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Entry Level Botanic Gardens Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scribe - Emergency Medicine

Evansville, IN

$15 - $20.25/hr

Evansville, IN - Seeking Entry Level Scribe Gain Experience Working Side-By-Side With Frontline ... Mesker Park Zoo, one of the state's oldest and largest zoos and Botanic Garden. * Along with ...

Entry Level Botanic Gardens information

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$29.5K

$48.8K

$61.5K

How much do entry level botanic gardens jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level botanic gardens in the United States is $48,812.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $53,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an entry-level position at a botanic garden, and why are they important?

To thrive in an entry-level botanic garden role, you need a basic understanding of horticulture, plant care, and general maintenance, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant coursework. Familiarity with gardening tools, irrigation systems, and sometimes plant identification software is valuable. Strong soft skills include attention to detail, willingness to learn, teamwork, and effective communication with visitors and staff. These abilities ensure plants are well-maintained, educational goals are met, and visitors have a positive experience.

What are some typical daily tasks and responsibilities for someone in an entry-level position at a botanic garden?

In an entry-level role at a botanic garden, your daily tasks may include assisting with plant care such as watering, pruning, and weeding, as well as helping to maintain garden displays and pathways. You might also support educational programs, interact with visitors, and help with special events. Collaboration with horticulturists, educators, and volunteers is common, providing valuable hands-on experience. This role offers a great opportunity to learn about plant species and sustainable gardening practices while contributing to the garden’s mission.

What are entry level jobs in botanic gardens?

Entry level jobs in botanic gardens are positions suitable for individuals who are new to the horticulture or botanical field. These roles often include titles such as horticultural assistant, garden maintenance worker, education assistant, or visitor services staff. Responsibilities may involve planting, watering, and maintaining plants, supporting educational programs, helping with events, or providing information to visitors. These positions are an excellent way to gain hands-on experience and learn about plant care, conservation, and public garden operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Botanic Gardens jobs? The most popular types of Botanic Gardens jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Botanic Gardens jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Botanic Gardens jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Botanic Gardens job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Locum Tenens, 44% Temporary, and 39% Contract. Highlights an 29% Physical, 50% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,812 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden inspires people to value plants, garden design, and the natural world by cultivating plant collections of the Allegheny Plateau and temperate regions, creating display gardens, conducting educational programs, and conserving the environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
As part of the Garden's growing team, we are seeking a seasonal Gardener who will tend the living plant collections and horticultural displays. This position assists in building gardens and maintaining plants in containers and landscapes. The seasonal Gardener plays a key role in the appearance of Pittsburgh Botanic Garden through their energetic attention to detail and technical skills.
This dedicated and dependable individual will bring horticultural knowledge and professional gardening experience to the Garden, implement best stewardship practices, and assist Garden staff with achieving exceptional standards for garden maintenance. Excellent communication skills, respect, and integrity are required. This is an entry-level position, and training will be provided.
This position reports to the Horticulture Manager and works closely with other Horticulture & Conservation staff members.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Perform general garden maintenance such as watering, pruning, planting, mulching, and weeding of the permanent and seasonal plantings.
  • Monitor pests and diseases and follow appropriate Integrated Pest Management strategies.
  • Operate equipment such as utility vehicles as well as standard garden power tools such as mowers, string trimmers, blowers, and tillers.
  • Motivate and assist volunteers in the maintenance of gardens and landscapes during regular weekly volunteer workdays.
  • Provide excellent customer service and demonstrate a professional manner at all times.
  • Participate in seasonal activities, including bulb planting, garden cleanup, and snow removal.
  • Weekend duties include caring for the Garden's small flock of chickens.
  • As needed, complete non-horticultural projects that support the Garden's mission and development.

Requirements
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
  • Education or training in horticulture or a related field is preferred
  • Knowledge and/or experience in the following areas: arboriculture, PA native plants, perennials, fruit trees, container displays, and the common landscape plants of USDA zones 5 and 6
  • Demonstrated skills in collaboration and creative problem-solving
  • Strength in oral and written communications, and the ability to manage multiple tasks
  • An enthusiastic commitment to the mission and purpose of the Garden
  • Proficient with equipment used in the horticultural trade, including hand tools and small engine equipment
  • Ability to follow directions and willing to learn Garden best practices

WORK CONDITIONS
  • Primarily outdoor physical work in all weather conditions, with occasional work at special events
  • Non-exempt, hourly position. Typically, this is a 40-hour per week position with hours being 7:00 am-3:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and 8:00 am-4:00 pm on weekends; weekends are required on a rotating basis. Flexible hours will be required for Garden-related functions.
  • Must be able to traverse moderate to difficult site conditions related to Garden topography
  • Ability to stand, kneel, or bend for extended periods and lift 40 pounds
  • Exposure to biting/stinging insects, poisonous plants, petroleum products, and horticultural chemicals
  • Cell phones and ear buds/headphones may not be used during work hours unless for emergencies or work purposes, this includes taking photos, listening to podcasts & music
  • Must possess a valid driver's license
  • Must be willing to obtain clearances before start date (Child Abuse Clearance; PA State Police Background Check; FBI Fingerprint Background Check)