Horticulturist

HORTICULTURIST Needed for Beautiful, Private Estate in MA

The Horticulturist will bring technical skills and expertise to support the Estate gardens.  This includes identifying a strategy for appropriate plant identification and cultivation and guiding best stewardship practices for growth and garden maintenance. This person will work closely with the Principal and expert horticulturist and landscape designers ensuring exceptional standards, and creativity.  Other responsibilities include assisting with living collections management.  Knowledge of New England flora, soil and climate zones is required. 

Primary Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Work collaboratively with all members of the Estate team: gardener, groundskeepers, and other experts in their fields. 

• Demonstrate expertise in the comprehensive growth and care of trees, shrubs, perennials, annual flowers and tropical potted plants.
• Perform all duties associated with plant acquisition, installation, propagation, care and maintenance including shrubs, trees, and flowers. 
• Guide the implementation of best practices to manage garden design and exceptional horticultural best practices, balancing natural aesthetics and historical integrity.
• Identify and create a comprehensive IPM (Integrative Pest management) system for the estate, with organic practices always a top priority. 
• Assist with landscape design, restoration, and maintenance. Understanding greenhouse and hoop house operations, maintenance and care of plants in the northeast seasonal environment. 
• Care and oversight of an extensive rare and tropical plant collection housed in greenhouses and seasonally transported to principal’s summer homes.
• Provide guidance on plant science-health, planting, harvesting, plant yields, and appropriate plant selection in accordance with the unique environment. 
• Test and research different cultivation techniques. 
• Recommend best practices through strong written and verbal communication working with Estate Manager and grounds team.
• Maintain financial and administrative records, including budgets and accounts. 
• Assist the Estate Manager with applicable project estimates that are garden specific.
• Organize and give presentations and demonstrations relating to the Estate. 

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Must possess a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture at minimum. 
• Qualified individuals must have a minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience demonstrating increasing responsibilities in the field/profession.
• Must be physically able to lift 50 lbs. and perform physically strenuous tasks in a variety of weather conditions.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the US.
• Must have a current and active driver’s license.
• Must successfully pass pre-employment requirements.