ESTATE HEAD GARDENER
PRIVATE ESTATE – DOVER, MA
FULL-TIME/YEAR-ROUND POSITION
This is a rare opportunity for a Head Gardener to join a private estate under development located in Dover, MA. This year-round position includes diverse seasonal and monthly tasks with the ability to lend your experience and creative skills to the development, maintenance, and beautification of the property.
This role will report to and support the Estate Manager and work alongside the property grounds crew. You will also be responsible for supervising a gardening crew, possibly seasonal in nature.
This opportunity is ideal for an experienced head gardener interested in working collaboratively with a team of private service professionals dedicated to elevating the property. Very competitive pay and benefits outlined below, which include medical, dental, vision insurance, paid time off and a retirement plan.
Essential Functions:
- One of the main responsibilities is to produce and maintain an organic, pesticide free and plentiful produce and floral crop during harvest time.
- You will also be tasked with year-round cycle of plantings in different gardens of varying sizes/purpose.
- Propagation of new plants, creating cuttings from valuable old growth shrubs and plants
- Design and development of new gardens and garden features
- The creation of all natural planters and floral arrangements for the various building dwellings on the property when the family members are in the residence.
- Care and up keep of an extensive tropical and rare plant collection that is stored on the estate and then distributed to other family properties in and around Massachusetts
- Maintenance of all greenhouses and hoop houses
- Ensure the best possible presentation of floral arrangements and of the gardens.
- Additional tasks include creating trellises, raking of garden beds, spreading compost, fertilizing, weeding, staking of plants, harvesting, freezing and/or shipping of produce to the family members when they are not in the residence.
- Creative and festive holiday decorating of the home and property with natural environmental materials will be needed during holidays such as Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- It is critical that all of the gardens are in pristine condition at all times with plantings clearly labeled.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
- Management experience (4-5 years is ideal)
- Deep knowledge and gardening skills related to vegetables, perennial and annual plants and flowers
- You should be experienced with seedlings and understand the full cycle of plant management.
- Experience working in and maintaining a greenhouse is required. This includes annual and regular cleaning, sanitizing and general upkeep.
- Knowledge of disease and pest control, soil conditions and overall garden set-up/upkeep is required.
- Strong organizational skills, time management and attention to detail are essential for this role in order to methodically plan and execute the work throughout the year.
- Excellent attention to detail at all times
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Effective time management practices
- The ability to work independently while also working collaboratively alongside the property team.
- Capable of maintaining various different gardens of varying sizes and purposes
- Must be able to lift and carry at least 50 lbs.
- Comfortable working in environmental conditions that may be adverse at times
- Demonstrated ability to organize daily work and instruct seasonal team members to complete assigned work
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Must be able to conduct strenuous and physically demanding tasks.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without required sponsorship.
- Must have current and valid driver’s license and pass background screening.
This is a unique opportunity and pay is highly competitive based on experience! A comprehensive and robust benefits package is also offered because we care about YOU!
- Health
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
- Financial Security
- SIMPLE IRA: We match a percentage of your contributions
- Work-Life Balance
- Generous vacation days, sick leave and nine holidays
Apply now to be considered for this unique opportunity to join an amazing team!