Horticulturist

ABOUT THE ROLE The Horticulturist will oversee three key program areas within the Landscape Management Division of the General Services Department for the City of Charlotte. This role involves applying landscape design expertise to manage the city's median renovation program, serving as the designated Bee City Ambassador to ensure compliance with the national program and oversee pollinator gardens, and contributing to environmental education programming to engage the community. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Oversee and manage the median and city properties renovation program, including project planning, design development, budget, and execution. - Develop and prepare landscape construction specifications, review plans and contracts, and manage documentation for landscape-related work. - Lead and manage the Bee City certification program for the City of Charlotte, ensuring full compliance with program requirements. - Supervise the maintenance and care of existing pollinator gardens on city property. - Design and implement a citywide flower planting and maintenance program. - Provide leadership and guidance to landscape staff on projects, contractor performance, and horticultural best practices. - Conduct plant inspections and maintain detailed records of contractor performance, invoices, and work documentation. - Educate staff and the public on the importance of pollinators and sustainable landscaping practices. - Collaborate with city and state agencies, community organizations, homeowner groups, and private businesses. - Manage the plant holding nursery to ensure proper care and storage of plants for future projects. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Botany, Biology, Forestry, Landscape Architecture, Plant Science, or a related field, with at least one year of relevant work experience. 2. OR an Associate's degree in Horticulture, Arboriculture, Forestry, or a related field, with two years of relevant experience. 3. OR a High School diploma or equivalent, with five years of experience in a related field. 4. OR an equivalent combination of education, work experience, and relevant industry certifications. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Preferred qualifications include: N.C. Licensed Landscape Contractor, ISA Certified Arborist, or NC Pesticide applicators license (Turf and Ornamentals, Right-of-Way, and Aquatics), or the ability to obtain any of these within one year of hire. - Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. - Comprehensive background checks are required, including reference, social security, education, criminal conviction, credit history, sex offender registry, and motor vehicle records checks. SELECTION PROCESS - The selection process may include an application review, skills test, and/or participation in other assessments. - Background checks will be conducted in compliance with federal and state statutes, requiring candidate authorization prior to obtaining reports. HOW TO APPLY 1. Apply online through the City of Charlotte careers portal. 2. Self-service application kiosks are available at the Human Resources Department lobby: 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202 (Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST, excluding official City holidays). 3. For questions about the application or hiring process, email Careers@ci.charlotte.nc.us. 4. Reasonable accommodations for the application process can be requested by contacting the department or filling out the Innovation and Technology ADA request form. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employment Type: Full Time - Department: General Services Department (GS Landscape Mgmt) - Job Requisition ID: JR104426 - Location: Charlotte, NC - Application End Date: September 8, 2026