1

Native Plant Nursery Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

This position assists with daily nursery operations, including plant production, inventory ... Practical understanding of horticulture, including care of dwarf conifers, rhododendron, native ...

$60 - $65/hr

... Nursery, overseeing storage and germination for the purpose of increasing native biodiversity throughout the forest understory to overstory. * Monitor native plant phenology (life-cycle events) to ...

New

$85 - $120/hr

... plant nurseries. We are proud to be one of the largest design/build firms in our region. Our team ... Knowledge of plants and gardening, including local and native plant options * A good driving record ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Native Plant Nursery information

See salary details

$17.5K

$58.8K

$81K

How much do native plant nursery jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for native plant nursery in the United States is $58,798.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a native plant nursery?

A native plant nursery is a specialized facility that grows, propagates, and sells plants indigenous to a particular region or ecosystem. These nurseries focus on plants that are naturally adapted to the local climate, soil, and wildlife, making them ideal for habitat restoration, landscaping, and conservation projects. By providing healthy native plants, these nurseries help promote biodiversity, support pollinators, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Native plant nurseries may also offer educational resources and consulting services for ecological landscaping.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a native plant nursery worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Native Plant Nursery Worker, you need knowledge of native plant species, horticultural practices, and basic plant care, often supported by experience or education in horticulture or environmental science. Familiarity with irrigation systems, greenhouse tools, and inventory management software is typically required. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and effective communication help ensure plant health and efficient workflow. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing healthy native plants, supporting restoration projects, and maintaining nursery operations.

What are some typical challenges faced when working in a native plant nursery, and how can they be managed?

Working in a native plant nursery often involves challenges such as managing pests and diseases specific to local flora, adapting to seasonal weather variations, and meeting the unique propagation requirements of native species. Team members typically collaborate closely to monitor plant health, implement integrated pest management practices, and adjust watering or shading based on climate conditions. Open communication and a willingness to learn from both experienced colleagues and ongoing training are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring plant vitality.

What is the difference between Native Plant Nursery vs Horticulturist?

AspectNative Plant NurseryHorticulturist
Required CredentialsKnowledge of native plants, possibly certifications in nursery practicesHorticultural degrees or certifications, plant care expertise
Work EnvironmentNurseries, outdoor settings, plant propagation areasGardens, parks, landscape projects, research facilities
Employer & IndustryNurseries, conservation organizations, retail plant storesLandscape companies, botanical gardens, research institutions

Native Plant Nurseries focus on propagating and selling native plants, often working outdoors in nursery settings. Horticulturists have broader plant care expertise, working in various environments like gardens and research facilities. While both roles require plant knowledge, Native Plant Nurseries specialize in native species, whereas Horticulturists may work with a wide range of plants across different settings.

More about Native Plant Nursery jobs

What cities are hiring for Native Plant Nursery jobs?

Cities with the most Native Plant Nursery job openings:

What states have the most Native Plant Nursery jobs?

States with the most job openings for Native Plant Nursery jobs include:

Infographic showing various Native Plant Nursery job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,798 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Seasonal Horticulture Nursery Assistant (Bowyer Farm)

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

Part-time

PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist with potting, transplanting, and propagating native plant species

  • Water plants using hand-watering techniques and/or irrigation systems

  • Monitor plant health and report signs of pests, disease, or nutrient deficiencies


Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos


Job description

Seasonal Horticulture Nursery Assistant (Bowyer Farm)
Location: Bowyer Farm (2210 Mason Montgomery Rd, Mason, OH 45040)
Company: Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
Employment Type: Part-Time / Seasonal
Position Overview
The Horticulture nursery complex at Bowyer Farm, home of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden’s esteemed Native Plant Program, specializes in growing high-quality plant material for Zoo landscapes, community gardens, plant sales and special conservation projects. We are seeking a reliable and hardworking Nursery Assistant to support daily production and maintenance activities in our growing facilities. A passion for ALL plants is essential and a passion for native plants is a plus. This is an outstanding opportunity to expand your knowledge in the care, identification and maintenance of plants. A positive attitude and strong work ethic are required to fit in with our team.
Key Responsibilities
  • Assist with potting, transplanting, and propagating native plant species
  • Water plants using hand-watering techniques and/or irrigation systems
  • Monitor plant health and report signs of pests, disease, or nutrient deficiencies
  • Weed control in containers and production beds
  • Label, organize, and maintain accurate plant inventory
  • Prepare plant orders for customers, including pulling and staging material
  • Load and unload plant shipments and supplies
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of greenhouse and outdoor growing areas
  • Assist with seed collection, cleaning, and storage
  • Follow safety protocols and proper equipment use
  • Lead volunteer crews to accomplish nursery tasks
Qualifications
  • Education and/or experience in horticulture preferred
  • Must be able to lift and move 50 pounds without mechanical assistance
  • Valid driver’s license and be insurable (to drive a Zoo vehicle)
  • Interest in native plants, horticulture and ecology
  • Strong work ethic and attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Preferred Skills
  • Basic knowledge of plant identification, including native species
  • Comfortability with Microsoft suite and basic computer applications
  • Experience with hand tools, small equipment and irrigation systems
  • Understanding of basic growing practices
Working Conditions: Employment is contingent upon passing a pre-employment, post-offer drug screen and background check. Bowyer Farm is a fully operational nursery complex that requires 7-day care and often hosts weekend plant sales. The ability to work a flexible schedule including holidays amp; weekends is required. While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, walk and utilize manual dexterity to use various tools, machines and equipment. The job requires the ability to bend up and down regularly. The incumbent is also regularly exposed to various weather conditions and a wide diversity of plant material in greenhouses, hoophouses and outdoor growing areas.

Other Requirements for all Horticulture Assistants include:
  • May operate motorized landscaping equipment (string trimmers, blowers, reciprocating saws, hedge trimmers, tillers) and vehicles (dump trucks, vans, golf carts, John Deere tractors and trailers)
  • Safe handling and responsible application of herbicides, when necessary
  • Support other departmental crews during peak seasons, such as planting annuals/tulips in the spring/fall, potting in the nursery, and during installation of new landscapes
  • Ability be a good teammate and model the Zoo’s Core Values
Job Details
Duration: Positions will run for various periods of time. Expected start date March 2026.
Hours: Variable hours, ranging from 20-40 per week
Pay Rate: Depending on experience
Key Perks amp; Benefits
Fun amp; engaging work environment
Ability to earn Paid Time Off
Complimentary Zoo passes
Discount on food amp; retail on Zoo grounds
Positive team culture
Flexible scheduling (Student Friendly)
Free Metro Bus Pass provided for duration of employment
Personal amp; professional development opportunities (career development, education, training, etc.)
Please include a resume/work history with your online application

What Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom