HORTICULTURIST ASSISTANT, BONSAI DISPLAY at Longwood Gardens – Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

As one of the great gardens of the world located just 30 miles outside of Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens is rooted in a steadfast mission of bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Across our many departments, each and every staff member creates the magic that makes our Gardens distinctive. Our team of dynamic professionals is what sets us apart, and our spirit of legacy, innovation, and opportunity is what guides us. While beauty is our heart, our people are our soul.

Longwood Gardens is seeking a dedicated part-time Horticulturist Assistant to join our Bonsai team supporting the care, display, and interpretation of one of North America’s most distinguished bonsai collections. Founded by Pierre S. du Pont, Longwood spans over 1,100 acres and welcomes more than 1.5 million guests annually. Our renowned bonsai collection, established in 1959, features century-old specimens representing both traditional Japanese styles and innovative American interpretations.

The part-time Horticulturist Assistant will assist in the daily care and maintenance of the bonsai collection, working hands-on with trees cultivated through decades of horticultural expertise. Responsibilities include:

• Performing daily and seasonal watering, adjusting practices based on species, substrate, container type, and environmental conditions.
• Conducting maintenance pruning and seasonal structural cutbacks.
• Assisting with and performing repotting, including root pruning, soil preparation, container cleaning, securing trees, and providing post‑repot aftercare.
• Applying fertilization programs appropriate to species and seasons.
• Monitoring overall bonsai health, identifying care priorities, and communicating observations to the Bonsai Curator and team.
• Preparing bonsai for public display in the Bonsai Courtyard and Workshop through grooming, mossing, top dressing, and cleaning of pots and stands.
• Supporting exhibition installations and rotations by assisting with staging, movement of trees, and seasonal display changeouts.
• Maintaining the overall presentation and readiness of bonsai displays throughout exhibition periods.
• Occasionally assisting with volunteer organization and orientation.

Schedule: An average of 28 hours per week across 3–4 days, primarily Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend work required. The daily start time is 7:00 AM.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A minimum 2‑year degree in horticulture or a related field or at least 2 years of horticulture/Bonsai experience.
• Experience with growing Bonsai trees or containerized woody plants preferred.
• Experience in a public garden or exhibition setting preferred.
• Baseline knowledge of plant culture and routine horticultural tasks (e.g., pruning, deadheading, potting, weeding).
• The ability to work with students, volunteers, and seasonal staff.
• The ability to perform repetitive and detailed manual horticultural work.
• The ability to operate small handheld equipment.
• A valid driver’s license and ability to obtain a DOT card and drive a box truck
• A current PA Pesticide Applicator’s license or willingness to obtain one within 6 months of hire.
• The ability to lift 50 pounds and work outdoors in varied weather conditions.

Longwood Gardens is committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment that celebrates the complexities and differences of all living things. We welcome and respect diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. Diversity creates a more beautiful world, sparks innovation, and unites us.