Horticulturist

Position Title: Horticulturist
Classification: Exempt, Onsite, Full-Time
Annual Salary: $45,000–$50,000, plus paid vacation, health insurance, 401(k)
Reporting To: Deputy Director
About the Coastal Discovery Museum
Founded in 1985, the Coastal Discovery Museum’s mission is to inspire people to care for the Lowcountry—its environment, history, and culture. We encourage visitors to take action as environmental stewards, preserve historical resources, and engage in the arts.
Located on 70 acres of protected land, the museum features historic buildings, nature trails, marsh front docks, gardens, fields, and a horse stable. We host 6–8 exhibitions annually in the Discovery House, an Art Market with 90 regional artists, and over 30 weekly programs, including a year-round farmers market. New collections and exhibition spaces are in development to meet modern museum standards and support AAM accreditation. Since opening at Honey Horn in 2007, the museum has welcomed more than 1.52 million visitors.
Position Overview
The Horticulturist is responsible for planning, coordinating, and assisting in the development, management, and daily care of the museum’s gardens, dragonfly pond, and grounds. This role requires strong horticultural knowledge, hands-on skills, and experience with tropical and subtropical plants.
Key Responsibilities
Horticulture, Butterfly Enclosure & Design
•Plan and implement garden design and maintenance strategies.
•Oversee daily care of gardens, ponds, and grounds.
•Monitor plant health; address pests, diseases, and environmental issues.
•Maintain records of plant care, watering, fertilization, and growth.
•Provide butterfly husbandry, including daily care, enclosure cleaning, plant watering, cage maintenance, and stocking food and water.
•Keep accurate butterfly care and maintenance records.
•Communicate needs of the butterfly habitat to the Deputy Director.
•Collaborate with staff to develop horticulture-related educational programs.
•Ensure gardens are visually appealing and environmentally sustainable.
•Perform hands-on tasks: soil preparation, planting, mulching, watering, weeding, fertilizing, pruning, propagating, potting, raking, sweeping, blowing.
•Monitor for pests and diseases; apply treatments per IPM protocols and maintain records.
•Manage town IPM protocols.
•Safely use hand and power tools.
Grant Writing & Fundraising
•Identify and apply for garden-related grants.
•Work with donors and foundations to secure funding for grounds and gardens.
•Support the annual fundraiser Cocktails and Camellias.
Supervisory
•Prioritize horticultural tasks; develop and coordinate schedules with the Director of Education and Deputy Director.
•Lead, train, and supervise interns and volunteers.
•Participate in group and cross-departmental projects.
Skills
•Strong organizational, communication, and writing skills.
•Proficient with databases and technology.
•Positive, professional demeanor.
•Comfortable engaging with the public and representing the museum.
Physical Requirements
•Strength, dexterity, and coordination to bend, squat, kneel, stand, and walk long distances for extended periods.
•Comfortable working outdoors in all seasonal conditions.
•Ability to repeatedly push, pull, and lift up to 50 lbs.

Qualifications
•Passion for growing, exhibiting, and promoting native plants.
•Enthusiasm for horticulture, garden design, and public engagement.
•Demonstrated understanding of horticultural practices: soil preparation, planting, mulching, watering, weeding, fertilizing, pruning.
•Ability to create engaging horticultural displays.
•Skill in identifying tropical and subtropical plants by common and botanical names.
•Ability to identify and prioritize tasks; organize and supervise volunteers.
•Knowledge of pest and disease management per IPM protocols.
•Willingness to interact with the public and answer questions.
•Ability to collaborate effectively with staff across departments.
•Proficient in safe use of horticultural tools and equipment.
•Compliance with all museum policies, safety protocols, and relevant laws.
•Awareness of visitor and staff safety; report incidents and injuries promptly.
Education & Experience
•Associate’s degree in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, or related field; bachelor’s degree preferred.
•Minimum two years’ professional experience with tropical plants or greenhouse operations; public garden experience preferred.
•Valid driver’s license.
•Equivalent combinations of education and experience considered.
To Apply
Submit cover letter, resume, and three references to [email protected] with “Horticulturist” in the subject line. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Expected start date: September 2025.
We look forward to welcoming a motivated team member who shares our passion for the Lowcountry and our mission to inspire and educate.