Horticulturist - Boerner Botanical Gardens

Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support, Combined Court Operations, Sheriff's Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors and those with Disabilities in Aging and Disability Services, and Veterans in Veterans Services. Our employees also remain committed to serving the cultural, human, recreational, and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If disability related accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936. For submitted application inquiries please contact careers@milwaukeecountywi.gov. Please note: an online application must be submitted for consideration.

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Horticulturalist

Milwaukee County Parks - Boerner Botanical Gardens

Hourly Pay Range: $22.33 - $33.51

Closing Date: 1/29/2026 or upon receipt of the first 50 applications

Parks Equity Statement: Milwaukee County Parks is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse work force that is demographically and racially representative of Milwaukee County residents. Milwaukee County Parks leadership is committed to honoring diverse experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, while fostering work environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

Job Summary: The Horticulturist is responsible for the care, development, and presentation of assigned garden areas at Boerner Botanical Gardens. This position performs skilled horticultural work, including planting, maintenance, and seasonal display design across multiple garden spaces. The Horticulturalist supports high horticultural standards, visitor experience, and the mission of Milwaukee County Parks.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Perform daily horticultural care of assigned garden areas, including planting, pruning, weeding, soil preparation, irrigation, fertilization, pest management, and seasonal change-outs to ensure the highest aesthetic and horticultural standards.
• Design and install seasonal floral and plant displays within assigned gardens to enhance visitor experience and reflect Boerner Botanical Gardens' design themes.
• Provide guidance, training, and daily supervision to volunteers, interns and seasonal staff working in assigned garden spaces. Ensure safe and efficient work practices and positive public engagement.
• Maintain accurate plant records, inventories, and maps in coordination with the Horticulture Supervisor. Track materials, assist with procurement, and support plant labeling and accessioning in accordance with garden policies.
• Inspect, maintain, and operate equipment, tools, and irrigation systems necessary for horticultural tasks. Ensure safe use and proper storage of materials and machinery.
• Provide customer service to visitors, assist with tours and programs, and support special events in or near assigned garden areas.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Current resident of Wisconsin.
• Possession of a valid Wisconsin Driver's License, able to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of an Associate Degree or higher in Horticulture or a related Natural Sciences degree, or two (2) or more years of equivalent experience in lieu of a degree.
• One (1) or more years of experience in Horticultural Maintenance, Plant Care, or a related field.
• Willing and able to obtain a Category 3.0 Pesticide Certification within six (6) months of start date.
• Able to push, pull, lift, and carry up to 40 lbs.
• Willing and able to work a flexible schedule, including weekend work during the busy season (April - Mid-November) and on-call availability during the off-season for snow removal (Mid-November - March).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Possession of a Bachelor's Degree or higher in Horticulture, Botany, or a related Natural Sciences degree.
• Experience with Greenhouse Operations, Plant Propagation, and Tropical or Interior Plant Care.
• Experience developing and maintaining Seasonal Floral and Display Gardens.

NOTE: This ORIGINAL APPLICATION is open to qualified residents of the State of Wisconsin at the time of application. Candidates need to submit a full account of their training and experience (i.e., by submitting an up-to-date resume or by fully completing the application) during the application process and may also be asked to take additional written or performance tests as part of the selection process.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.