The City of Aiken is accepting application for a Curator to join our Public Services department.
The Curator leads the stewardship, development, and interpretation of the City of Aiken’s arboretum collections, ensuring exceptional horticultural and arboricultural standards. This role combines strategic planning with hands-on care to preserve plant health, enhance biodiversity, and elevate visitor experience. The Curator collaborates with staff, partners, and the community to design engaging landscapes, support educational programming, and advance the Arboretum’s reputation as a premier destination for science, conservation, and public enjoyment.
- Oversee the care, maintenance, and long-term health of trees and plant collections across the Arboretum, including Hopelands Gardens and Rye Patch
- Conduct regular inventories and condition assessments to protect collections from damage, pests, and disease
- Research, source, and establish new plant material to enhance the diversity and value of the collections
- Ensure accurate and comprehensive plant labelling and maintain detailed records with the collections database
- Coordinate and conduct periodic verification of plant collections
- Design and implement innovative plantings and seasonal displays that align with the City’s vision of integrating science, education, and visitor engagement
- Contribute to the Arboretum’s development as a top-tier destination through thoughtful horticultural design and planning
- Develop plans for improvements to infrastructure, landscapes, and visitor services
- Collaborate with City staff and design consultants to develop and deliver interpretation of the Arboretum’s collections
- Provide guided tours for diverse audiences, including students, community groups, and visitors
- Deliver lectures and presentations to civic organizations and other stakeholders
- Work closely with the Friends of Hopelands Gardens and Rye Patch to support and deliver programs and initiatives
- Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to enhance the Arboretum’s visibility and impact
- Represent the Arboretum at professional meetings, conferences, and through partnerships with other arboreta and relevant organizations
- Support the planning and oversight of the Arboretum’s annual operating budget in collaboration with the Buildings & Grounds Administrator
- Coordinate with the Buildings & Grounds Administrator to plan, prioritize, and oversee horticulture staff work schedules in alignment with strategic objectives
- Support fundraising efforts by developing proposals and engaging with current and prospective donors
- Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, botany, environmental science, forestry, biology, or other relevant field from an accredited college or university; or any combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
- Demonstrated experience working in a collections-based public garden or arboretum, including the design and development of horticultural features
- Strong knowledge of plant identification, classification systems, and best practices in horticulture and garden management
- Understanding of health and safety standards
- Knowledgeable in the safe use of pesticides
- Experience developing written materials for general audiences, including educational resources, or public communications
- Ability to support fundraising efforts
- Experience teaching or delivering horticultural or botanical education programs to a range of audiences
- Valid driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications:- ISA Certified Arborist
- Valid South Carolina Pesticide Applicators License
This position is subject to a criminal background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate. The City of Aiken is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug-free workplace.
