Horticulturist

Kendal at Oberlin is a full-service life plan community which primarily serves older adults in the Quaker tradition. Residents are assured a lifetime of healthcare including short-and long-term nursing services, memory care and assisted living. Equally important, residents enjoy an independent, enriching living experience. 

Kendal at Oberlin's Facilities Services Team has a full time opening for a Horticulturist. Reporting to the Grounds Manager, the Horticulturist must have a knowledge of, interest in, and/or a desire for a career in plant science, horticulture, landscape design, tree care, turn management and plant care procedures. The Horticulturist will work closely with the Grounds Manager to plan and perform maintenance of trees, shrubs, perennials, plant beds, wetlands, prairies, woodlands, ponds, and arboretum.  Additional functions will include but are not limited to: 

• Safely operating, using and maintaining standard yard tools and grounds power equipment. 


• Providing continued education to grounds staff and Kendal community on horticultural practices. 


• Helps organize and plans seasonal orders for trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials. 


• Maintain plants and grounds by: mowing and trimming, planting and seeding, fertilizing, providing pest and disease control, weeding, irrigating, etc.


• Maintain clear roads and walkways of ice and snow by: plowing roads, parking lots and sidewalks, operating snow blowers, shoveling snow and chipping ice, spreading salt & ice melt, etc.


• Maintaining a flexible schedule and responding to extra work scheduling for heavy seasonal maintenance.

Qualifications and Experience: 

• Must possess a valid operator's license and be insurable with Kendal's insurance carrier.


• Possess degree or certificate in Horticulture or related field or sufficient experience and training in lieu of certification. 


• Experienced and knowledgeable of plant science, horticulture, landscape design, tree care and plant care procedures. 


• Pesticide license or obtain in first year.


• Encouraged to obtain ISA arborist certification. 


• Capable of safely operating, using and maintaining standard horticultural tools and grounds power equipment.


• Must be physically able to walk long distances, dig, shovel, climb, bend, push, stoop, pull, crawl. lift and carry heavy weights and operate grounds power equipment, etc. 


• Well organized and capable or producing quality workmanship.


• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to comprehend written and oral instructions.


• Must have computer skills and be proficient in Outlook, Excel, and Word.


• Must be able to learn proficiency with WorxHub and ArborScope. 


• Pleasant demeanor and capable of dealing with all people in a cooperative manner. 

***This is not a Maintenance position***