Horticulturist

Horticulturist – Parks, Recreation & Facilities

Join a dedicated team within the Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department to help shape the natural beauty of Portland. As a Horticulturist, you will take a lead role in the artistry and upkeep of our city’s green spaces. Your work will ensure that everything from vibrant ornamental displays and historic rose gardens to modern green infrastructure and rain gardens remains healthy and inviting for the entire community.

Requirements and Skills

• Physical Requirements: Performance of strenuous manual labor, including frequent lifting and carrying of heavy loads up to 50 lbs. Required to work in all seasons and weather conditions. Operation of power equipment related to landscape work. Possess strength and dexterity to kneel, crouch, stand, and climb to conduct landscape/garden tasks for extended periods.

• Core Abilities: Ability to follow instructions and work with others as part of a team. Ability to maintain good working relationships and communications with co-workers, supervisors, contractors and the general public. Ability to read and understand landscape and garden design plans. Basic computer proficiency to record information and basic landscape design.

• Training and Experience: Experience with various landscape maintenance equipment, tasks, planting and care of woody plants. Knowledge/experience with planting and maintenance of annual, herbaceous and woody plants. Knowledge of IPM and Plant Health Care activities. Must possess a high school diploma or GED, two years of post-secondary education in a job-related field with two years of progressive work experience.

• Licenses and Certifications: Necessary requirements include a Maine Certified Landscape Professional and a State of Maine Commercial Pesticide Applicators License with category 3A and 6B (or the ability to obtain within 6 months of appointment date) and a valid Maine Class B driver’s license in good standing. Must have and maintain a good driving record. Maine Certified Landscape Professional (desired).

• Pre-employment: Must undergo a pre-employment medical exam and fitness assessment and pass a federally mandated drug test. Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check.

About the Role

This position is ideal for a skilled professional who enjoys the balance of technical plant care and hands-on field operations. You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of city landscapes—from diagnosing plant health and executing precise pruning to managing irrigation and seasonal displays. Beyond horticulture, you will play a vital role in the city’s resilience by assisting with winter operations and emergency weather events. This is a collaborative role where you will represent the city to the public and work alongside passionate volunteers to keep Portland’s public lands thriving year-round.