What are the responsibilities and job description for the Estate Horticulturist: Main House position at Rock Cobble Farm?
Estate Horticulturist: Main House
Rock Cobble Farm, located in South Kent Connecticut, is a large private estate with extensive formal gardens, greenhouses, and natural areas.
The Main House Horticulturist will have detailed oversight of the formal rose garden of heritage and collectors specimens containing over 178 different cultivars including elaborate trellising and pinned displays, a boxwood lined medicinal herb garden, terrace display of seasonal and tropical container plants, moss garden and basswood stilted hedgerows, formal cutting and small fruit garden, alpine stream garden, pond garden, woodland, and satellite gardens. With the support of two Main House Gardeners, the Main House Horticulturist will plan the daily horticultural operations to ensure that the gardens and displays are maintained in keeping with our horticultural standards. The Main House Horticulturist will work with the entire team to support the operations of the estate.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Weed management, mulching, watering, and fertilizing as needed
- Grooming and detailing plant material
- Seasonal pruning, training, and shaping of plant material
- Plant replacement and installation of seasonal material
- Pinning and tying of vines and climbing roses
- Water features cleaning and aquatic plant maintenance
- IPM Scouting for pests and applying pesticides as necessary
- Ensuring all plants are accurately labeled
- Maintaining plant records for the garden collections
- Cut Flower harvesting and arrangement for Main House display
- Coordinating outdoor furniture placement and storage
- Utilizing winterization techniques for tender perennials
- Lead the team in the management of the Main House, woodland and satellite gardens
Administrative Duties
- Maintain accurate maps and plant inventories
- Maintain accurate spray records in the RCF Pesticide Log
- Order plant material, and supplies as needed
- Complete weekly horticultural reports
- Participate in weekly manager's meetings in the absence of the Garden Manager
Supervisory Duties
- Oversee a team of two Main House gardeners and a Woodland Gardener
- Provide instructions and mentoring to Interns during their rotations
- Training of Main House Gardeners
- Oversee the garden team in the absence of the Garden Manager
Qualities
- Knowledgeable in horticultural techniques and plant ID
- Adherence to high aesthetic standards in all areas
- Promote a team dynamic and lead by example
- Ability to use horticultural tools and power equipment safely
- Willingness to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Able to perform physically strenuous tasks and be able to lift up to 40lbs
- Excellent time management and planning skills with attention to detail
Requirements: This position requires a working knowledge of the best horticultural practices and techniques. Horticulture related degree/diploma or 5 years of fine gardening experience in private estate or botanical gardens. Valid driver’s license
Reports to: Garden Manager
Job Type: Full Time
Schedule: Mondays-Fridays; 8hr Shift, 7:00am-3:30pm
Compensation: $60-$65K/year commensurate with experience
Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; FSA and 401(k) eligibility; Paid sick and vacation time; Paid holidays
To apply: Email your resume and cover letter to: rcfgardensupervisor@ahboffice.com
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid jury duty
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
Work Location: In person
Salary : $60,000 - $65,000
