Horticulture Director

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Horticulture Director

Patch of Heaven Sanctuary | Redland, Miami-Dade County, FL

Patch of Heaven Sanctuary is seeking an experienced, passionate, and hands-on Horticulture Director to lead the care, design, restoration, and long-term stewardship of our 20-acre forest sanctuary.

Patch of Heaven is a nonprofit nature sanctuary home of the World’s 1st Mindful Pocket Part dedicated to reconnecting Human Nature and Mother Nature through mindful education, and ecological restoration. Our 20-acre grounds include a restored 125-year old-growth Florida hammock, new-growth forest, gardens, native plantings, ponds, lagoons, a butterfly house, apiary, Mindful Pocket Park, historic structures surrounded by carefully curated landscapes and more.

We are looking for a leader who understands that horticulture is more than maintenance. It is land stewardship, habitat restoration, beauty-making, education, and care for future generations. Proven track record in garden management, budgeting, strategic planning, project management, historic gardens, leading teams.

Position Overview

The Horticulture Director will oversee the health, beauty, and ecological integrity of the sanctuary’s gardens, forests, landscapes, and restoration areas. This person will lead daily horticultural operations, guide a small garden crew and volunteers, support educational programming, and help shape the future vision of Patch’s living landscape.

The ideal candidate is deeply knowledgeable about South Florida plants, native ecosystems, tropical horticulture, soil health, regenerative practices, and ecological restoration. They are organized, collaborative, creative, and comfortable working outdoors in a dynamic sanctuary environment.

Key Responsibilities

🌿 Landscape & Garden Stewardship
Oversee the care, maintenance, and enhancement of all gardens, plant collections, forest trails, ponds, and sanctuary landscapes.

🌱 Native Plant & Habitat Restoration
Lead ecological restoration efforts with a focus on native plants, biodiversity, pollinator habitat, canopy growth, soil regeneration, and invasive species management.

🌸 Design & Beautification
Guide seasonal planting, garden design, floral displays, visitor pathways, and sanctuary aesthetics in alignment with Patch’s mission and natural beauty.

🦋 Pollinator & Wildlife Support
Support habitat areas for bees, butterflies, birds, and native wildlife while ensuring all horticultural practices protect the sanctuary ecosystem.

👥 Team Leadership
Supervise, train, and inspire horticulture staff, interns, volunteers, and community groups during garden workdays and special projects.

📋 Planning & Operations
Create maintenance schedules, planting plans, project timelines, supply lists, and annual horticulture goals.

🌾 Regenerative Practices
Implement sustainable practices including composting, mulching, organic soil care, water-wise planting, integrated pest management, and chemical-conscious land care.

🎓 Education & Guest Experience
Support tours, field trips, workshops, signage, and educational programs that help guests understand the healing power of nature and the importance of ecological stewardship.

🤝 Collaboration
Work closely with leadership, programming, events, facilities, and guest services to ensure the sanctuary is beautiful, safe, healthy, and aligned with upcoming events and experiences.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

5+ years of experience in horticulture, landscape management, ecological restoration, botanical gardens, agriculture, permaculture, or related fields
Strong knowledge of South Florida native plants, tropical plants, invasive species, soil health, and sustainable horticultural practices
Experience leading a team, managing volunteers, or supervising outdoor projects
Ability to identify plant health issues and create practical solutions
Strong organizational and communication skills
Comfort working outdoors in heat, humidity, rain, and natural terrain
Ability to lift, bend, walk trails, use basic garden tools, and participate in hands-on work
A deep respect for nature, mindfulness, beauty, and community-centered land stewardship

Preferred Experience

Background in native plant restoration, permaculture, agroecology, forestry, or botanical garden management
Experience with nonprofit, educational, or sanctuary settings
Knowledge of pollinator gardens, food forests, compost systems, orchids, tropical fruit, or water gardens
Bilingual English and Spanish is a plus
Certifications in horticulture, arboriculture, landscape design, permaculture, or related fields are a plus

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who is both a visionary and a doer. Someone who can walk the land, notice what needs care, guide a team, plan ahead, and bring beauty to life with intention.

This role is ideal for a person who feels called to protect land, restore biodiversity, educate others, and help create a sanctuary where people can reconnect with nature.