Plant Collections & Records Horticulturist

About Our Organization

Lauritzen Gardens, acclaimed as the Best Attraction in the 2025 Omaha Metropolitan Area Tourism Awards and voted #5 by USA Today for Top Botanical Gardens in the United States, is home to 100 acres of horticultural displays showcasing the diverse Nebraska landscape. Lauritzen Gardens is a non-profit organization that provides conservation efforts across the Great Plains, practices and promotes thoughtful and ecologically minded horticulture practices, creates educational and inspirational experiences, and offers a year-round schedule of tours, programs, and workshops that explore, explain, and celebrate the world of plants. Lauritzen Gardens is dedicated to upholding its exceptional standards and providing joyful experiences for its visitors.

Job Summary

The Plant Collections & Records Horticulturist is responsible for performing all aspects of plant documentation and garden inventory, and for maintaining the plant records database to a high standard of ecological horticultural excellence, under the direction of the Plant Records & Horticulture Manager. This role works collaboratively with the horticulture team to support accurate, timely, and comprehensive plant information management.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Research, enter, and maintain plant collections data in the living collections management database (IrisBG); follow up on obtaining collections information from plant suppliers and donors.
• Review and process plant acquisition requests from commercial sources, exchanges with other botanical gardens, and donations; ensure accurate data entry, ordering, receiving, and accessioning of plant material.
• Ensure accurate botanical nomenclature and taxonomy within the living collections database, plant labels, and garden signage.
• Process requests for accession tags and display labels; ensure timely and accurate production using in-house equipment; maintain equipment, supplies, and work areas. And troubleshoot equipment malfunctions as needed.
• Assist with periodic inventories of the plant collections and enter inventory data into appropriate databases.

Qualifications & education

• 5-7 years of horticultural experience and/or data entry experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Life Sciences, Design, or related field.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Strong horticultural background with knowledge of botanical garden plant collections; experience with database curation and management preferred.
• Basic understanding of plant identification and taxonomy preferred.
• Demonstrated self-reliance, flexibility, and practical time-management skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and plan work effectively up to a year in advance.
• Comfortable working with and supervising horticulturists, volunteers, and interns; able to work effectively with individuals of all ages and abilities.

Physical & Operational Requirements

• This is a hands-on position requiring the ability to lift to 40 lbs. safely, and to stand, squat, and kneel for extended periods of time, including working safely in extreme environmental conditions.
• Must be willing to use fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides in accordance with label-stated safety precautions; must obtain a pesticides applicator’s license within 12 months of hire.
• Ability to safely operate garden equipment (e.g. golf carts, blowers, sprayers, and related tools).

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated commitment to excellence and strong attention to detail, particularly regarding data accuracy and garden documentation.
• Ability to understand and assist with best horticultural practices that support plant health and display aesthetics.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and computer skills for research, recordkeeping, database management, signage development, and problem-solving.
• Ability to interpret instructions and work effectively and efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate horticultural and maintenance needs courteously and effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Responsiveness in providing articles, information, and input for interpretive displays and educational programs.

Work Environment

• Collaborative, fast-paced, and mission-driven, requiring adaptability, clear communication, and commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful workplace.
• Some evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required to support garden operations, events, and seasonal programming.