University of Georgia
The Hills & Dales Estate Garden Horticulturist will have a range of responsibilities with a primary focus on the cultural care and preservation of the historic Ferrell Gardens and the landscape surrounding the Callaway home. This full-time position will work collaboratively with horticultural team members to ensure the historic gardens are presented in a professional and aesthetic manner for visitors to the estate.
The Horticulturist will work closely with the Horticulture Manager to determine appropriate procedures to maintain the trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants in assigned garden areas to the highest horticultural standards and with sensitivity to the historic nature of the property. This employee has the responsibility of overseeing general garden maintenance on a daily basis to make sure the gardens always look their best.
Please email a cover letter accompanied by a resume and a list of three references to
vvansweden@hillsanddales.org. Please apply by July 15. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Hills & Dales Estate is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
To apply for this job email your details to vvansweden@hillsanddales.org
Job Duties
Horticultural Maintenance 75%
• Oversee the cultural care of annual, perennial, and woody plants in designated areas,
including irrigation, fertilization, and pest control
• Keep all beds and pathways free of leaves and debris by raking and blowing daily
• Groom garden areas to ensure that beds and pathways are free of weeds, which includes hand weeding in beds as well as judicious use of herbicide sprays in gravel paths
• Prune hedges, topiaries, shrubs, and trees in the formal garden, in landscape zones around house, and herb garden as needed to keep the garden well maintained
• Plant, water, fertilize, and groom container and bed plantings
• Assist with special projects and group workdays for weeding and seasonal prep and planting
• Provide general maintenance of historic walls, benches, fountains, statuary, and rock edging in garden areas
• Maintain assigned areas to the highest standards
• Prioritize garden hygiene by disinfecting tools, water management, and proper debris
removal
Staff and Volunteer Management 10%
Assist Horticulture Manager with supervising and working alongside volunteers, garden interns, and part-time garden staff. Provide training, guidance, and encouragement as needed to make sure the historic garden and house landscape zones are cultivated and maintained properly.
Educational Programs and Research 10%
Conduct garden tours, organize and teach occasional workshops, and research and implement special projects as assigned by the Horticulture Manager. Periodically assist with educational programs including student tours and outreach presentations.
Special Events 5%
Assist as needed with preparations and clean-up after garden events. Help with decorating for seasonal holidays including Christmas and Halloween. Periodically work during events.
Job Qualifications
Requirements
An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Horticulture is preferred. We will also consider candidates with equivalent hands-on practical gardening experience and/or a demonstrated interest in ornamental horticulture. The successful candidate should have a passion for gardening and be prepared to work outside in the garden. It requires a flexible and energetic person willing to work in all aspects of garden and landscape maintenance. A candidate should be proactive, prioritize tasks, and be well organized. The ability to stay motivated on routine tasks and work effectively in a team atmosphere is essential.
Oral skills and the ability to organize and teach occasional workshops are necessary. A driver’s license is required, and the successful candidate must have or obtain a Georgia Pesticide license within 6 months of employment.
Benefits
This is a full-time 40 hours per week (hourly) position. Benefits include health insurance, sick time, vacation time, and SIMPLE IRA retirement plan match.