Urban Horticulture Manager

Louisville Grows is dedicated to fostering sustainable urban horticulture, healthy living, and environmental stewardship in Louisville, KY. Our mission is to grow a just and sustainable community through urban horticulture, urban forestry, and environmental education.

The Urban Horticulture Manager will oversee greenhouse operations, manage indoor plant cultivation and care for the Seeds & Starts Sale, maintain the campus garden and grounds (including fruit trees, berry bushes, and pollinator plants), and organize key horticultural events. This role will also include administering community garden and orchard workshops, managing our Giving Grove affiliation for community orchards, supervising part-time staff, maintaining tool care and records, and facilitating education and outreach efforts related to horticulture.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about community engagement, sustainable horticultural practices, and food justice. This position requires a highly organized, detail-oriented individual who can thrive in independent and team environments.

This full-time, 40-hour-per-week position reports to the Executive Director and the Urban Horticulture Committee of the Board of Directors and works closely with the Community Engagement Manager.

Primary Responsibilities

Greenhouse and Plant Production:

• Develop and implement seasonal plans for cultivating plants from seeds and starts for annual sales.

• Manage greenhouse operations, including propagation, plant sourcing, and ensuring an efficient, well-maintained facility.

• Oversee indoor plant cultivation and care to support the Seeds & Starts Sale, ensuring healthy, high-quality plants are available for purchase.

• Utilize sustainable horticultural methods such as organic pest control, soil building, and composting.

• Maintain records for plant yields, harvests, and greenhouse inventory.

Campus Garden and Grounds Care:

• Oversee and maintain the Louisville Grows campus garden and grounds, including vegetable beds, fruit trees, berry bushes, pollinator plants, and other horticultural features.

• Perform routine maintenance tasks, such as planting, weeding, watering, and soil care, to ensure the garden remains vibrant and productive.

• Collaborate with staff and volunteers to enhance and expand the garden space.

Supervision of Part-Time Staff and Volunteers:

• Recruit, train, and supervise part-time staff and volunteers to assist with horticultural programs and operations.

• Delegate tasks effectively and ensure part-time staff contribute to the success of greenhouse and garden initiatives.

• Monitor the performance of part-time staff, providing guidance and support as needed.

Tool and Equipment Management and Care:

• Maintain accurate records of tools, equipment, and supplies, including inventory tracking and condition monitoring.

• Ensure all tools and equipment are cleaned, maintained, and stored correctly after use to extend their lifespan and ensure safety.

• Perform or coordinate routine maintenance and repairs on tools and equipment as needed.

Community Engagement:

• Collaborate and support community partners. 

• Build relationships with urban horticulture partners and respond to customer inquiries about plant care.

Education and Outreach:

• Lead workshops and education programs on horticultural practices, including gardening, orcharding, pollinator planting, and indoor plant care.

• Work with Louisville Grows staff to develop urban horticulture, food sovereignty, and community well-being programming.

Administration and Operations:

• Document activities and maintain records using Google Workspace and other online tools.

• Purchase materials and supplies as needed and manage budgets effectively.

• Assist in preparing reports summarizing Louisville Grows’ horticultural events and programs.

Communication and Partnerships:

• Collaborate with the Community Engagement Manager to recruit and manage volunteers.

• Represent Louisville Grows at Urban Horticulture Coalition meetings, Giving Grove training, and other relevant gatherings.

Ideal Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in sustainable horticulture or professional greenhouse/garden management.

• Strong understanding of greenhouse cultivation methods, irrigation systems, and indoor plant care.

• Experience managing part-time staff and volunteers.

• Knowledge of urban horticulture issues, including food insecurity and environmental justice in underserved neighborhoods of Louisville.

• Strong public speaking and communication skills.

• Proficiency in Google Workspace and maintaining databases.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Availability for weekend and evening hours during peak growing seasons.

• Physical ability to lift 50 pounds and perform manual labor in various weather conditions.

• Familiarity with operating tools and equipment such as trailers, tractors, and mowers is a plus.

Additional Information

• A valid driver’s license and reliable personal transportation (reimbursed) are required.

• Monthly reporting to the Louisville Grows Executive Committee is expected.

• This job description may evolve, and additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Application Process

Louisville Grows is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, even if they do not meet every qualification listed.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to christine@louisvillegrows.org. 

Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.