Director of Horticulture

Job description

The Director of Horticulture provides leadership and operational oversight for the daily care, maintenance, and presentation of the Dallas Arboretum’s gardens and grounds. Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Horticulture and Collections, the Director ensures landscape maintenance, seasonal transitions, horticultural displays, irrigation, and related garden operations are completed efficiently, safely, and to established standards of quality.

The Director leads horticulture managers, manages operational schedules and resources, and oversees budgets and departmental processes. Working collaboratively with horticulture managers and other departments, the Director coordinates garden operations in support of festivals, exhibitions, special events, and seasonal priorities. The Director also provides technical horticultural expertise, develops staff, and advances continuous improvement across the department.

This is an active, hands‑on leadership position that requires regular work throughout the gardens and grounds, including the operation of equipment, transportation of materials, and work in varying weather conditions.

Garden Operations

Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of horticultural maintenance and garden operations throughout the Arboretum.

Develop and manage operational schedules, staffing, and resources to ensure gardens and grounds are maintained efficiently and to established standards.

Oversee seasonal garden transitions, horticultural displays, greenhouse production, irrigation, and other operational needs.

Provide horticultural expertise and guidance to managers and staff to address plant health, maintenance, and changing garden conditions.

Develop and maintain procedures and operational standards that support consistent, safe, and effective garden maintenance.

Garden Planning and Development

Support the planning, design, and implementation of seasonal displays, garden transitions, and horticultural enhancements.

Coordinate horticultural planning, plant material needs, and resources to support garden priorities.

Work with horticulture staff to establish and maintain consistent procedures for documenting changes to plant collections and garden areas.

Maintain appropriate garden and operational information to support planning, budgeting, and decision‑making.

Collaborate with internal teams to support festivals, exhibitions, educational programs, special events, and other organizational initiatives.

Budget and Administration

Develop, administer, and manage horticulture operating budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of organizational resources.

Oversee procurement, contract administration, project documentation, purchasing, invoicing, and related administrative processes.

Maintain accurate project records and prepare project updates and budget reports for organizational leadership.

Support departmental planning, budgeting, design, and other initiatives.

Department Leadership

Supervise and develop horticulture managers and staff by establishing expectations, providing coaching, and supporting professional growth.

Guide managers in effectively scheduling, supervising, and developing their teams.

Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and high‑quality garden care.

Lead special projects and other initiatives as assigned by supervisor.

Skills And Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in horticulture or a related field required

Master's degree in related field preferred

Minimum of five (5) years of applicable experience, including supervisory or team leadership experience

Strong knowledge of horticultural practices, landscape maintenance, plant materials, irrigation, and plant health

Demonstrated success leading complex cross‑functional projects involving budgets, schedules, resources, and external partners

Experience coordinating vendors, contractors, consultants, or other external partners.

Ability to obtain and maintain required Texas pesticide applicator licensing

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by exhibition schedules and special events

Ability to lift up to 30 pounds, repetitively bend and stoop, move throughout the property, work in varying weather conditions, and follow established safety guidelines

Ability to successfully complete all pre‑employment requirements, including a background check and drug screening

Key Competencies

Accountability

Collaboration

Communication

Influence without authority

Planning and execution

Problem solving

Project leadership

Benefits

comprehensive healthcare

a 401K

Paid Time Off (PTO)

The mission of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is to be a garden for all that enriches lives through beauty, learning, and connection. We are a world‑class sanctuary where people and plants flourish in the natural environment.

The Dallas Arboretum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military or veteran status, genetic characteristics or disability unrelated to job performance.

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Worksite address

dallas, TX, 75215, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.