Horticulture Director

Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Fort Myers

Use your experience and expertise to make a difference with visitors to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates -- one of the most-visited historic home sites in the country and a key historic and cultural landmark in southwest Florida. On the National Register of Historic Places, open to the public since 1947, the site contains more than twenty acres of historic buildings and gardens, including the winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, their botanical laboratory, and a 15,000 square foot museum.

Job Summary

The Horticulture Director oversees the planning, development, preservation, and presentation of all horticultural aspects of the historic site and botanical garden. This leadership role ensures that the landscape and gardens reflect historical accuracy, meet botanical garden standards, and provide an engaging and educational experience for visitors. The Horticulture Director manages department staff and volunteers, maintains plant health, and develops sustainable practices aligned with the organization’s mission. 


Essential Job Responsibilities

HORTICULTURAL MANAGEMENT

  • Directs the design, maintenance, and care of gardens, trees, lawns, and plant collections with historical and botanical accuracy.
  • Develops and implements seasonal planting plans and long-term horticultural strategies.
  • Oversees pest and disease management programs using sustainable and environmentally conscious practices.
  • Oversees the work of the Plant Curator as relates to the plant records, labeling, and documentation systems.
LEADERSHIP AND SUPERVISION

  • Leads, trains, and evaluates horticulture staff, grounds staff, garden shoppe staff, propagation/nursery manager and volunteers.
  • Schedules horticulture team activities and monitors performance to ensure productivity and quality standards.
  • Promotes a culture of safety, teamwork, and professional development. 
STRATEGIC PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

  • Works with senior leadership on master planning, landscape conservation, and restoration projects.
  • Develops and manages horticulture budgets, including capital projects and grant proposals.
  • Collaborates with historical and curatorial departments to ensure landscaping aligns with the site's historical integrity.

EDUCATION & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

  • Assists with interpretive programming, garden tours, and horticultural classes.
  • Supports community engagement, educational outreach, and donor events.
  • Serves as a subject matter expert on horticulture, historic landscapes, and sustainability.
  • Assist with interpretive signage, publications, and social media content related to horticulture and landscape history.
  • Develops and oversees Garden events such as Plant Festivals, Garden Sales, Orchid Symposium, Art in Bloom, Grow Fort Myers, and other important events.
FACILITY AND GROUNDS COORDINATION

  • Oversees irrigation systems, soil health, composting, and greenhouse operations.
  • Ensures compliance with environmental regulations and landscape preservation standards.

Minimum Requirements

  •  Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Botany, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture, or a related field required (master’s degree preferred).
  •  Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in public garden, estate, or historic landscape management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
  • In-depth knowledge of Florida native plants, tropical/subtropical species, and ornamental horticulture.
  • Strong understanding of landscape preservation and historical garden practices strongly preferred.
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Florida pesticide applicator license (or ability to obtain).
  • Certification in Horticulture and/or Arboriculture strongly encouraged or demonstrate equivalent experience.

 Physical Demands and Working Conditions

  • Regularly must stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
  • Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs., walk long distances, and operate landscaping equipment.
  • Exposed to adverse weather conditions, including wet and/or humid conditions, extreme cold and extreme heat.
  • May be required to work hours other than the regular schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays.