A large private estate in Fort Worth, TX seeks a Head Gardener to oversee the property's formal gardens, natural areas, grounds, and plant collections. The Head Gardener will work with the entire horticulture team to support the estate, which is renowned for its gardens designed by Russell Page and Robert Zion. The Head Gardener will oversee the conservatory, herbaceous garden, rose and cut flower gardens, bog garden, woodland areas, lawns, live oak allée, specimen trees, terrace displays, interior plant displays and living wall, irrigation system, water features, and equipment.

The Head Gardener must be dedicated to upholding the legacy of the gardens, both aesthetically and horticulturally. The ideal candidate will strive to preserve the vision of the original owner and designers. Success in the role will also depend on a commitment to the mentorship of year-round staff and seasonal interns in all aspects of the management of the gardens and grounds.

Management of Gardens and Grounds

• Supervise and assign duties to staff horticulturists and gardeners with an eye for short- and long-term care goals.
• Provide tours of the garden to groups of various sizes, sharing plant knowledge and the history of the property to give an engaging and educational experience.
• General maintenance of gardens, grounds, house terrace plantings and container displays: watering and applying fertilizer as needed, weeding, mulching, grooming and detailing plant material, cleanup.
• Seasonal: pruning, training, and shaping of plant material; replacement and installation of seasonal material; winterization of sensitive plant material.
• Collaborate with the Conservatory Horticulturist on maintenance of the conservatory, tropical plant collections and small greenhouses on the property.
• Maintain water features including cleaning, plant care, and wildlife management.
• Hire vendors, seek comparative bids when necessary, and ensure that contracted work is carried out.
• Order plant material and supplies from reputable sources.
• Operate, maintain condition, and keep logs of all equipment used by the department.
• Ensure all plants are accurately labeled and inventoried, maintain plant material spreadsheet.
• Plan, recruit for, and run summer internship program.
• Implement strategies to manage heat stress including shading, mulching, adequate watering, and selecting heat-tolerant plant varieties.
• Create and implement an effective irrigation schedule.
• Scout for pests and implement a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, including addressing wildlife such as snakes, armadillos, gophers, etc., to ensure the health and safety of the garden environment and of native species.
• Oversee tree contractors in maintaining all woody plant varieties, including pleached trees, individual specimen trees and woodland trees, across the gardens and the entire estate.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Financial management: procure and analyze vendor proposals; prompt processing of vendor invoices, petty cash and credit card receipts.
• Attendance: maintain and submit attendance records and leave requests for department.
• Participate in weekly managers meeting.
• Work closely with family office on departmental hiring and annual performance reviews of department staff.
• Keep detailed records and seasonal plans; maintain archive of design plans, correspondence, and plant lists.

Qualities

• Willingness to uphold the vision of the owner and designers
• Adherence to high aesthetic standards in all areas
• Interact effectively with supervisors, peers, and other staff to ensure clear communication
• Promote a team dynamic, possess a positive attitude with a passion for plants

Requirements

• Minimum of a B.S. in Horticulture or related field
• 5 years experience running the operations of a garden, with a focus on private estates preferred
• Extensive knowledge of horticultural techniques and plant identification
• Demonstrated management experience, preferably in a horticulture setting
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to use horticultural tools and power equipment with best safety practices
• Ability to perform physically strenuous task and to lift up to 50lbs
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Valid drivers license

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person