Horticulturist

Job Title: Horticulturist
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: Yes

Reports to: Grounds Operations Management
Location:  Bentonville, Arkansas (On-site)

Date Reviewed: 08/15/2025

Art and Wellness Enterprises (AWE) supports operating non-profits founded by Alice Walton, including the Alice L. Walton Foundation, Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, Art Bridges, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Momentary, and Heartland Whole Health Institute.

About The Position

The Horticulturist plays a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the health, aesthetics, and functionality of the Art and Wellness campus landscape. This position is responsible for performing hands-on horticultural tasks across turf, hardscape, and landscape areas while supporting the overall landscape vision of the campus. In addition to general maintenance responsibilities, the Horticulturist serves as a technical expert in one or more specialized horticultural areas, such as plant health care, irrigation, or integrated pest management.

The Horticulturist contributes to both daily landscape operations and long-term campus improvement efforts. This includes executing landscape installations, monitoring plant health, participating in contractor oversight, and collaborating with internal teams and external partners to uphold horticultural standards. The position also involves presenting findings and participating in site walks and project meetings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lawn, Tree, and Shrub Maintenance – Perform assigned lawn, tree, and shrub maintenance.
• Annual and Perennial Ornamental Garden Maintenance – Maintain assigned garden areas including seasonal flower displays and perennials.
• Paved Area Maintenance – Perform routine cleaning, basic repair, and snow and ice removal of the parking lots, walkways, and other paved areas.
• Leaf Removal – Perform removal of leaves from lawns, shrub, and planting beds.
• Equipment and Ornamental Mechanical Fixture Maintenance – Maintain and repair tools and equipment as needed for proper function, as well as garden restrooms, drinking fountains, and garden furniture and fixtures.
• Security/Public Relations – Greet visitors, maintain the security and integrity of the grounds and campus, and serve as a source of information for visitors.
• Irrigation Maintenance – Monitor and maintain irrigation systems, troubleshoot problems or evaluate performance, and perform field diagnostics and repairs throughout all aspects of the system.
• Landscaping Builds – This includes dirt work, rock work, and other hardscape installation. It also includes installing all manner of plants, mulch, drainage, and low voltage lighting.
• Developing and installing basic landscape designs based on understanding of plant types, environmental factors, and maintenance practices.
• Identify plants and implement maintenance and cultural practices to maintain or improve plant health.
• Utilize Microsoft Excel or other database software to organize data for asset organization and management programs.
• Perform quality control checks and audits of landscape contractor work and communicate findings to leaders and contractors in verbal and written forms.
• Represent grounds operations department in site walks and project meetings with campus employees and volunteers working on projects and programs that overlap with assigned grounds operations work.
• Prepare designs and quantity estimates for maintenance and project work that fall under assigned areas and programs.
• Identify, develop, communicate, and execute long-term (6 months to 1 year) maintenance strategies in assigned areas of the grounds. These strategies should focus on improving safety, environmental conditions, and the aesthetic quality of the landscape.
• Prepare and deliver written and verbal presentations to grounds operations staff and leaders highlighting horticultural programs and initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• The Horticulturist must have formal education, certification, or demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following areas and be able to operate independently with minimal oversight:
  • Plant Science and Cultural Practices – Expertise in plant identification, use in landscapes, and associated cultural techniques to ensure healthy, vibrant growth.
  • Arboriculture and Forestry – Skilled in pruning, felling, pest/disease identification, and safe tree care practices.
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – Ability to design and administer proactive IPM programs in managed landscapes, garden, and natural settings.
  • Irrigation Management – Proficient in commercial-scale irrigation systems including central controls and water conservation methods.
• Solid understanding of horticulture, plant science, and landscape maintenance practices.
• Strong working knowledge of plant identification and the ability to apply cultural practices for plant health.
• Comfortable working outdoors year-round in various weather conditions and rugged terrain.

• Effective troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient in using a variety of hand and power tools.
• Capable of operating standard equipment and machinery, including forklifts, scissor/extension lifts, and vehicles/carts/trailers.
• Willingness and ability to learn and use specialized software.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and other basic computer applications.
• Committed to providing excellent customer service rooted in courtesy, respect, and approachability.
• Enthusiastic about contributing to the success of a major community center.
• Dedicated to continuous improvement and ongoing professional development.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to understand and maintain the highest standards of confidentiality.
• Able to work independently with initiative and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
• Capable of contributing to project teams with a focus on results and operational excellence.
• Physically and mentally fit to respond to emergency situations as needed.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those required by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Physical Demands: In the work environment described, this role requires a high level of physical activity and sustained use of a computer and telephone for prolonged periods of time. The position requires effective verbal and written communication with others, good eye/hand coordination, and the ability to lift and transport up to 50 pounds. Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. This role regularly involves standing, walking, using hands and fingers to handle or operate tools, controls, and equipment, reaching with hands and arms, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and communicating clearly with others. The position requires operation of standard landscaping equipment such as hand tools (e.g., shovels, rakes, pruners, loppers), power tools (e.g., hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, chainsaws), lawn maintenance equipment (e.g., push/riding mowers, edgers, rototillers), and heavy equipment (e.g., skid steers, mini excavators, tractors, utility vehicles). Access equipment such as ladders, forklifts, and aerial lifts (e.g., scissor or boom lifts) may also be used. Duties include performing routine inspections, which may involve navigating tight or elevated spaces, exposure to hot and cold equipment, and occasionally working at heights. The ability to respond promptly and physically to urgent situations is essential.

Work Environment: Work is performed in both indoor office settings and outdoor environments, including exposure to varying weather conditions, rooftops, and other facility systems areas. The noise level is low to moderate, however, operating certain equipment may result in higher noise levels. Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock. The employee is required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with safety protocols. This position may involve working in confined spaces or environments with temperature fluctuations depending on the season or building system conditions. Flexibility in working hours, including weekends and evenings, may be necessary to support operational needs.

Art and Wellness Enterprises, LLC is an equal opportunity employer committed