Horticulturist

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Horticulturist, you'll be a vital part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team supporting groundbreaking plant research in a dynamic and diverse academic environment.

You'll work closely with researchers, students, and staff to ensure the health and vitality of plant specimens across our growth chambers and glasshouse facilities. Your expertise will help maintain the integrity of research projects and foster a culture of excellence and care.

Be Bold.

The Phytotron is a hub for innovation in plant science - and you'll be at the center of it. From pest management and climate control to mentoring student workers and maintaining specialized horticultural equipment, your role will be hands-on, impactful, and essential to Duke's research mission.

What You'll Do:

Plant Care & Facility Oversight (75%)

• Lead and participate in all horticultural activities, ensuring optimal care for a wide variety of plant species.
• Implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) protocols to control pests and diseases with minimal chemical use.
• Communicate with researchers to tailor plant care to experimental needs and adjust as necessary.
• Procure and maintain horticultural supplies and equipment.
• Prepare soil mixtures and fertilizers, and manage waste disposal with special attention to transgenic materials.
• Clean and sterilize growth chambers between projects.
• Train and supervise student workers; provide orientation tours to new building users.

Administrative & Operational Support (20%)

• Attend and contribute to weekly staff meetings.
• Ensure compliance with Duke, NC State, and federal safety guidelines.
• Submit and follow up on work requests with Duke Facilities.
• Report on plant status and assist with climate control programming.
• Stay current with horticultural practices through professional development.
• Maintain outdoor planters near the Phytotron entrance.

Other Duties (5%)

• Perform additional horticulture-related tasks as assigned by the Plant Growth Facility Manager.

Choose Duke.

Anticipated Pay Range:
$44,766.00 - $71,706.00 annually, based on experience, education, and skills.

Total Compensation:
Duke offers more than just a paycheck. Enjoy comprehensive medical and dental coverage, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs. Learn more: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits

Essential Physical Job Functions:
This role may require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in horticulture, agronomy, botany, or related field.
• Minimum two years of horticultural experience; public garden or estate landscape experience preferred.
• Valid North Carolina driver's license (or equivalent).
• Ability to obtain North Carolina Pesticide License.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now and help us build a stronger, smarter, and more connected future.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends onthe robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.