Director of Horticulture

Job Overview:
The Delaware Botanical Gardens (DBG) is seeking an experienced and dedicated Director of Horticulture to lead the horticultural team and volunteers in maintaining and enhancing the beauty, health, and sustainability of its gardens.

The Director of Horticulture will play a key role in shaping the future of the gardens by implementing environmentally conscious practices, overseeing plant collections, and engaging with the community through educational programs. This position offers an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about sustainable horticulture to make a lasting impact on a growing botanical garden.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Management:

Provide strong leadership and management for the horticultural staff and a large team of volunteers, ensuring smooth operations and efficient workflows.

Develop, assign, and oversee daily tasks related to scheduled garden maintenance, including planting, pruning, weeding, mulching, and irrigation.

Foster a positive, collaborative working environment, motivating the team to achieve the highest standards of horticultural excellence.

Sustainable Garden Maintenance:

Oversee the health and appearance of the entire 37-acre garden, with a particular focus on the renowned 2-acre Piet Oudolf Meadow.

Implement and manage integrated pest management strategies to minimize the use of chemicals and promote organic gardening techniques.

Lead efforts to maintain soil health, conserve water, and promote sustainable gardening practices throughout the garden's diverse landscapes.

Operations & Site Management:

Assist in site management duties, including ensuring site security, handling cash during events, and supporting the smooth functioning of daily operations.

Oversee, and support event preparation and coordination as needed, ensuring that horticultural spaces are well-maintained and presentable for various garden programs and activities.

Sustainable Landscaping Projects:

Collaborate with the management team to plan and execute landscaping projects that align with DBG’s sustainability goals.

Select appropriate native and climate-resilient plants, integrate eco-friendly irrigation systems, and use environmentally sound construction techniques.

Design and develop new garden areas, applying sustainable landscaping principles to create habitats that support biodiversity and reflect the garden’s commitment to conservation.

Plant Collection Management: (IrisBG)

Oversee the care and expansion of the garden's plant collections, focusing on native species and other plants suited to the local climate.

Collaborate with the Deputy Executive Director on plant selection, procurement, and labeling to ensure that the garden's plantings support its mission of conservation and education.

Ensure that the plant collections are well-curated and documented to provide research and educational opportunities for staff, volunteers, and visitors.

Education & Community Outreach:

Support educational programs, tours, workshops, and special events designed to promote sustainable horticulture and raise environmental awareness.

Engage with schools, community groups, and local organizations to foster environmental stewardship and provide valuable learning opportunities for visitors.

Serve as a spokesperson for DBG’s horticultural efforts, conducting guided tours and answering questions from the public to enhance their understanding and appreciation of sustainable gardening practices.

Research & Innovation:

Stay informed about current trends, innovations, and best practices in sustainable horticulture.

Conduct research on plant propagation, conservation, and cultivation techniques, continually seeking ways to enhance the garden’s sustainability and resilience.

Explore innovative methods and technologies to improve garden management and resource efficiency.

Budgeting & Resource Management:

Develop and manage budgets for horticultural operations, ensuring responsible resource use and alignment with sustainability goals.

Work closely with the management team to secure funding for horticultural projects through grants, donations, and other fundraising efforts.

Maintain inventory and ensure proper allocation of resources, tools, and supplies needed for garden maintenance.

Visitor Engagement & Public Relations:

Interact with visitors regularly, providing insights into the garden’s plant collections, horticultural techniques, and ongoing projects.

Conduct guided tours, answer questions, and represent the DBG in a professional and knowledgeable manner.

Build and maintain positive relationships with visitors, members, donors, and the wider community, ensuring an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere at the garden.

Position Requirements:

Bachelor’s or Degree in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.

Extensive experience in horticulture, with a proven track record in leadership or management roles.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

· In-depth knowledge of sustainable gardening practices, organic techniques, water conservation, and integrated pest management.

· Familiarity with local plant species and their specific cultivation and maintenance requirements.

· Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with experience managing both staff and volunteers.

· Budget management experience, including grant writing and resource allocation.

· Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and handle physically demanding tasks.

· Valid driver’s license and eligibility to work in the U.S.

· Full-time availability, with the flexibility to work weekends as needed.

Physical Requirements:

· Ability to safely lift 50 pounds or more

· Ability to stand and work on feet for extended periods of time

· Ability to operate appropriate equipment and hand tools

Benefits:

Full-time position (40 hours per week) with weekend shifts required.

Paid leave accrual.

Insurance stipend.

Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.

Why Join Us?
The Delaware Botanical Gardens is a dynamic and rapidly growing organization dedicated to inspiring a love for plants and nature through sustainable horticulture. As Director of Horticulture, you will have the opportunity to lead a team in maintaining one of the most beautiful and ecologically important gardens, contribute to environmental conservation efforts, and engage with a vibrant community of garden enthusiasts. Join us in creating a greener, more sustainable future for our region and beyond!

Application Deadline: Open until filled
Start Date: Spring 2025

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• On call
• Rotating weekends
• Year round work

Work Location: In person

Salary : $70,000 - $75,000