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Senior Horticulture Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SENIOR HORTICULTURIST

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$23.70 - $27.44/hr

Living Collections - Horticulture Supervisor: Collection Manager of Horticulture Supervises: None FLSA Status: Full Time; Regular; Non-Exempt Pay : $23.70 - $27.44 General Statement: The Senior ...

Under the direction of the Senior Manager, Horticulture the Manager, Horticulture is responsible for the strategic oversight, maintenance, and enhancement of the resort's exterior grounds ...

This senior-level position requires expertise in plant science, team leadership, and sustainable management practices. You'll develop and implement strategic horticulture programs, manage specialized ...

HORTICULTURE TECHNICIAN

Mechanicsville, VA ยท On-site

$33K - $33K/yr

Covenant Woods, an upscale senior living community in Mechanicsville, VA, is seeking a Part-Time Horticulture Technician to support our innovative Farm-to-Table Program . This role is ideal for ...

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Senior Horticulture information

See salary details

$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do senior horticulture jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior horticulture in the United States is $80,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Horticulturists when managing large-scale landscaping projects?

Senior Horticulturists often encounter challenges such as coordinating diverse teams, balancing project timelines with plant growth cycles, and adapting to unexpected weather or pest issues. Managing budgets while ensuring high-quality horticultural standards is another frequent concern. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as the role involves collaborating with landscape architects, contractors, and clients to deliver successful outcomes. Staying updated on sustainable practices and new plant varieties also helps address evolving industry demands.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Horticulturist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Horticulturist, you need in-depth knowledge of plant science, landscape management, pest control, and a relevant degree or certification in horticulture or a related field. Experience with specialized tools, greenhouse management systems, and landscape design software is often required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills ensure successful project execution, healthy plant environments, and efficient team performance in complex horticultural settings.

What is the difference between Senior Horticulture vs Horticulture Technician?

AspectSenior HorticultureHorticulture Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in horticulture or related field, with experienceOften requires a diploma or associate degree in horticulture or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, overseeing projects, and managing teams in gardens, parks, or nurseriesHands-on planting, maintenance, and installation work in gardens, nurseries, or landscape sites
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by landscape companies, parks departments, and botanical gardens for leadership rolesCommonly employed in nurseries, landscaping firms, and garden centers for technical tasks

Senior Horticulture roles focus on project management, planning, and leadership, requiring advanced education and experience. Horticulture Technicians perform practical, hands-on tasks essential for maintaining and installing plants. Both roles are vital in the horticulture industry but differ mainly in responsibilities and qualifications.

What is a Senior Horticulturist?

A Senior Horticulturist is an experienced professional who specializes in the science and art of growing and managing plants, such as flowers, trees, shrubs, and vegetables. They are typically responsible for overseeing horticultural projects, managing green spaces, supervising staff, and developing planting strategies. Senior Horticulturists often work in botanical gardens, parks, nurseries, or landscaping companies, and may also be involved in research, conservation, and education related to plant care and sustainability.
More about Senior Horticulture jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Horticulture jobs? Cities with the most Senior Horticulture job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Horticulture jobs? The most popular types of Horticulture jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Horticulture jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Horticulture jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Horticulture job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,287 per year, or $38.6 per hour.
SENIOR HORTICULTURIST

SENIOR HORTICULTURIST

The Phoenix Zoo

Phoenix, AZ โ€ข On-site

$23.70 - $27.44/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Description
Job Title: Senior Horticulturist
Department: Living Collections - Horticulture
Supervisor: Collection Manager of Horticulture
Supervises: None
FLSA Status: Full Time; Regular; Non-Exempt
Pay : $23.70 - $27.44
General Statement:
The Senior Horticulturist is responsible for performing the installing and maintenance of landscape materials, water features and irrigation systems, and the use and maintenance of power equipment.
Essential Duties:
1. Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude and appearance.
2. Responsible for landscape design and installation, general grounds maintenance that includes pesticide application, basic maintenance of irrigation systems, maintenance of lakes and waterways.
3. Responsible for identifying plant needs, problems and provide appropriate solutions
4. Responsible for routine preventive vehicle and equipment maintenance.
5. Assume role as mentor to other Horticulturists by providing technical horticulture information and demonstrating positive solution-oriented approaches to problems.
6. Act as project manager for volunteer staff projects.
7. Interpret the horticulture collection to the public.
8. Serve as backup to irrigation technician when necessary.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments).
Requirements
Horticulturist I:
  1. High school diploma required.
  2. Minimum six months paid or one-year volunteer experience in work relevant to grounds maintenance or horticulture.
  3. Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Botany, or equivalent degree or experience/knowledge, or combination of experience with a technical certificate preferred.
  4. Knowledge or experience with local plant palette desired.
  5. Ability to safely operate and maintain hand and power equipment.
  6. Strong interpersonal skills.
  7. Ability to carry out oral and written instructions.
  8. Ability to perform heavy physical labor such as lifting up to 50lbs, use of picks, breaker bars, stake drivers, ladders and boats; occasionally tree climbing and use of jack hammer.
  9. Ability to bend, stoop, crawl and walk over uneven surfaces and work in extreme weather conditions.
  10. Possession of a valid driver's license.
  11. Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check and clear annual TB test.

Horticulturist II:
  1. High school diploma required.
  2. Minimum 2 years paid experience in landscape maintenance or horticulture.
  3. Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Botany, or equivalent degree or experience/knowledge, or combination of experience with a technical certificate preferred.
  4. State Certification in Structural Pest Control for Turf and Ornamental preferred.
  5. Knowledge and skill in use of landscape and irrigation equipment (i.e., PVC, valves and drip irrigation)
  6. Knowledge or experience with local plant palette required.
  7. Ability to safely operate and maintain hand and power equipment.
  8. Ability to work independently and demonstrate self initiative.
  9. Strong interpersonal skills.
  10. Ability to carry out oral and written instructions.
  11. Ability to perform heavy physical labor such as lifting up to 50lbs., use of picks, breaker bars, stake drivers, ladders and boats; occasionally tree climbing and use of jack hammer.
  12. Ability to bend, stoop, crawl and walk over uneven surfaces and work in extreme weather conditions.
  13. Possession of a valid driver's license.
  14. Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check and clear annual TB test.

Senior Horticulturist:
  1. High school diploma required.
  2. Minimum 5 years paid experience in landscape maintenance or horticulture.
  3. Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Botany, or equivalent degree or combination of experience with a technical certificate strongly preferred.
  4. Knowledge of landscape and irrigation equipment (i.e., PVC, valves and drip irrigation)
  5. Knowledge or experience with local plant palette required.
  6. Ability to safely operate and maintain hand and power equipment.
  7. Ability to work independently and demonstrate self initiative.
  8. Strong interpersonal skills.
  9. Ability to perform heavy physical labor such as lifting up to 50lbs., use of picks, breaker bars, stake drivers, ladders and boats; occasionally tree climbing and use of jack hammer.
  10. Ability to bend, stoop, crawl and walk over uneven surfaces and work in extreme weather conditions.
  11. Possession of a valid driver's license
  12. Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check and clear annual TB test.