Horticulturist

Company: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Location: Boothbay
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is hiring! Are you a horticulturist who is passionate about plants and the environment, loves working with people, and is committed to supporting the Gardens’ IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) goals? We're looking for an experienced horticulturist excited about inspiring meaningful connections among people, plants, and nature in one of the most beautiful settings in Maine. Our horticulture team is highly experienced with designing, installing, and maintaining gorgeous, healthy, and biodiverse cultivated gardens and, growing spaces at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens which encompasses 325 acres including our natural lands. Horticultural excellence, a commitment to our mission and our iconic Maine provenance shape and drive our collaborative work. The planning, implementation, and maintenance of inspiring garden spaces will be the Horticulturist’s primary work through the spring, summer, and fall, providing a beautiful and meaningful garden experience for every guest. Helpful, welcoming engagement and interactions with guests are at the heart of all that we do. This position may also provide opportunities for inter-departmental collaboration in areas such as managing invasive and non-native species; inclusion, diversity, equity, and access; or community-building across teams. In the fall and winter, the horticulture team brings to life, through their creative energy and teamwork, most of the installation (and take-down) of the incredibly popular and dazzling winter light show, Gardens Aglow. Year-round, Full-time, benefits-eligible, non-exempt $23.50-26.00 This is a year-round, full-time (40 hours per week) position with a typical work week of Monday- Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. Some weekend and holiday duties will be required, in addition to evening hours during Gardens Aglow and other special events. Primary Functions: Excellence in ornamental garden care, including planting, mulching, weeding, staking, deadheading, pruning, watering, plant and pest identification, embracing plant health care and integrated pest management within their assigned garden space, and throughout the entire Gardens as needed. Recommend plant selections and planting design for assigned garden space(s), including annual plantings and improvements to existing garden beds to Curator of Living Collections and Horticulture Director. Contribute to general maintenance of horticulture building and equipment, including tool sharpening, and repairs as needed Collaborate on group projects within the Horticulture department. Collaborate with other departments and the community, including teaching classes, speaking to groups, leading specialized tours, and working with student employees, interns, and volunteers. Develop a horticultural specialty in which the incumbent will be a “resident expert,” sharing expertise with co-workers and visitors. Provide training and mentorship to horticulture interns, seasonal gardeners, and volunteers. Engage with visitors and donors about our leadership and example in horticultural practices and the Gardens generally. Contribute to Gardens Aglow light installation, removal, and storage. Contribute to Gardens-wide initiatives as needed (e.g., Gardens Aglow assignments, garden art installations, special events, etc.). Physical Requirements: This position has very high physical demands. Most of the time will be spent outdoors in a variety of Maine’s temperate climate conditions (e.g., sun, rain, cold temperatures, etc.) Approximate percentages of time tasks are performed in carrying out the essential functions of this position: 80% of time bending/stooping, squatting, reaching above shoulder level, kneeling, hand/fingers used for repetitive motion, hands/fingers used for fine manipulation, hands/fingers used for firm grasping, head/neck in rotational movements, head/neck in extension movements, head/neck in flexing movements 20% of time in sitting position Maximum load an employee will be required to lift/carry up to 50 lbs. Interview Process: Interview 1: Virtual interview Interview 2: In-person (if available) Requirements Must be educated in horticulture (BS degree preferred), or a related plant science field, and/or have at least 3 years’ practical experience in horticulture, and/or landscape design/maintenance. Horticultural work in a public garden setting preferred. Demonstrate a familiarity with plants common in the horticulture trade in the Northeast, knowledge of the region’s wild flora desirable. Enthusiasm for our organization’s mission, a positive team spirit, and interest in ecological horticultural practices desired. Experience running and maintaining power equipment is helpful; confidence on ladders necessary, boom lift experience a plus. Must be able to work independently and as part of a team. Must be comfortable interacting with guests, staff, board members, and the community. Teaching or public speaking experience is desired. Commitment to working across the organization to support the integration of IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) principles into Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens’ internal operations and its relationships with visitors and guests.

Keywords: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, New England , Horticulturist, Construction - Building Trades , Boothbay, Northeast