- Manhattan, Kansas, United States
- Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Regular)
- Closing at: Aug 14 2026 - 23:55 CDT
The Horticulturalist for the K-State Gardens is responsible for the care and enhancement of plant collections and landscaped areas. This role supports the gardens’ educational, aesthetic and environmental goals through expert plant care, sustainable practices and collaboration with staff, faculty and volunteers. The Horticulturalist contributes to garden planning, seasonal displays and ensures high horticultural standards and a positive visitor experience.
The Gardens have been a part of Kansas State University campus since 1875. They were developed and are still used as an outdoor lab for students and faculty. Through time, the Gardens grew into a beautiful horticulture display garden and so much more. The Gardens are a place for the university community and the visiting public from near and far to find beauty, peace and joy.
This position is On-site.
Minimum Qualifications:
- High school diploma (or equivalent)
- Four years of relevant experience. Requirements may be met through a combination of education and experience.
- Valid driver's license
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, plant science, landscape management or a related field.
- Hands-on experience in horticultural care and landscape maintenance.
- Strong knowledge of plant identification, soil science, and pest management.
- Ability to operate and maintain horticultural tools and equipment.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Commitment to sustainability and public education.
- Experience working in a public garden, botanical garden, or university setting.
- Certification in horticulture or pesticide application.
- Familiarity with native and regionally adapted plant species.
Additional Role Information:
- This role has wide ranging responsibilities, including mowing, trimming, edging, applications of fungicides, insecticides and fertilizers for plant health and herbicides for weed control, irrigation maintenance, installing trees, shrubs, perennial and annual flowers, pruning trees and shrubs, maintaining grounds equipment and snow removal. This position requires the employee to be on-call for after-hours emergencies from time-to-time.
Sponsorship eligibility:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship
Please submit the following documents:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Three Professional References
Applications close on: August 14, 2026
$25.00 - $30.00 Hourly
Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.
Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.
Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements. An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.
Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives.
Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.
Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.
The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.
- Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.
To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.
