Position Objective:
As a career horticulturist you will care for and oversee the landscapes and extensive gardens of an 80-acre estate with mature and established plantings, and includes a greenhouse, raised vegetables beds, and cut flower gardens. Additionally, this position will be directly involved with the planning and development of the landscape design at a vineyard in the Columbia Gorge. You will develop a close working relationship with the owner and various landscape architects to continually develop and enhance the properties to their fullest potential. This position reports directly to the owner.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Yes
Essential Functions:
Leadership:
· Oversee/manage the gardens, greenhouse, and propagation program
· Actively work on the daily tasks as a working supervisor with the crew
· Organize and delegate tasks, explain clearly and effectively to others
· Assist in hiring, firing, and managing staff with owner’s input
Propagation:
· Propagate plants using various techniques from seed, cuttings, grafting and division
· Schedule propagation calendar based on plant size and desired planting date
· Research and develop protocols for various plant species
· Monitor and maintain exceptional plant health in and out of greenhouse
· Overwinter plant materials in the greenhouse
Landscaping/Garden Maintenance:
· Install container, bareroot and balled and burlapped trees and shrubs, and plant seed and transplants, annual and perennials for seasonal color
· Pruning trees and shrubs, mechanical weed removal
· Remove leaf and debris and groom display beds
· Remove woody brush and invasive plants
· Prepare sites, including soil and plant installation, trail work, rock installation
· Perform remediation of compacted and poorly drained soils, cultivation, and use of mulches
Equipment Use
· Use rakes, hand edger, loppers, shovels, wheelbarrows, weeding forks, hoes, pruning shears, and pesticide sprayers
· Operate and maintain tractor, mowers, chainsaws, ATVs, and other power tools
· Setup and operate manual and automatic sprinklers for irrigation of new plantings, and assist with minor irrigation repairs and maintenance, including irrigation scheduling
· Monitor and maintain greenhouse climate and growing conditions using heaters, fans, and grow lights
Administration:
· Develop daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal planting and maintenance plans
· Coordinate with outside contractors when required and understand when they are necessary
· Source and purchase plant material at correct times of the season in accordance with projects/plant installation
· Manage the garden budget and all staff and costs within it
· Maintain records of workflow
Experience Required:
· 5-10 years of experience in a commercial setting where gardening is practiced
· Masterful knowledge of plant material, gardening, and plant care: Turf, Weed, Tree and shrub ID, Pathology, and knowledge of turf or tree physiology
· Knowledge of Spanish desirable
· Experience planning and leading large scale landscape projects
· Experience with the application of horticultural chemicals and fertilizers
· Experience purchasing plant material from nurseries
· Experience with Microsoft Office Suite
Competencies Required:
· Organization and ability to delegate tasks as needed and execute plans
· Leadership, ability to explain tasks clearly and effectively to others
· Detail oriented, strong eye for errors and inconsistencies
· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to work independently
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Education and Abilities Required:
· High school diploma or equivalent required
· A.A/B.S. degree in horticulture or a related field, strongly preferred
· Valid driver’s license and driving record in good standing
Physical Requirements:
· Must be able to work in adverse weather and environmental conditions as well as uneven terrain
· Ability to repeatedly move product weighing up to 50 pounds, including lifting, placing, pushing and pulling
Work Environment:
· Must live within an agreed upon location/ geography to service customers and employees
Disclaimer:The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.
Threemile Vineyard provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.