Director of Horticulture in Wichita, KS for Botanica (City of Wichita) (2025)

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Director of Horticulture

Botanica (City of Wichita)

Wichita, Kansas

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Distinguishing Features of Work

Botanica, The Wichita Gardens is a botanical garden located in the Riverside neighborhood of Wichita, Kansas. Botanica opened in 1987 and hosts over a quarter of a million guests each year who visit for regular garden displays, major events including the annual tulip festival and holiday light display, and educational programming. The gardens total 20 developed acres with more land to expand in the future. Many volunteers assist with guest services and gardening activities, and with whom employees and the public interact with frequently.Botanica, the Wichita Gardens is located on land owned by the City of Wichita and operated in partnership with Botanica, Inc., a non-profit entity.

This is a salary, full-time City of Wichita position assigned to Botanica, Inc. Benefits include, but are not limited to a retirement plan, health and dental insurance, paid holidays, and accrual-based paid time off. This position may be on call and the position is expected to attend all major events.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK

This position is responsible for leading all horticulture initiatives at the gardens, including, but not limited to garden design, plant cultivation, turf and tree care, greenhouse production, research and implementation of environmentally sustainable practices in alignment with the Botanica, Inc.’s strategic initiatives. They will participate in SMART Goal setting and be responsible for achieving related benchmarks, long-term planning, and implementing and enforcing best safety and operations practices. The position supervises a team of gardeners and works collaboratively on exhibits, landscaping, hardscaping, and capital projects. They will procure materials and equipment, and ensure the ongoing maintenance of equipment, in a timely manner aligned with Botanica Inc.’s sustainability practices. This position engages directly with volunteers, leveraging their assistance in the gardens.

This position advises on educational programming in relation to plant science and horticultural practice and is part of the senior leadership team. They must demonstrate a high degree of professionalism, sound judgment, awareness, and discretion. This position reports to and receives major assignments from the Executive Director. They are expected to work proactively with all departments at Botanica, Inc., and coordinate issue resolutions with the Facilities team that require the attention of City of Wichita departments.

Examples of Work Performed

Develop, assess, and monitor annual horticulture plans, designs, and corresponding budgets.
Supervise and plan the installation of all plantings and manage the maintenance of all gardens and landscaping features.
Manage a diverse group of plantings including grasses, bulbs, perennials, annuals, and wetland plantings.
Oversee the gardens irrigation systems and lead efforts in conservation and sustainability practices.
Provide leadership, management, support and professional development directly to the horticulture/garden team
Lead special projects
These examples are not intended to be all-inclusive
Other related duties may be assigned as needed

Requirements of Work

Ability to delegate, manage and prioritize activities and responsibilities with clarity and confidence combined with strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
Ability to use a computer to access, interpret and record information
Ability to effectively plan, organize and provide instructions for the work of others
Ability to authentically engage an inspire others
Ability to maintain records and prepare reports
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, representatives of other organizations, and the public
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
Ability to work extended and/or irregular hours including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed
Ability to work outdoors when inclement weather conditions exist
Ability to safely operate golf carts and maintenance vehicles
Ability to tolerate airborne nuisances associated with open grounds and windy conditions
Ability to lift and carry bulky items weighing up to 50 pounds
Ability to be continuously performing tasks that require one to push, pull, climb (ladders and in and out of vehicular equipment), bend, twist, reach, stand, and walk about (up to a half mile at a time) for most of an eight-hour shift
Ability to communicate effectively
An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
Ability to acquire and maintain a valid Kansas Driver's License

Required Experience and Training

A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in horticulture or a related field, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role. Experience in garden design, plant cultivation, greenhouse management, and implementing sustainable practices is essential.
Graduation from a 4-year college with a bachelor's degree in horticulture, garden management, environmental science, landscape architecture, or related field. Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Botany, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture, or a closely related field.
Proven track record of excellent organizational and communication skills.
Strong knowledge in plants and gardening trends. Demonstrated expertise in garden design, plant care, turf and tree management, and greenhouse operations.
Proven ability to manage and lead a team, with strong interpersonal skills to engage and inspire staff, volunteers, and the public.
Proficiency in budgeting, project management, and strategic planning.
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound decisions and handle complex horticultural challenges.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey horticultural knowledge to diverse audiences.
Certification in horticulture or related fields is preferred.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of sponsorship.
Valid Kansas Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment.
Flexibility to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required to support major events and garden operations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate degree from an accredited institution in horticulture, botany, garden management, environmental science, landscape architecture, or other related field.
Experience working in a public garden or similar non-profit.
Experience working in a botanical garden or public garden setting is highly desirable.

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About Botanica (City of Wichita)

Wichita, the largest city in Kansas, population397,532, is the county seat of Sedgwick County;the population in the Metropolitan StatisticalArea is 647,610. As of August 2020, the City’stotal land area was approximately 165.58 squaremiles. Wichita’s employment includes a broadmix of business types, with a sizable base ofrelatively high paying manufacturing jobs. A list ofWichita’s major private employers include SpiritAeroSystems, Inc., Ascension Health, Textron,Inc., Bombardier Learjet, Koch Industries Inc.,Wesley Medical Center, Dillons Food Stores,Cargill Meat Solutions, Johnson Controls, andCox Communications. The City of Wichita is alsoamong the large employer list with approximately3,000 employees.

Connections working at Botanica (City of Wichita)

https://careercenter.nrpa.org/jobs/20619183/director-of-horticulture

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