, etc.
  • Assist with preparation, cleaning, maintenance, and organization of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens guided touring routes.
  • Assist in the management of garden events and tour schedules.
  • Report unsafe conditions to park management.
  • Perform other park duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • At least one year of college education in some natural resource field, parks and recreation, or education field (or equivalent training and experience) preferred.
  • Considerable ability to communicate clearly and effectively with the public and staff members to provide excellent customer service.
  • Ability to Interpret NOVA Parks rules and regulations.
  • Must have reliable transportation.
  • Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain driver’s license with safe driving record.
  • Availability to work a variable work schedule, which may include early and late hours, and weekends and holidays.
  • Ability to work in the outdoors and inclement weather conditions for long periods of time.
  • Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR/AED training.
  • Strength and dexterity necessary to perform all required tasks, including lifting, stooping, bending, and working in tiring and uncomfortable positions.
  • Required to purchase and wear standard uniform.
  • Ability to pass a criminal background check.

What NOVA Parks employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

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