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Horticulture Associate Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Head of Horticulture

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Associate's degree in horticulture, landscaping, or related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of one full season of professional landscape or ...

Head of Horticulture

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Associate's degree in horticulture, landscaping, or related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of one full season of professional landscape or ...

Associates or bachelor's degree in horticulture. * Ability to work flexible schedule, including periodic weekends. * Ability to communicate effectively with employees in organization. * Able to lift ...

Horticulture Associate information

What is a horticulture associate?

Horticulture Associates are professionals who support the growth, maintenance, and care of plants in settings such as nurseries, greenhouses, botanical gardens, and landscaping companies. Their duties typically include planting, watering, pruning, fertilizing, and monitoring the health of various plants. They may also assist in pest management, propagation, and the upkeep of gardening equipment. Horticulture Associates often interact with customers or visitors, providing plant care advice and helping with plant selection. This role is ideal for individuals interested in plant science and hands-on outdoor work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a horticulture associate?

To thrive as a Horticulture Associate, you need a solid understanding of plant care, soil science, pest management, and often a background in horticulture or a related field. Familiarity with gardening tools, irrigation systems, and sometimes certification in pesticide application or nursery operations is beneficial. Excellent communication, customer service, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for assisting customers and maintaining healthy plants. These skills ensure effective plant care, satisfied clients, and efficient daily operations in nurseries, garden centers, or landscaping environments.

What are some common challenges faced by horticulture associates when maintaining plant health in diverse environments?

Horticulture Associates often encounter challenges such as adapting plant care techniques to varying climate conditions, managing pest and disease outbreaks, and ensuring proper irrigation. Each work environment—whether it’s a greenhouse, nursery, or outdoor landscape—presents unique obstacles, requiring associates to monitor plant health closely and adjust their practices accordingly. Collaborating with team members and supervisors is essential to troubleshoot issues, implement integrated pest management, and maintain consistent plant quality.

What is the difference between Horticulture Associate vs Greenhouse Technician?

AspectHorticulture AssociateGreenhouse Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in horticultureHigh school diploma; certifications in plant care or greenhouse operations are common
Work EnvironmentNurseries, gardens, landscape companies, retail garden centersGreenhouses, plant production facilities, botanical gardens
Job DutiesPlant care, landscape maintenance, customer assistance, plantingPlant propagation, climate control, pest management, maintaining greenhouse conditions

Horticulture Associates and Greenhouse Technicians often share similar credentials and work environments, focusing on plant care and maintenance. However, Horticulture Associates typically work outdoors or in retail settings, while Greenhouse Technicians specialize in controlled environment plant production. Both roles are essential in the horticulture industry and often overlap in skills and certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Horticulture jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Horticulture jobs in Minnesota are:

What job categories do people searching Horticulture Associate jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Horticulture Associate jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Horticulture Associate jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Horticulture Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Horticulture Associate job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Head of Horticulture

Madden's on Gull Lake

Brainerd, MN • On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Madden's is an award-winning resort, located on more than 1,000 acres, that anticipates the wishes and desires of vacationers and offers them fantastic golf, upscale dining, lakeside spa, tennis, activity programs for children, biking, shopping, and art gallery with painting classes and almost every kind of on-the-water recreation possible in Minnesota, including fishing. Madden’s has distinguished itself by an emphasis on gracious hospitality, quality, and diversity. Our philosophy is simply to provide the best that Minnesota has to offer. Madden’s is currently seeking a seasonal Head of Horticulture. This position is Responsible for the overall beauty, health, and consistency of flowers and softscapes across Madden’s Resort and golf courses. Leads seasonal flower installations, landscape design direction, horticulture staff, greenhouse operations, plant production, and inventory planning while ensuring high standards of presentation and maintenance.

  • Works with the Assistant Superintendent to establish, enforce, and maintain presentation standards for all landscaped areas, including directing and overseeing the work of the Lead Landscaper to ensure edging, mulch, rock beds, and detail work align with resort expectations.
  • Leads the annual flower installation program, including seasonal planning, plant selection, bed layout, scheduling, and hands-on planting to ensure timely and high-quality execution.
  • Establishes and defines the landscape and softscape design direction for the property, selecting plant varieties, color themes, textures, and seasonal combinations that elevate the overall resort aesthetic.
  • Directs, schedules, and works alongside horticulture team members in daily plant care operations, including watering, pruning, deadheading, transplanting, bed preparation, and weed control—while setting clear expectations and ensuring accountability for plant health and presentation standards.
  • Conducts routine property inspections with the Resort Assistant to proactively identify and address plant health issues, appearance concerns, and improvement opportunities.
  • Oversee greenhouse operations including propagation, plant production, inventory planning, and seasonal crop scheduling to support installation programs and ongoing refresh cycles.
  • May apply liquid and dry fertilizers and nutrients as needed and ensure safe handling of all materials.
  • Operates EZ-Go, John Deere utility vehicles, water trailers, and other equipment safely and efficiently.
  • Coordinates with the Grounds Assistant Superintendent to align horticulture efforts with overall resort and golf course maintenance operations.
  • Incorporates safe work practices in job performance
  • Attends training and staff meetings and maintains regular and reliable attendance.
  • Performs additional duties as assigned to support resort grounds operations.

Skills and Abilities:

  • Excellent listening, speaking, and writing skills.
  • Communications skills should be at a level where employees can converse with guests and other employees
  • Ability to work in a team and coordinate work functions with fellow workers
  • Maintains a proactive “Can-do” attitude
  • Follows Madden’s “Core Values”

Education/Experience:

Associate’s degree in horticulture, landscaping, or related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of one full season of professional landscape or horticulture experience required; leadership experience strongly preferred.

Work Environment:

Work is performed mainly outside in varying weather conditions.  

Physical Demands:

Primarily stationary such as sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time. Must have the ability to occasionally required to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch and lift up to 50 pound boxes and items sometimes repeatedly and carry 5 gallon buckets of water.

Expected Hours of Work:

7:00 AM- 3:00 PM Monday through Friday with varying hours based on sunlight and weather conditions.

Travel:

Less than 10% travel required.