Job Details

City of Portland - Horticulture Supervisor

Position Number: 7129491
Location: Portland, ME
Position Type: Agriculture - Horticulture & Landscape Architecture

City of Portland - Horticulture Supervisor

About the City of Portland Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department:

The Portland Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Department is comprised of 160 full-time and over 250 seasonal staff dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Portland, Maine. They achieve this by operating cultural venues, running community programs (including Before and After School, Swim Lessons, and Senior Adult programs), and maintaining public buildings, waterfront infrastructure, 70 parks, 40+ miles of trails, 13 cemeteries, and 30 playgrounds. Their diverse team, including Park Maintainers, Lifeguards, Event Managers, Horticulturalists, and many others, works collaboratively to provide spaces and opportunities for social connection, recreation, and community development.

Job Summary:

This is a working supervisory position that directs and coordinates the on-site field operations of the Horticulture Section of the Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department and works under the general direction of the Parks Division Director. The work involves landscape and floral design, landscape and floral garden operations including direct supervision of the Horticulture Section crew members and seasonal staff.

We are looking for someone who is a team player, has supervisory experience, knowledge of public landscape gardening including but not limited to landscape garden design and maintenance, including pruning of hedges, shrubs and small trees, insect and disease management.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Extensive education, training and demonstrated public horticulture experience performing the required work, including design, layout, maintenance of all related display gardens and landscapes.
Interpret and effectively carry out written and oral instructions.
Compiles and prepares weekly, monthly and quarterly reports.
Responds to related tree emergencies and participates in Supervisory on-call coverage and departmental winter operations.
Maine Nursery and Landscape Association Certification preferred.

Required Skills & Experience:

Applicants must have a degree in Horticulture, landscape maintenance or related fields.
3-5 years Supervisory experience in the field of Horticulture
Must possess a Maine Pesticide Operators License with Outdoor Ornamentals (3A) category.
Ability to obtain a Maine Arborist License within 6 months of appointment into the position.
Certified in First Aid and CPR preferred.

Expected Hours/Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Applications accepted until May 15, 2026.

Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check.

Salary & Benefits:

This is a union position, Supervisors, Grade 28 - Starting salary range is $27.13/hour to $32.01/hour, based on prior relevant work experience.

The City of Portland prides itself on its outstanding benefits and collegial and mission-driven work environment.
City benefits include:

Free employee health insurance with the completion of wellness incentives
Thirteen paid holidays
Sick, vacation, and personal leave
Life, dental, vision and income protection insurances
Choice of retirement plans, including a pension plan
Use of City recreation facilities
Fitness Reimbursement
Discount on professional development programs through USM and Thomas College

If you have any questions or need assistance with the application, please email Human Resources at jobs@portlandmaine.gov or call 207-874-8624.

The City of Portland believes that to do our best work, our employees need to reflect the diverse, vibrant community we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to celebrating all dimensions of diversity in the workplace. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. If you need to request a reasonable accommodation, please call 207-874-8624 or email hrinfo@portlandmaine.gov.

To apply, visit https://selfservice.portlandmaine.gov/ess/EmploymentOpportunities/JobDetail.aspx?req=128&sreq=3&form=1000&desc=HORTICULTURE%20SUPERVISOR