Horticulturist

Job Title: Horticulturist

Department: Golf Course Maintenance

Reports To: Director of Agronomy & Grounds

Position Summary

The Horticulturist is responsible for preserving, enhancing, and maintaining the beauty of the Club's ornamental landscapes, gardens, trees, shrubs, seasonal displays, and fine turf surrounding Club facilities. This position oversees the planning, execution, and quality of horticultural work performed by the Club's contracted landscape maintenance provider while ensuring all landscape enhancements and plant health programs meet the exceptional standards of a premier private country club.

Working collaboratively with the Director of Agronomy & Grounds, contractors, and Club leadership, the Horticulturist develops long-term landscape improvement strategies, promotes sustainable horticultural practices, and creates visually exceptional outdoor environments that enhance the member and guest experience.

Essential Responsibilities

Landscape Management

• Oversee and manage the Club's contracted landscape maintenance services, ensuring work is performed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with Club standards.
• Supervise contractor activities including tree and shrub pruning, mulching, seasonal flower installations, ornamental bed maintenance, irrigation support, and landscape renovation projects.
• Conduct routine inspections of landscaped areas to identify maintenance needs, plant health concerns, irrigation issues, and opportunities for landscape enhancement.
• Inspect completed work to verify compliance with contract specifications, horticultural best practices, and the Club's quality expectations.
• Maintain the overall appearance of ornamental landscapes, gardens, and outdoor gathering spaces to reflect the Club's commitment to excellence.

Landscape Planning & Enhancement

• Develop seasonal color programs and planting plans for annuals, perennials, tropicals, ornamental containers, and decorative landscape features.
• Recommend, plan, and coordinate landscape enhancement projects that improve the beauty, functionality, and long-term sustainability of the property.
• Collaborate with the Director of Agronomy & Grounds on long-term landscape master planning and capital improvement initiatives.
• Evaluate landscape performance and recommend improvements based on seasonal conditions, member feedback, and industry best practices.
• Support special events and Club initiatives by enhancing landscape presentation throughout the property.

Plant Health & Environmental Stewardship

• Monitor ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers, and landscape plantings for weeds, insects, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and environmental stress.
• Develop and implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to promote healthy, sustainable landscapes.
• Plan, calibrate, mix, and apply fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and other approved plant protection products in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, manufacturer label requirements, and Club policies.
• Ensure pesticide application equipment is properly calibrated, maintained, and operated safely.
• Promote environmentally responsible horticultural practices including water conservation, soil health, sustainable planting practices, and responsible pest management.

Contractor & Project Oversight

• Coordinate the daily activities of contracted landscape maintenance providers.
• Establish clear performance expectations and monitor contractor productivity and quality.
• Communicate project priorities, timelines, and quality standards.
• Review completed work and provide feedback to ensure consistent adherence to Club expectations.
• Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and suppliers regarding materials, scheduling, and project execution.

Safety & Compliance

• Maintain compliance with OSHA standards, environmental regulations, pesticide application requirements, and Club safety policies.
• Ensure all horticultural equipment and application tools are maintained in safe operating condition.
• Promote a safe working environment for associates, contractors, members, and guests.
• Maintain required certifications and licenses related to pesticide application and horticultural practices.
• Maintain accurate records related to pesticide applications, inspections, and regulatory compliance.

Team Collaboration

• Collaborate with Golf Course Maintenance, Engineering, Lifestyle, Facilities, and other Club departments to support Club-wide initiatives.
• Partner with Club leadership to enhance outdoor spaces for member programming and special events.
• Foster positive working relationships with contractors, vendors, associates, and Club leadership.
• Stay current on horticultural trends, emerging technologies, and industry best practices through continuing education and professional development.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.