Assistant Lead Horticulturist

At the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, we first listen to the communities we serve, tap into our learnings and relationships, and bring everyone together to build and support programs that improve education, boost entrepreneurship, and help Kansas City thrive.

Position Summary

The Lead Horticulturist supervises one full-time Horticulturist and one part-time seasonal Horticulturist, and works closely with volunteers to teach and model sound gardening practices. This position requires both strategic oversight and hands-on horticultural work. The role is primarily outdoor with some indoor responsibilities, and candidates must be able to perform manual labor under the climatic conditions typical of Kansas City, Missouri.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the horticultural design, installation, and ongoing maintenance of the Memorial Garden and assigned park areas.
• Develop and implement seasonal planting plans, maintenance schedules, and long-term garden strategies appropriate for a memorial setting.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate one full-time Horticulturist and one part-time seasonal Horticulturist.
• Coordinate daily work plans and ensure work is completed to a high standard of quality and safety.
• Lead and support volunteers by teaching proper horticultural techniques and best practices.
• Ensure plant health through proper pruning, fertilization, irrigation, pest management, and soil care.
• Collaborate with Foundation leadership to align garden presentation with the mission and values of the organization.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in a safe and organized manner.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or a related field required; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum of five years of professional horticultural experience, including supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of plant materials, landscape maintenance techniques, and display garden standards.
• Demonstrated ability to design, install, and maintain garden beds.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to interact with a diverse audience.
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds and perform frequent bending, squatting, and other physical tasks throughout the workday.

Salary and Benefits

We offer a highly competitive and generous benefits package designed to support the well-being, financial security, and work-life balance of our employees, including:

• Medical Insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City – Preferred Care Blue medical insurance, with 100% of the employee premium paid by the Foundation
• Health Savings Account: Annual employer-funded HSA covering the maximum out-of-pocket BCBS medical expense ($4,000 for individual coverage)
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance: Coverage up to one times annual salary
• Disability Coverage: Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Retirement Plan: 403(b) retirement plan with employer match up to 3% (both subject to service requirements)
• Paid Time Off:
  • 15 days (three weeks) of vacation annually
  • 12 paid holidays, plus the week of winter break

This position also offers a flexible schedule and the opportunity to work in a mission-driven environment dedicated to stewardship, beauty, and public engagement.