Job Title

Job Title: Assistant Director / Deputy Director - Horticulture Reports to: Vice President - Special Projects Location: Ashoka University, Sonipat Experience (in years): Minimum 15 years of experience Nature of work: Full Time About Ashoka University: 10 years ago, we embarked on a journey to establish a world-class, multi-disciplinary, liberal arts and sciences university in India. Built on the finest global best practices of institution and university governance, Ashoka has truly transformed Indian higher education in India with its unique pedagogy, governance, and best practices. Ashoka is today India’s #1 liberal arts and sciences university that is home to the most diverse student body, a hub for impactful research and a magnet for best-in-class faculty and staff. Ashoka has been ranked in the top five among private Universities in India by QS Asia and has also secured top rank among all Indian Universities in the ‘International Faculty’ indicator. The University was earlier awarded Diamond rating by QS I. GAUGE as a recognition of its continuous focus on academic rigor, inter-disciplinary pedagogy, world-class faculty, academic research, innovative modules of engagement with the community and teaching methods. For further information, visit We aim to co-create a nurturing space for our students, faculty, staff, donors, and community positively through universal values: • Be Mission-Driven • Think Strategically • Act Authentically • Take Accountability • Build Collaboration • Deliver Excellence Job Summary: The Lead Horticulturist is responsible for planning, developing, and managing horticultural landscapes, ensuring the health and sustainability of plants, trees, and green spaces. The role involves supervising horticultural teams, implementing best practices in plant care, and overseeing landscape design, maintenance, and conservation efforts. Key Responsibilities: 1. Horticultural Planning & Development: Develop and execute horticultural plans for gardens, parks, campuses, and other green spaces. Plan seasonal planting schedules, plant selection, and procurement strategies. Oversee the development of nurseries and propagation techniques to ensure a steady supply of plants. 2. Landscape Management & Maintenance: Ensure the maintenance of lawns, trees, shrubs, and potted plants through proper watering, pruning, fertilization, and pest control. Implement soil health management practices, including organic and sustainable methods. Design and execute landscape renovation or enhancement projects. 3. Supervision & Team Leadership: Manage and train horticulture staff, gardeners, and maintenance teams. Develop work schedules, assign tasks, and ensure adherence to horticultural best practices. Conduct workshops and training sessions to enhance skills in plant care and landscaping. 4. Sustainability & Environmental Management: Promote eco-friendly and sustainable horticultural practices, including water conservation and organic fertilizers. Implement biodiversity enhancement strategies by planting native species and creating wildlife-friendly spaces. Develop and monitor irrigation systems for efficient water usage. 5. Research & Innovation: Stay updated with the latest advancements in horticulture, plant sciences, and landscaping trends. Experiment with new plant varieties, innovative landscaping techniques, and sustainable practices. Document observations, growth patterns, and horticultural experiments. 6. Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting: Coordinate with management, landscape architects, vendors, and environmental consultants for project planning and execution. Prepare and present reports on landscape development, plant health assessments, and budgeting needs. Engage with the community, students, or visitors to promote awareness of horticulture and plant care. Work Environment: The role involves outdoor work in gardens, nursery, parks, or large landscapes. Requires physical stamina for activities such as planting, pruning, and inspecting plants. Qualifications & Skills: Education: Master’s degree in Horticulture. Experience: 15+ years of hands-on experience in horticulture, landscaping, or garden management, with leadership experience (3 yrs.) preferred. Candidate preferably Real estate with handled min. 2 Projects (75+ acres). Age: Below 45 Technical Skills: Expertise in plant care, soil science, and landscape management. Knowledge of irrigation systems, organic farming, and pest management. Familiarity with design evolution process of landscape. Work closely with architects, designers, and engineers to ensure that horticultural and landscape designs align with overall architectural plans. Understand site planning, structural constraints, and aesthetic considerations to integrate greenery seamlessly into built environments. Collaborate on aspects like irrigation, drainage, lighting, and soil conditions to ensure the functionality and sustainability of landscapes. Ensure that horticultural elements complement architectural features without compromising safety, accessibility, or utility services. Familiarity with horticultural tools, machinery, and automation techniques. Soft Skills: CAD drawing handling abilities. Strong leadership and team management skills. Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Effective communication and stakeholder management skills. Passion for nature conservation and sustainability. Application Submission Process Fill out the form: Link - Horticulture latest by 3rd April 2025, Thursday. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview rounds. Ashoka is an equal opportunities employer. Remuneration will be competitive with Indian non-profit pay scales and will depend upon the candidate’s experience levels and the overall organization’s salary structure. At Ashoka University, we strive for excellence in all aspects of our operations. Therefore, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted as part of our rigorous selection process. We look forward to receiving your application as we embark together on a remarkable journey of professional growth and development. Join our exceptional community at Ashoka University, where excellence is nurtured, and aspirations are transformed into reality.