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Magnolia Plantation

Landscape Gardener

Charleston, SC · On-site

$20/hr

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, one of the nation's oldest and most frequented historical public gardens, is looking for a new Landscape Gardener. This role performs general maintenance in the Gardens ...

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Public Gardens information

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$28K

$107.5K

$184.5K

How much do public gardens jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for public gardens in the United States is $107,533.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $134,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are public gardens?

Public gardens are cultivated spaces that are open to the public and designed for the enjoyment, education, and conservation of plants. They often feature a variety of plant collections, landscaped areas, walking paths, and educational signage. Public gardens may include botanical gardens, arboretums, and community gardens, and they often host events, workshops, and tours. These spaces aim to promote environmental awareness, horticultural education, and community engagement.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in public gardens, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in public gardens often face challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, managing plant health across diverse species, and balancing the needs of visitors with conservation goals. Addressing these issues typically involves careful planning, ongoing education in horticultural best practices, and close collaboration with other staff, including educators and maintenance teams. Building strong communication channels and staying adaptable are key to maintaining a thriving public garden and providing a positive visitor experience.

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

To thrive as a Public Gardens Manager, you need expertise in horticulture, landscape management, and plant science, often supported by a degree in horticulture or a related field. Familiarity with garden planning software, irrigation systems, and pest management tools is commonly required. Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills help manage staff, volunteers, and community engagement. These abilities are vital for maintaining healthy, attractive gardens and ensuring effective operations and visitor satisfaction.

What is the difference between Public Gardens vs Landscape Architects?

AspectPublic GardensLandscape Architects
CredentialsTypically require horticulture or botany degrees, certifications in garden managementRequire a professional degree in landscape architecture and licensure
Work EnvironmentPublic parks, botanical gardens, outdoor spacesDesign studios, outdoor sites, urban and rural projects
Industry UsageManaged by municipalities, parks departments, or private organizationsHired for designing and planning outdoor spaces and landscapes

Public Gardens focus on maintaining and managing outdoor botanical spaces for public enjoyment, often involving horticultural expertise. Landscape Architects design and plan outdoor environments, combining aesthetics with functionality, requiring specialized licensure. While both work outdoors and in related environments, Public Gardens are more about maintenance and horticulture, whereas Landscape Architects focus on design and planning.

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Cities with the most Public Gardens job openings:

What states have the most Public Gardens jobs?

States with the most job openings for Public Gardens jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Public Gardens jobs look for?

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Public Gardens jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Gardens job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,533 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Landscape Gardener

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Charleston, SC • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, one of the nation's oldest and most frequented historical public
gardens, is looking for a new Landscape Gardener. This role performs general maintenance in the
Gardens using gardening/horticultural best practices, as well as their own expertise and past
experiences as a guide.


What you will be doing:

  • Monitor and maintain all existing landscaping to include planting, weeding, watering, pruning,
    grooming, staking, pinning, vine removal, and identifying insect pest and disease problems for
    treatment
  • Collaborate with the Landscape Manager throughout the year to define directions in the
    Garden's care
  • Work closely with volunteers as it relates to the landscape function
  • Collaborate with the Landscape Manager on visioning and development of the landscape
    gardens
  • Promotes the Garden's activities as it relates to the general landscape
  • Performs all other duties as requested or assigned as needed


Who you are:

  • You have an Associates or Bachelors degree in Horticulture or similar field and 1-3+ years'
    experience in horticulture/gardening/nature management. Experience within a public garden a
    plus!
  • You're passionate about horticulture and have an in-depth knowledge of horticultural best
    practices, plants, and garden maintenance using horticultural disciplines
  • You are a year-round gardener and have the ability to work in all seasons and weather
    conditions to perform activity related to planting and care
  • You have a valid driver's license to drive and operate necessary equipment and have the ability
    to do the following: lift 20-50lbs on a regular basis, stand and/or kneel for long periods of time
    to perform gardening tasks, and climb a 12' ladder to perform tasks as needed
  • You've got excellent communication skills, and the ability to use available technology as needed

Apply