GROWER at Longwood Gardens – Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
About This Position
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 full-time Greenhouse Grower to join our team of growers, producing over 1000 unique florist crops, in 4.5 acres of greenhouses and container fields, used to create Longwood’s world-renown displays. This is a unique hands-on position requiring attention to detail. Specific responsibilities include:
- Supporting Longwood’s internationally renowned Chrysanthemum Festival by assisting in the cultivation of specialty chrysanthemums using advanced training techniques developed in Japan and China, producing forms rarely seen outside of Asia.
- Managing assigned greenhouse crop areas and supporting broader production needs, overseeing all aspects of crop care, including planting, training, irrigation, nutrition, environmental controls, and integrated pest management.
- Maintaining accurate production records and assisting in refining and documenting growing methods to support consistency, scheduling, and continuous improvement.
- Coordinating the movement, installation, and care of plant material for production and seasonal displays, including working safely with vehicles and equipment.
- Maintaining clean, organized, and efficient greenhouse and work areas to support plant health and operational excellence.
- Supervising, training, and mentoring students, seasonal staff, and volunteers; collaborating across Greenhouse Production teams; and assisting with special projects, seasonal displays, and snow operations.
Periodic weekend, holiday, and evening duty is required.
The ideal candidate will possess:
- A Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in Horticulture with an emphasis in Floriculture Production or affiliated field and/or correlative work experience in a greenhouse production setting.
- Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills in a team setting
- Demonstrated experience working proactively to meet deadlines
- Experience working as part of a team as well and independently
- Proficiency in essential computer applications and technologies, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
- A valid driver’s license
- The ability to obtain a DOT Physical Card within six months of hire date
- The ability to obtain a Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator’s license within six months of hire date
- The ability to obtain a forklift operator’s training certificate within six months of hire date
- The ability to sit, stand, stoop, bend, and kneel for prolonged periods of time
- The ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and indoors in hot or cold
- The ability to lift, push, and pull 50 pounds
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.