PUBLIC GARDENS CAREER CENTER
Our Career Development Center is the most comprehensive resource of its kind for the public horticulture industry—providing position openings in botanic gardens, arboreta, zoos, horticultural societies, and even museums, along with a number of other career-oriented resources for experienced and new public horticulture professionals, as well as those just beginning to explore the industry.
POST A JOB
Job postings will expire after the 60-day period. If you need the posting to be removed sooner email us.
"Ask An Expert" Webinar Series
Learn more about various careers at public gardens straight from the professionals themselves."Ask An Expert" Webinar Series
Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a Director of Horticulture in a public garden? How about a Development Leader? Or a Volunteer Coordinator? In this ongoing webinar series, you will learn more about each position and the kinds of experience that will help you succeed as a leader in the field. (Use the password “APGAASK” when prompted)
Garden Professional Spotlights
Read short interviews with public garden professionals in our quarterly magazine, Public Garden.Garden Professional Spotlights
Each issue of Public Garden magazine contains short interviews with public garden professionals from all disciplines, departments, and garden size.
From what brought them to their current role, to discussing a recent project, to what they find most rewarding, you’ll find that each story is both unique and enlightening.
Mentor Match
Advance your skills as a Mentee or give back to the industry with your knowledge as a Mentor.Mentor Match
This online networking and career development tool helps you find, connect and share experiences with others. Mentees are matched with a Mentor that fit your desired preferences.
Whether you apply as a Mentor or Mentee, this is for Association Members only and you will need to log into your Association account and complete four simple steps.
Recruiting & Hiring
The American Public Garden Association’s Careers Page is the most comprehensive of its kind and is frequented by top prospective candidates in the field of public horticulture, so posting with us is sure to yield good results. But, there are additional smart recruiting and hiring strategies that can help you secure outstanding new employees for your organization.
Clearly organize your information by providing a company overview, job description, lists of required skills and experience, compensation information, and application guidelines.
Distribute job postings where good applicants will see them.
If you are seriously interested in a candidate, gain a strategic edge by knowing what criteria will encourage that person to accept your position offer.
Learn what it means to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) offers a clear overview of their authority, roles, and guidelines. It also pays to know what practices are prohibited in the workplace and during the interview process.
It is important to maintain clear communication with hires and non-hires alike. Good, respectful communication is the sign of a healthy, professional workplace.
Make your postings exciting! Sell your organization and the position.
Create a document detailing the key selling points of your garden or organization—both outward and inward. Many selling points are obvious, but some may not be. Let your hiring team be “armed” with all the redeeming features of your workplace—from benefits to social culture and whatever else might appeal to a desirable applicant.
Ask for and follow up with references. A good reference list provides at least three professionals with whom a given candidate has worked. When following up with references, have a clear list of questions to present regarding your candidate to keep information consistent and allow good comparative analysis.
A good interview will make the hiring committee and prospective employee feel at ease—allowing both to communicate effectively within a set period of time. Here are some tips for developing a good interview process.