The owners of a 30-acre parcel seek a Head Groundskeeper to maintain the property’s landscape. This is a full-time position, 5 days a week.
Reports to: Property Owner
Job Function
A position is open at a private property in New Bremen, Ohio. The property includes woodlands, extensive turf areas, a pond, a meadow, vegetable and herb gardens, cutting gardens, perennial gardens, and trees. This permanent position supports the homeowner in meticulous management of grounds and outdoor structures, as well as acts as a consultant on other select New Bremen properties.
Candidate must possess: strong horticultural/floricultural knowledge, experience with and growing in the Midwest climate, good written and oral communication skills, and experience with all aspects of formal garden and natural areas maintenance and management. Applicant must have experience growing cut flowers, fruits, vegetables, orchard material, and container plantings. Candidate needs to be reliable, hardworking, motivated, and be able to work well alone or with others. Daily documentation and record keeping is expected. Strong IPM and organic horticultural skills are highly valued, as well as greenhouse expertise. Clean background and driving record is required.
This is a great opportunity for a competent gardener who appreciates long-term dedication and commitment to the landscape and the employer.
General Duties
- Oversee the management of the property and gardens to assure quality of aesthetic display, plant vigor and interest. The HG is responsible for assessing the condition of plants and garden features, improving garden management practices, and attending to renovation of garden areas.
- Oversee the operation and maintenance of irrigation system, garden structures, roads and parking areas, paths, garden equipment and supplies.
- Properly care for roses, perennials, annuals, shrubs, and trees in the garden beds by pruning, deadheading and fertilizing, and other tasks which require judgment.
- Identify and control weeds.
- Use proper techniques for planting, mulching, edging and turf care.
- Water plants and containers on a daily basis when appropriate.
- Safely and effectively operate small machinery and vehicles (golf carts, mowers, trimmers, turf aerators, blowers, tree spades, and tractors).
- Train and supervise workers utilized to offset peak seasonal workloads or large projects.
- Assist with snow removal and refuse removal as needed to assist owners.
- Perform additional duties as requested, including holiday decorating and the like.
- Ensure proper safety precautions are being followed for all who are working in the garden--such as the operation of chainsaws, pest and disease control application, and ladder use.
- Manage emergency situations including extra protection from freezes, damage from fallen limbs, and other problems as they arise.
- Purchase materials and supplies for the garden. Keep a prioritized list of projects that require funding to assist with budgeting.
Supervisory
- Coordinate with owner regarding property items requiring outside professionals and provide appropriate proposals and invoices for review and approval.
- Schedule and oversee jobs performed by workers, contractors, and consultants like arborists and irrigation specialists.
Head Groundskeeper Desirable Qualifications
- Professional public garden or private estate (or related fields) experience, minimum 3-5 years
- Basic mechanical maintenance skills
- Knowledge and interest in the botany of Midwest plant science and soils
- Experience with garden renovation
- Good stamina and strength, as this is a physically demanding job worked in a variety of weather conditions
Compensation
Compensation will be commensurate with experience. Competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and retirement is offered. Relocation assistance is available.
To apply, interested applicants should complete an online application at: Head Groundskeeper