Horticulturist

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

 Compensation: $60,000-$67,000 annually

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Horticulturist is an integral member of the Arboretum’s small team of 3 full-time employees. This position is responsible for maintaining, preserving, and enhancing Mountain Top Arboretum’s 200 acres of gardens, forests, meadows, and wetlands, including overseeing the study and understanding of the Arboretum’s unique ecosystems, overseeing the daily maintenance of the Arboretum’s tree and plant collections, and directing organic and integrated pest management and invasive plant strategies. This position will be supported by two seasonal groundskeepers (approximately April 15-October 15 each year).

Responsibilities/Duties

• Oversees the maintenance of our outdoor collections and plant communities to encourage and support sustainability and beauty. This includes but is not limited to weeding, mowing, tree care/forest management, and invasive plant removal.
• Conceives of and leads the creation of planting plans and the procurement of new plants/seed.
• With the Executive Director and Advancement and Horticulture Specialist, strategizes for the development and location of new and renewed curated collections and preservation of natural areas, particularly as outlined in the organization’s strategic and master plans.
• Partners with the Executive Director to hire and supervise seasonal groundskeepers, contractors, and garden volunteers (including the facilitation of weekly volunteer day May-October).
• Partners with the Advancement and Horticulture Specialist to implement the propagation of regionally native plant species.
• Supports the Advancement and Horticulture Specialist to accession plants, track phenology data and update plant/tree health and other conditions in the Hortis database.
• Helps coordinate the creation/purchase and installation of plant labels and other informational signage.
• Oversees equipment and machinery including gas- and electric-powered vehicles and small power tools and helps facilitate service and repair calls to our vendors.
• Serves as a staff liaison to the Tree Health and Horticulture Committees of the Board of Directors
  
  Occasionally, the Horticulturist may be asked to:
• Help facilitate a “volunteer day”, particularly to support the ongoing maintenance of the Arboretum’s trails.
• Lead a tour of the Arboretum for gardening and other interest groups.
• Partner with MTA staff members to complete at least two inspections of the trail system each year to mitigate damage and address concerns in a timely fashion.
• Assist in the development and strategy of grants and/or major gift solicitations related to the Arboretum’s collection and landscape.
• Assist and participate in Arboretum events, including the Annual Author Talk and Volunteer Recognition Day;
• Lead an educational program for the public, such as a plant or tree walk.
• Represent Horticulture in the media, at Arboretum events, and in professional associations. 

Qualifications/Requirements

• Degree or certification in horticulture or related field, such as plant science.
• 3-5 years’ experience at a public garden, private estate, or similar organization.
• Broad knowledge and hands-on experience in applying horticultural practices (e.g. planting, pruning, mowing, weeding, invasive/pest management and propagation).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with utilizing Hortis or other plant collection management software.
• Have valid driver’s license and able to operate tractor and other equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

Additional Information

This is a full-time, exempt position. Salary range is $60,000-$67,000 annually. 
Mountain Top Arboretum offers generous benefits, including paid vacation, sick time, and holidays as well as health, dental, and vision insurance. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Jennifer Hemmerlein at jennifer@mtarboretum.org by November 18, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Mountain Top Arboretum was founded in 1977. Located in Tannersville, New York, Mountain Top Arboretum is the only public garden within the Catskill Park and is open year-round for visitors. Our mission is to conserve, enhance, and celebrate our distinctive Catskill sanctuary through sustainable horticulture, responsible land stewardship, and innovative educational programming. Mountain Top Arboretum is an equal opportunity employer.

Contact Information

Mountain Top Arboretum
Email: jennifer@mtarboretum.org