Horticulturist

About the role

The Horticulturist plays a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the health, aesthetics, and functionality of the Art and Wellness campus landscape. This position is responsible for performing hands-on horticultural tasks across turf, hardscape, and landscape areas while supporting the overall landscape vision of the campus. In addition to general maintenance responsibilities, the Horticulturist serves as a technical expert in one or more specialized horticultural areas, such as plant health care, irrigation, or integrated pest management. The Horticulturist contributes to both daily landscape operations and long-term campus improvement efforts. This includes executing landscape installations, monitoring plant health, participating in contractor oversight, and collaborating with internal teams and external partners to uphold horticultural standards. The position also involves presenting findings and participating in site walks and project meetings. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Lawn, Tree, and Shrub Maintenance - Perform assigned lawn, tree, and shrub maintenance. Annual and Perennial Ornamental Garden Maintenance - Maintain assigned garden areas including seasonal flower displays and perennials. Paved Area Maintenance - Perform routine cleaning, basic repair, and snow and ice removal of the parking lots, walkways, and other paved areas. Leaf Removal - Perform removal of leaves from lawns, shrub, and planting beds. Equipment and Ornamental Mechanical Fixture Maintenance - Maintain and repair tools and equipment as needed for proper function, as well as garden restrooms, drinking fountains, and garden furniture and fixtures. Security/Public Relations - Greet visitors, maintain the security and integrity of the grounds and campus, and serve as a source of information for visitors. Irrigation Maintenance - Monitor and maintain irrigation systems, troubleshoot problems or evaluate performance, and perform field diagnostics and repairs throughout all aspects of the system. Landscaping Builds - This includes dirt work, rock work, and other hardscape installation. It also includes installing all manner of plants, mulch, drainage, and low voltage lighting. Developing and installing basic landscape designs based on understanding of plant types, environmental factors, and maintenance practices. Identify plants and implement maintenance and cultural practices to maintain or improve plant health. Utilize Microsoft Excel or other database software to organize data for asset organization and management programs. Perform quality control checks and audits of landscape contractor work and communicate findings to leaders and contractors in verbal and written forms. Represent grounds operations department in site walks and project meetings with campus employees and volunteers working on projects and programs that overlap with assigned grounds operations work. Prepare designs and quantity estimates for maintenance and project work that fall under assigned areas and programs. Identify, develop, communicate, and execute long-term (6 months to 1 year) maintenance strategies in assigned areas of the grounds. These strategies should focus on improving safety, environmental conditions, and the aesthetic quality of the landscape. Prepare and deliver written and verbal presentations to grounds operations staff and leaders highlighting horticultural programs and initiatives. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications and Requirements The Horticulturist must have formal education, certification, or demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following areas and be able to operate independently with minimal oversight: Plant Science and Cultural Practices - Expertise in plant identification, use in landscapes, and associated cultural techniques to ensure healthy, vibrant growth. Arboriculture and Forestry - Skilled in pruning, felling, pest/disease identification, and safe tree care practices. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) - Ability to design and administer proactive IPM programs in managed landscapes, garden, and natural settings. Irrigation Management - Proficient in commercial-scale irrigation systems inclu

Benefits

Additional Information

Art and Wellness Enterprises (AWE) is a professional services organization supporting non-profits founded by Alice Walton, including the Alice L. Walton Foundation, Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, Art Bridges Foundation, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Momentary, and Heartland Whole Health Institute. Job Description: Job Title: Horticulturist FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Safety Sensitive: Yes Reports to: Grounds Operations Management Location: Bentonville, Arkansas (On-site) Date Reviewed: 08/15/2025 Art and Wellness Enterprises (AWE) supports operating non-profits founded by Alice Walton, including the Alice L. Walton Foundation, Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, Art Bridges, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Momentary, and Heartland Whole Health Institute.

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