HORTICULTURAL SUPERVISOR

Our mission at the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department is to deliver research-based education from the University of Florida (UF)/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) and similarly trusted institutions to Palm Beach County (PBC) citizens, organizations, and businesses engaged in agriculture, horticulture, human sciences, and youth development.  Educational outreach efforts emphasize practical and impactful solutions that improve life quality for residents, families, and communities; protect water resources and environmental systems, and enhance the competitiveness of agriculture in PBC.  Next to our offices is the Mounts Botanical Garden of PBC, which is a 20-acre living plant museum with 25 unique garden areas. Imagine a tropical paradise with ever-changing beauty that visitors can stroll through for relaxation, inspiration, and/or education.

 

The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners provides an excellent  benefits  package, including medical, dental and life insurance as well as vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement and participation in the Florida Retirement System.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic & Operational Leadership

•        Develop and implement long-range maintenance programs for the garden and landscapes surrounding office buildings.

•        Maintain strong, cooperative working relationships with UF/IFAS extension agents, plant societies, garden clubs, community groups, and the public.

•        Foster a collaborative spirit with colleagues and partner agencies; consistently represent Mounts Botanical Garden with professionalism in both appearance and demeanor.

Horticultural Management

•        Oversee irrigation, spraying, weeding, cleanup, sodding, pruning, mowing, potting, planting, plant propagation, and final transplanting operations in the garden.

•        Demonstrate expertise in plant propagation, pruning, pest and disease identification, beneficial insects, soil health improvement, and irrigation efficiency.

•        Ensure the safe and effective use of fertilizers and pest-control products in public areas.

•        Maintain extensive knowledge of ornamental and tropical/subtropical plant species, their care requirements, and their suitability for South Florida environments.

•        Promote and implement environmentally sound landscaping practices in line with Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles.

Staff & Volunteer Supervision

•        Supervise Horticulturists, garden staff, and volunteers in the installation and maintenance of garden features and landscaping projects; assist in these activities when needed.

•        Oversee work performed by contracted landscape maintenance vendors.

•        Supervise the installation of new hardscapes and temporary art exhibits as required.

•        Direct heavy equipment operators in the construction and modification of landscaped areas.

Public Engagement & Education

•        Collaborate with education and marketing teams to provide expert input on signage, publications, and digital content.

•        Represent the garden at events, and in partnership with external organizations, agencies, and garden clubs.

•        Conduct horticulturally relevant presentations and lead garden tours as needed.

Administration & Budgeting

•        Maintain operational records, equipment maintenance schedules, and documentation to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

•        Conduct employee performance evaluations; administer counseling, disciplinary actions, and address employee complaints and grievances. Recommend hiring, promotions, or terminations as appropriate.

•        Requisition horticultural supplies and manage records for all garden operations, including vendor and contractor activities.

•        Assist in the development and justification of the annual operating budget.

•        Ensure safety and legal compliance in all horticultural operations, including pesticide and fertilizer use and equipment storage. Implement and manage safety training programs.

•        Coordinate preparation and response plans for hurricanes and other hazardous weather events; lead garden recovery efforts post-event.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture, Botany, Landscape Architecture, or related field; minimum of three (3) years of experience in a major horticultural unit such as a botanical garden, plant nursery, or landscape installation operation, including one (1) year of experience directing the work of others.  Equivalencies:  Unrelated Bachelor’s Degree OR related Associate’s Degree and five (5) years of related experience, including one (1) year of experience directing the work of others OR unrelated Associate’s Degree and six (6) years of related experience, including one (1) year of experience directing the work of others OR graduation from high school or an equivalent recognized certification and seven (7) years of related experience, including one (1) year of experience directing the work of others.

 

PREFERENCE FOR EXPERIENCE IN/WITH:  ArcGIS; garden design in South Florida; training or coordinating Horticulturists, maintenance workers/volunteers, temporary employees, summer interns.  Also desirable: Knowledge of soils/pests (i.e., insects, diseases, weeds), pest control, fertilization, pruning for a wide variety of tropical and subtropical plants grown in (or having the potential of being grown) in South Florida (must specify on application); certifications through UF, such as the Master Gardener Curriculum, Green Industries - Best Management Practices (GI-BMPs) Certification, Restricted Use Pesticide Applicator License, and Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance (LCLM) Certification; Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) Certified Horticulture Professional (FCHP), or other applicable FNGLA certifications. 

 

All employees of Palm Beach County may be required to work before, during and/or after a natural or man-made disaster or hurricane.

In accordance with Affirmative Action requirements of Sec. 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the County provides reasonable accommodation. If you need a reasonable accommodation for interviewing or initial employment, please notify the Palm Beach County BCC Human Resources Department. EO/AA Employer M/F/D/V; (Drug Free Work Place).