CareErs in Public Horticulture
Career Category:
Horticulture
Position Title:
Director of Horticulture
Position Summary
- Oversees all horticultural activities at a public horticulture institution, including plant collections, displays, and programs
- This position often requires a graduate degree and 5-10 years of experience
- Other abilities: excellent horticultural / botanical, supervisory, and business skills
2006 APGA Salary Range
$37,875 to $97,619
Career Profiles of Directors of Horticulture
Melissa Fisher
Title
Deputy Director of Horticulture, Friends of the Highline
Job Responsibilities
- Plan and facilitate horticulture maintenance, operations, and staffing of the High Line Park
- Act as a liaison between Friends of the High Line, NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, landscape architects (Field Operations & Piet Oudolf), and the public
- Help create horticulture programs and workshops for the High Line's exciting public programming line-up
Educational Experience
- Diploma in Professional Horticulture, The School of Professional Horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden (2004-2006)
- Bachelor of Arts, Sustainable Agriculture, Sterling College (1999-2000)
- Major in Environmental Studies, Dartmouth College (1996-1999)
Practical Experience
- Director of GreenBranches community horticulture program, Horticulture Society of New York
- Peace Corps Volunteer, Tanzania, East Africa
- Coordinator, "Spread the Harvest" program, Austin Community Gardens
Favorite Part of the Job
"Working with plants and people, while planning for the opening and operation of such an exciting project in urban horticulture and public park design."
Advice
"Get yourself dirty whenever you have the chance, and never stop asking questions of people who have more experience and wisdom in the field than you do."
Why is Public Horticulture a Good Career Choice?
"Helping people connect to the natural world through plants! What could be better?"
Sharon loving
Title
Horticulture Department Head, Longwood Gardens
Job Responsibilities
- Lead the Horticulture Department, which is primarily responsible for producing and maintaining quality horticultural displays and landscapes for the entire property (1,050 acres), which includes land stewardship and soil management practices
- Ensure that the Horticulture Department in meeting short and long range departmental and organizational goals
- Oversee the development and administration of the operating budget for the department
Educational Experience
- Bachelor of Science, Management Studies, UMBC, University of Maryland
- Technical Degree, Ornamental Horticulture and Greenhouse Management, Institute of Applied Agriculture, University of Maryland
Practical Experience
- Floriculturist, Longwood Gardens (1998-2004)
- Display Forman, Longwood Gardens (1992-2008)
- Display Specialist, Longwood Gardens (1989-1992)
- Senior Gardener, Longwood Gardens (1984-1989)
Favorite Part of the Job
"Working with such a talented team of people who are so passionate about horticulture!"