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Invasive Plant Control Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Invasive Plant Control information

See Virginia salary details

$5

$25

$31

How much do invasive plant control jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for invasive plant control in Virginia is $25.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.06 and $28.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in invasive plant control, and how are they typically addressed?

A major challenge in invasive plant control is identifying and managing rapidly spreading species across diverse habitats, often with limited resources. Fieldwork can involve physically demanding tasks and exposure to various weather conditions, making teamwork and proper planning essential. Professionals frequently collaborate with landowners, government agencies, and conservation groups to coordinate efforts and share best practices. Ongoing training in identification, safe herbicide use, and restoration techniques helps address these challenges and ensures effective control outcomes.

What is invasive plant control?

Invasive plant control refers to the management and removal of non-native plant species that threaten local ecosystems, agriculture, or human health. These plants can spread rapidly, outcompeting native vegetation and disrupting habitats. Professionals in this field use various methods such as mechanical removal, chemical treatments, and biological controls to reduce or eradicate invasive species. The goal is to restore balance to natural environments and protect biodiversity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Invasive Plant Control Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Invasive Plant Control Specialist, you need a solid understanding of plant biology, ecology, and pest management, often supported by a degree in environmental science or related fields. Familiarity with herbicide application equipment, GPS mapping tools, and certifications such as pesticide applicator licenses are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for coordinating with teams and stakeholders. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and ecologically responsible management of invasive species, protecting native habitats and resources.

What is the difference between Invasive Plant Control vs Invasive Species Technician?

AspectInvasive Plant ControlInvasive Species Technician
CertificationsPesticide applicator license, safety trainingSame certifications often required
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in natural areas, parks, reservesFieldwork in similar environments, monitoring invasive species
Employer & IndustryEnvironmental agencies, conservation groups, landscapingEnvironmental agencies, conservation organizations, government agencies
Job FocusControlling invasive plants through removal and managementMonitoring, identifying, and reporting invasive species

Both roles involve fieldwork in natural settings and require similar certifications. Invasive Plant Control focuses on actively removing invasive plants, while Invasive Species Technicians primarily monitor and report invasive species presence. These positions often overlap but differ in their specific responsibilities within invasive species management.

What are popular job titles related to Invasive Plant Control jobs in Virginia? For Invasive Plant Control jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Invasive Plant Control jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Invasive Plant Control job openings:
Infographic showing various Invasive Plant Control job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,704 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Horticulturist - Historic Gardens
Full-Time, Non-Exempt
General Description:
The Horticulturist is a full-time, non-exempt status position, working within the Gardens and Landscapes Department under the direct supervision of the Senior Manager of Horticulture . The Horticulturist supports the overall mission of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and the Department to preserve, care for, and interpret the Association’s historic, cultural, and natural resources. The Horticulturist helps care for the estate’s historic gardens. Responsibilities include: planting, pruning, harvesting, applying soil amendments, water management, and weed and pest control.
Essential Functions:
Areas of responsibility may include, and are not limited to, the: Botanic Garden, Sundries Field and Slave Cabin Garden, Grist Mill, Fruit and Nursery Garden, Lower Garden, Upper Garden, and landscape areas. Incumbent will collaborate with Historic Trades staff to provide interpretive support for activities at the Farm site, and will also assist with projects in the Upper and Lower Gardens, Fruit and Nursery Garden, and the historic and non-historic landscape as needed.
  • Tasks include: daily inspection of gardens and walkways; planning, planting, harvesting, pruning, applying soil amendments; water management; debris removal; weed and pest control; mulching; and assisting with invasive plant management.
  • Uses current best practices and responsible stewardship when performing the tasks outlined above.
  • Work with team members to identify and control insects, diseases, and weeds. Apply insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides safely and properly, and maintain pesticide records.
  • Understands basic soil structure and soil health, and the relationship to plant health.
  • Operates and maintains equipment and power tools as needed.
  • Maintains records of work activities and submits information for monthly reports.
  • Responsible for staying up-to-date and informed on the latest horticultural practices and pesticides.
  • Interacts positively with visitors, answering questions and giving directions.
  • Practices and maintains safety standards and procedures in all work areas and assures others’ work safely as well.
  • Works independently and with minimum supervision; however, certain tasks require the individual to work closely with other departmental staff in a team setting.
  • Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation within the Gardens and Landscapes department and throughout the Estate, with co-workers, management, and volunteers.
  • Conducts all work in accordance with the Mount Vernon Ladies Association’s procedures and guidelines.
  • Performs other related duties as requested by the immediate supervisor and carries out the completion of special assignments.
  • This position is classified as essential, and the incumbent must be able to participate in ice and snow removal and storm-damage clean-up as needed.
Qualifications:
  • A bachelor’s degree in horticulture or a related field of study; a minimum of two years’ work experience in horticulture, or a similar field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience in planting, growing, and harvesting vegetables and field crops.
  • Knowledgeable in the cultivation practices of native and non-native trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, and possess an awareness of environmental practices that enhance local ecosystems. The ability to identify invasive plants and experience with controlling them is a plus.
  • Ability to implement proper pruning techniques for all types of woody plants.
  • Experience in operating a variety of equipment, including assorted hand and power tools, chainsaws, electric and diesel gators, tractors, loaders, aerial lifts, and dump trucks, is ideal.
  • A background in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, experience, and knowledge of pesticides, including the proper application of pesticides and possession of or the ability to obtain a Virginia pesticide applicator’s license is essential for this position.
  • Detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
  • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite, such as, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to perform strenuous work in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme high and low temperatures.
  • Work requires frequent walking, standing, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, and the ability to navigate uneven terrain.
  • The incumbent will frequently handle objects weighing up to 30 pounds (occasionally 50 pounds) unassisted. On a regular basis, drag, lift, and carry heavy debris and watering hoses, and load or unload heavy items from powered and hand-operated carts.
  • Must be available to work occasional weekends, holidays, and evenings.
  • Valid driver’s license.
Benefits:
  • 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
  • Employee recognition at 5 years of service
  • Monthly employee events
  • Employee referral program
  • On-site Library
  • Discount on Public Event Tickets
  • Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops
  • Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and The General’s Canteen
  • Free Parking
  • Health, Vision, and Dental insurance
  • Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance
  • Paid leave for sick time, vacation, and Holidays
  • Flexible spending account for medical care
The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.