Assistant Horticulturist

Position Summary:  The Assistant Horticulturist at Bellerive Country Club (“Bellerive”) supports the planning, implementation, and maintenance of high-quality horticultural practices across outdoor landscaped areas.  This is a hands-on role requiring technical horticultural knowledge, a passion for plants, and the ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to ensure the health, beauty, and sustainability of all garden spaces.

Core Four Competencies:

• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of horticultural practices, with a focus on plant health, soil nutrition, and sustainable gardening methods, including integrated pest management and plant material suitable to the Midwest climate.
• Leads by example through hands-on participation in daily horticultural activities while maintaining high standards and ensuring seamless execution of tasks across outdoor and greenhouse environments.
• Works effectively within the agronomic team to align with Bellerive’s mission and goals, while fostering strong, professional relationships with internal staff, Members, and external stakeholders.
• Ensures availability of all necessary supplies and equipment for propagation and cultivation, supporting efficient and uninterrupted horticultural operations.

• Job Responsibilities:
• Uphold and enhance exceptional horticultural standards and best practices throughout Bellerive.
• Lead by example in performing horticultural tasks across outdoor landscapes and greenhouse environments.
• Oversee plant health and soil nutrition programs, emphasizing sustainable methods and integrated pest management for both indoor and outdoor gardens.
• Collaborate closely with the agronomic team to support operational decisions aligned with Bellerive’s mission and goals.
• Develop professional relationships with staff, Members, volunteers, vendors, contractors, media representatives, and the general public.
• Apply in-depth knowledge of plant species, particularly those suitable to the Midwest climate, in all horticultural planning and maintenance activities.
• Completes other duties as assigned by the Horticulturist or other members of Bellerive’s leadership team.

• Must have the ability to successfully plant and maintain a wide variety of plant material suited to the Midwest climate.
• Must possess a strong understanding of plant physiology and growth habits to support optimal health, development, and performance in diverse horticultural settings.
• Must have the ability to balance multiple projects and have strong project and time management skills.  Must possess high attention to detail.
• Must display an aptitude for working in a fast-paced environment with a demonstrated ability to work autonomously, take direction, and exercise good judgment.  Must have the ability to reason and apply common-sense understanding to situations encountered.
• Must have a high level of professionalism and interpersonal skills in order to communicate and work well with employees at all levels within the organization and maintain all information in the strictest of confidence.  Must use tact and diplomacy when dealing with others.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate English; compose documents in the appropriate business style using correct grammar and spelling; communicate clearly using proper grammar and diction over the telephone.
• Ability to simultaneously process routine daily functions, resolve sensitive issues, and complete complex assignments utilizing above-average critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work overtime as necessary, as well as nights, weekends, and holidays when needed, to ensure the appropriate demands of the department.
• The physical demands of this position are representative of those that might be met by an employee for them to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.  These include being both mobile and stationary throughout the workday and having the ability to transport fifty (50) pounds.  Regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions.  Frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals.  Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; extreme cold; extreme heat; risk of electrical shock; and vibration.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.  May need to use personal protective equipment at times, such as a respirator, gloves, earplugs, eye guards/visors, boots, and hat.

Qualifications / Education:

• An Associate degree in Horticulture, Botany, Natural Sciences, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Two (2) plus years of hands-on horticultural experience, preferably in a public garden, golf course, estate, or similar setting, is required.
• A valid driver's license is required.