Assistant Horticulturist - Full-time

Department

Physical Facilities, Grounds

Compensation

$15.40 to Negotiable Hourly

 

Responsible for assisting in the day-to-day cultivation, care and maintenance of plant life within a designated area, including planting, weeding, pruning, irrigation management, pest control, and propagation, under the guidance of a head horticulturist, ensuring the overall health and aesthetic appeal of the landscape or garden space.

Job Functions: 

• Preparing garden sites, including soil preparation and planting.  

• Plant Care: watering, fertilizing, pruning.

• Pest & Disease Management: IPM cultural controls and chemical applications.

• Subordinate tree pruning: remove or shorten competing branches to develop a single leader to improve the structure and stability of each tree following ANSI A300 and Z133 (or newer) pruning standards.

• Greenhouse: propagation and transplanting.

• Maintain irrigation systems and horticultural equipment.

• Train students, volunteers, and OPS staff in horticultural practices.

• Maintain records of plant health, treatments, and schedules.

• Ensure compliance with safety standards and environmental regulations.

Marginal Functions

• Guided tours and educational programs related to horticulture.

• Special events requiring plant displays or garden preparation.

• Provide backup coverage for other horticultural areas as assigned.

 

Required Qualifications

Completion of an approved certification in horticulture, botany or plant-based sciences field and 2+ years of relevant experience or a high school diploma and 4+ years of relevant experience. directly related to the job functions. Or experience directly related to the job functions or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219.

 

Statement(s) of Understanding

This position requires a background check. In conjunction with the University's policy, this position may also require a credit check.

The holder of this position is designated as a “Responsible Employee” pursuant to their role under Title IX. Therefore, the incumbent must promptly report allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse by or against any student, employee, contractor, or visitor to the University’s Title IX Administrator or any divisional Title IX Coordinator

 

 

Equal Opportunity

The University of North Florida (UNF) is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who interact in our community. In building this environment, we strive to attract students, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. The University of North Florida does not commit or permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, marital status, national origin, or veteran status in any educational, employment, social, recreational program or activity that it offers. In addition, UNF will not commit or permit retaliation against an individual who reports discrimination or harassment or an individual who cooperates in an investigation of an alleged violation of university regulation.

Carnegie

UNF is a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution. This designation celebrates the University’s collaboration with community partners from the local to the global level. It reflects UNF’s mission to contribute to the public good and prepare educated, engaged citizens.