Assistant Horticulturist

Kiawah Island Club is seeking a knowledgeable, motivated, and detail-oriented Assistant Horticulturist to support the care and enhancement of the Club's ornamental landscapes and gardens. Working alongside the Head Horticulturist, this position plays an integral role in maintaining the exceptional beauty of Kiawah Island Club through expert plant care, seasonal displays, and environmentally responsible horticultural practices.

The Assistant Horticulturist will assist with the installation, maintenance, and health of ornamental landscapes across multiple Club properties while supporting daily horticultural operations and mentoring team members. This individual should have a passion for plants, an eye for detail, and a commitment to creating beautiful outdoor spaces that enhance the Member experience.

Essential Responsibilities

Horticultural Operations

• Assist in the care and maintenance of ornamental trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, tropical plants, and seasonal floral displays throughout Club properties.
• Support the installation of new landscape enhancements, gardens, and seasonal color rotations.
• Monitor plant health and assist with identifying nutrient deficiencies, diseases, insects, and environmental stress.
• Perform pruning, planting, mulching, fertilization, watering, and general landscape maintenance using horticultural best practices.
• Assist with integrated pest management (IPM) programs and sustainable landscape maintenance practices.
• Help maintain irrigation systems by identifying watering issues and communicating necessary adjustments.
• Ensure all horticultural areas consistently reflect the exceptional standards of Kiawah Island Club.

Landscape Enhancement

• Assist with landscape improvement projects and garden renovations.
• Support the installation of holiday décor, seasonal displays, and special event landscaping.
• Recommend plant material and landscape improvements that complement Kiawah Island's coastal environment.
• Maintain horticultural records, planting schedules, and inventory as assigned.

Team Support & Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with the Head Horticulturist, Landscape Team, Golf Course Maintenance, Facilities, and other Club departments.
• Assist with training and mentoring horticulture team members on proper plant care techniques and safety procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Promote teamwork while supporting departmental goals and Club initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2–4 years of horticulture, landscape maintenance, nursery, botanical garden, or related experience.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Landscape Management, or a related field preferred.
• Knowledge of ornamental plant materials, irrigation practices, fertilization, pruning, and seasonal color programs.
• Familiarity with integrated pest management (IPM) principles.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a private club, luxury resort, botanical garden, or high-end residential landscape environment.
• Knowledge of native and coastal South Carolina plant materials.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Professional Horticulturist (CPH) or related credentials are a plus.
• Experience operating landscape equipment and utility vehicles.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, kneel, climb, and perform physically demanding work.
• Ability to safely operate landscape equipment and utility vehicles.
• Occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays may be required to support Club events or seasonal projects.

Why Kiawah Island Club

At Kiawah Island Club, every detail contributes to an extraordinary Member experience—including the breathtaking landscapes that define our community. As an Assistant Horticulturist, you will have the opportunity to grow your career while working alongside experienced professionals dedicated to preserving and enhancing one of the country's premier private club environments.

Kiawah Island Club Offers

• A knowledgeable and passionate leadership team that leads by example
• Excellent compensation
• The best benefits package including health, vision, dental, short-term/long-term disability, and 401(k) with employer contribution*
• Employee Wellness Program including complimentary gym membership and monetary health incentives
• Free parking
• Employee meals provided twice daily
• A complimentary Costco membership
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development within a world-class hospitality organization

Application Information

In-person applications are welcome between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at:

Kiawah Island Club
253 Gardeners Circle, Suite 210
Kiawah Island, SC 29455

Benefits are available to full-time employees after a waiting period and include: Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, 401(k), Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Telehealth, Health/Dependent Care Spending Account, Wellness Program, and generous paid time off including 12 vacation days, 6 sick days, and 9 paid holidays per year.

Kiawah Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer that uses E-Verify. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Kiawah Partners and its affiliates do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.