Horticulturist

Who We Are

Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18^th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 88 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.

Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.

About the Position

This position is a key member of a crew within the Landscape Department responsible for maintaining historic gardens and landscapes to the highest horticultural standards.  Assist Lead Horticulturist with the maintenance and management of all specified areas to include the proper cultural practices for all plants, including heirloom, modern varieties, fine gardening, plant conservation, landscape restoration, soil management, and hardscape maintenance.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for maintaining the overall health and appearance of the gardens and landscape in specified areas, keeping them pristine and safe. Responsible for planting, pruning, shearing, weeding, and amending the soil. Maintains a variety of hardscapes (shell, gravel, bank-run, etc.) and a variety of plants (trees, shrubs, herbs, vegetables, perennials, and seasonal flowers).


• Attend daily briefing meetings to prioritize work and perform all work in a timely and efficient manner to ensure efficient completion of projects and garden-related activities. Work with little direction or supervision and solve problems in a timely manner.


• Interact positively and professionally with fellow staff members and Colonial Williamsburg visitors, answering questions and giving directions. Assist with giving talks and tours to garden clubs, garden programs and special guests. 


• Responsible for following the best management practices for the cultivation of trees, shrubs, ground covers, vines, turf grasses, perennials, annuals and herbs. This includes planting, watering, fertilizing, grooming, pruning and soil management. Remains informed of current techniques and practices in the horticultural field. 


• Responsible for the identification, control and treatment of weeds, diseases, and pests. Coordinate with IPM Specialist to ensure the safe and proper use of insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides.


• Observe OSHA guidelines to assure specified areas are safe for employees and visitors. Ability to operate large equipment such as, but not limited to, tractors, loaders, dump trucks, snowplows and similar machinery.


• Guide the work of interns and volunteers in daily gardening activities and provide directions to ensure efficient completion of garden-related activities and special projects. Assure interns and volunteers have the proper tools and equipment and the proper training to use and maintain all tools and equipment safely.


• Responsible for tool inventory, maintenance, and upkeep. Proficient in the operation and care of equipment and power tools and can train others on the proper use and safety of assigned equipment.


• Perform research on Colonial Williamsburg’s properties, and 18^th-century gardens and gardening methods.


• Conduct work in accordance with Colonial Williamsburg policies and procedures and in accordance with Virginia state regulations. Practices and maintains safety standards. Performs other related duties as requested by immediate supervisor and carries out or directs the completion of special assignments. 


• This position is deemed essential personnel (24/7) and will be required to report to work whether the Foundation is open or closed. Will be required to respond to emergencies or other non-routine situations You may be required to report outside your normal schedule to handle unexpected issues such as the removal of snow, ice, or storm damage.

This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.

This job description reflects the general responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and responsibilities may evolve over time based on operational needs.

Required Education and Experience: 

• High school diploma/G.E.D., plus four years’ experience in direct garden and landscape maintenance or two-year degree in a horticulture-related field degree plus two years’ experience with direct garden and landscape maintenance. Industry related internship can count towards years of experience.


• Experience in landscape and garden maintenance at comparable large institutions where the fine art of gardening is practiced.


• Strong knowledge of landscaping tools, equipment, and horticultural practices


• Must possess or obtain a Virginia Department of Consumer Services Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate within 90 days of employment.


• Require a valid Virginia driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s criteria.

• Must be able to provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment


• Must be at least 21 years of age


• May not have more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 months


• May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months


• May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Experienced gardener having grown and applied proper cultural practices to a variety of plants including flowering annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, vegetables, and fruit. 

Key Skills / Competencies:

• In-depth knowledge of landscape maintenance and advanced skills in ornamental gardening practices.


• Research skills are a plus as is experience making holiday decorations.


• Good communication (verbal and written) and public speaking skills.


• Ability to read directions and complete reports accurately and in accordance with deadlines.


• Must be familiar with Microsoft Office; proficiency in Microsoft Word preferred.


• Willing and able to work outside in all weather conditions, work flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays, must be available for work on emergency basis seven days a week, 24 hours a day.


• Must be a fast learner who is ability to demonstrate proficiency with new equipment/tasks.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

Stand Frequently
Walk Frequently
Sit Frequently
Use hands/fingers Frequently
Climb or balance Occasionally
Stoop/kneel/crouch/crawl Occasionally
Reach with hands/arms Frequently
Talk or hear Frequently
Lifting up to 10 lbs. Frequently
Lifting up to 25 lbs. Occasionally
Lifting up to 50 lbs. (with assistance) Occasionally
Lifting up to 100 lbs. (with assistance) Rarely
More than 100 lbs. (with assistance) Rarely
Wet/humid conditions: Frequently
Work near moving mechanical parts: Frequently
Fumes/airborne particles: Rarely
Extreme cold: Frequently
Extreme heat: Frequently
Risk of electrical shock Rarely
Driving requirement: Frequently

Typical Work Schedule:

40 hrs./week;  Monday through Friday  6:00am-2:30pm; overtime may be required

Compensation Disclaimer: The compensation listed below for this position represents the anticipated hiring range and is provided in accordance with Virginia pay transparency requirements. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the selected candidate’s skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and the specific requirements of the role.

Range: $17.00 to $25.00 per hour