Horticulturist I Seasonal - Rose Garden

Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support Enforcement, Combined Court Operations, Sheriffs Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors in the Department on Aging, those with Disabilities, and Veterans Affairs. Our employees also remain committed to serve the cultural, human, recreational and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If disability related accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936. For application inquiries please contact careers@milwaukeecountywi.gov.

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Horticulturist 1 - Seasonal (Parks Rose Garden)

Seasonal, Hourly

Hourly Range: $19.44 - $23.81

Job Summary

The Seasonal Horticulturist - Rose Garden plays a hands-on role in maintaining the health and beauty of our formal Rose Garden throughout the growing season. This position focuses on the day-to-day care of the rose collection-tasks like deadheading, weeding, pruning, and monitoring for pests and disease-all with the goal of keeping the garden looking its best for our visitors. It exists to support the overall horticultural quality of one of our most iconic garden spaces and to ensure that the Rose Garden remains a vibrant, thriving centerpiece during the growing season.

This seasonal position offers a unique opportunity to work in one of Boerner Botanical Gardens' most iconic and beloved spaces-the formal Rose Garden. Ideal for individuals with a strong interest in ornamental horticulture, this role focuses on hands-on plant care and garden display during the peak growing season. Candidates should be detail-oriented, comfortable working outdoors in a public setting, and enthusiastic about supporting a living collection that draws thousands of visitors each year. Experience with rose maintenance is a plus, but training will be provided for the right candidate.

Job Responsibilities

• Garden maintenance - Perform daily upkeep of the Rose Garden, including weeding, deadheading, pruning, watering, and mulching to ensure healthy plants and a tidy appearance.

• Pest and Disease Monitoring - Observe and report signs of pests or plant diseases, supporting integrated pest management strategies to protect the rose collection.

• Volunteer Support - Participate in seasonal plantings of flowers, shrubs, and trees and assist with greenhouse duties, including plant care and propagation.

• Plant records & updating - Maintain accurate records of plant species, growth patterns, and changes in the gardens. Ensure that plant information is regularly updated for future care and planning.

• Public engagement & visitor interaction - Answer visitor questions and offer educational insights about plants and gardening practices to enhance their experience.

Required Education, License/Certification and Experience

• Current resident of WI
• High School diploma or GED required
• Valid Driver's License required and must be maintained throughout incumbency
• At least two years coursework or experience in horticulture or related field
• At least 1 (One) year or more years of experience in Horticulture, landscaping, or a related field

Additional Comments:

• Requires working outdoors in varying weather conditions throughout the growing season
• Focuses on a high-visibility, high-traffic garden area with elevated expectations for display quality
• Must adapt tasks based on seasonal conditions, bloom cycles, and pest/disease pressures
• Benefits from prior experience or training in rose care, pruning techniques, and ornamental horticulture
• Represents the garden to the public and should maintain a professional and approachable demeanor

PG15P Org:9000 PY

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.