Job Summary: As an Assistant Gardener of a private estate in The Plains, Virginia, you will oversee the maintenance of our extensive formal ornamental gardens, kitchen gardens, and greenhouses. Under the supervision of the Head Gardener, your role will involve a wide variety of horticultural tasks, including planting, pruning, weeding, and dealing with plant diseases and pest infestations. You will be responsible for planting and harvesting fresh produce for household use, along with curating potted plants, creating floral arrangements, and assisting in event setups and seasonal changes. The role also includes operating and maintaining horticultural tools, and maintaining the infrastructure related to our gardens and greenhouses. To excel in this role, you should have at least three to five years of experience in the field.
Responsibilities:
• Maintain and enhance the gardens by performing regular horticultural tasks such as planting, pruning, weeding, composting, and mulching.
• Proactively identify and promptly address plant-related issues including diseases, injuries, and pest infestations, ensuring the overall health and growth of plants.
• Plant and harvest a variety of fresh and organic produce for the household kitchen.
• Curate potted plants and create floral arrangements for estate decoration.
• Water ornamental gardens, kitchen gardens, and greenhouse/cold frame beds.
• Operate, inspect, and maintain a range of horticultural tools and machinery.
• Assist in organizing event set-ups and decorations, adapting to seasonal changes.
Qualifications:
• At least three to five years of gardening/horticulture experience, with experience in public garden or estate landscape maintenance being preferred.
• Competency in plant identification and propagation is required, with knowledge in organic gardening and native plants being an asset.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Physical fitness is necessary, with the ability to sit, stand, kneel for more than 4 hours at a time, bend, reach, climb ladders and stairs, and lift weights up to 50 pounds.
• Must be comfortable working in various weather conditions.
• A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record with a criminal background check.
Benefits:
• Full Health Insurance Package (Medical, Dental and Vision)
• 401K with Employer Match
• PTO
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Days
• Farm Store Discount
• Annual Clothing Allowance
• Annual Employee Beef Benefit
• Hunting and Fishing Privileges