Director of Horticulture

About the Role

The Director of Horticulture provides leadership and operational oversight for the daily care, maintenance, and presentation of the Dallas Arboretum’s gardens and grounds. Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Horticulture and Collections, the Director ensures landscape maintenance, seasonal transitions, horticultural displays, irrigation, and related garden operations are completed efficiently, safely, and to established standards of quality. This active, hands‑on position requires regular work throughout the gardens and grounds, including equipment operation, material transportation, and work in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Garden Operations: Plan, coordinate, and execute horticultural maintenance and garden operations; develop and manage schedules, staffing, and resources; oversee seasonal transitions, displays, greenhouse production, irrigation, and other operational needs; provide horticultural expertise to address plant health and changing conditions; develop and maintain safe, effective procedures and standards.
• Garden Planning and Development: Support planning, design, and implementation of seasonal displays and horticultural enhancements; coordinate plant material needs and resources; establish procedures for documenting changes to plant collections and garden areas; maintain information to support planning, budgeting, and decision‑making; collaborate with internal teams for festivals, exhibitions, educational programs, special events, and other initiatives.
• Budget and Administration: Develop, administer, and manage the horticulture operating budget; oversee procurement, contract administration, project documentation, purchasing, invoicing, and related processes; maintain accurate project records and prepare updates and budget reports for leadership; support departmental planning, budgeting, design, and other initiatives.
• Department Leadership: Supervise and develop horticulture managers and staff, establishing expectations, providing coaching, and supporting professional growth; guide managers in scheduling, supervising, and developing their teams; foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and high‑quality garden care; lead special projects and other initiatives as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or a related field (required); Master’s degree in a related field (preferred).
• Minimum of five (5) years of applicable experience, including supervisory or team‑leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of horticultural practices, landscape maintenance, plant materials, irrigation, and plant health.
• Demonstrated success leading complex cross‑functional projects involving budgets, schedules, resources, and external partners.
• Experience coordinating vendors, contractors, consultants, or other external partners.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required Texas pesticide applicator licensing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by exhibition schedules and special events.
• Physical ability to lift up to 30 pounds, repeatedly bend and stoop, move throughout the property, work in varying weather conditions, and follow established safety guidelines.
• Ability to successfully complete all pre‑employment requirements, including a background check and drug screening.

Key Competencies

• Accountability
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Influence without authority
• Planning and execution
• Problem solving
• Project leadership

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)