2 Specialty Gardener - Fruit Jobs in Charlottesville, VA
Thomas Jefferson Foundation Inc. is Hiring a Specialty Gardener - Fruit Near Charlottesville, VA
- Maintains the Monticello Fruit Garden including the North and South Orchards, historic Northeast and Southwest Vineyards, Berry Squares, and Submural Beds to ensure a high-level horticultural presentation: propagates through seed germination, taking cuttings or grafting; plants established fruit trees and berries; evaluates, improves, and prepares soil; monitors and controls pests (weeds, insects, animals, and disease); grows and harvests produce for use in value-added products, the Monticello Farm Table café, local donation, special events, or TJF employee consumption; collects and cleans historic seed varieties; stakes plants; edges beds; mulches beds and tree rings; removes spent crops; labels plants; waters plants; and resurfaces, re-seeds, and mows grass walkways. Organizes weed and pest control strategies and programs; chooses and directs appropriate daily tasks for staff assisting in the Fruit Garden; determines the times of fruit harvesting; decides on fertilizer rates for specific plants; picks the most effective mulching systems; plans pruning activity to its most efficient and effective season; constructs supports for large and vining plants; keeps consistent records of plantings; decides on the most effective site amendments; determines the most effective cultivation times; decides when plants should be removed from the garden; and plans pesticide spraying effectively.
- Maintains a plant collection of Jefferson-era and 19th century fruit varieties.
- Distributes tasks to other staff members and volunteers in the Fruit Garden in absence of the Manager and Curator of Historic Gardens.
- Interprets the Fruit Garden to visitors and conducts tours and lectures focused on the garden.
- Assists with general maintenance, landscaping, Gardens and Grounds projects, and interdepartmental projects as assigned.
- Extensive and proven horticultural skills and background, including knowledge of soils and fertilizers; pest control; irrigation systems; fruit production; produce harvesting and storage; historic fruit varieties; propagation; etc. Manual dexterity to safely and efficiently execute horticultural practices: seed sowing, seed collection, seed cleaning; weeding; pruning and training plants; transplanting; watering; fertilizing; spraying; mulching; and edging – to ensure high standards of the garden’s presentation to the public.
- Position requires the ability to safely operate power equipment and heavy machinery; verbal skills and proficiency in assimilating and disseminating information; tactful communication skills to ensure a harmonious working environment with colleagues; the ability to think and act quickly and to adapt to changing and adverse circumstances; and active learning capabilities.
- Position requires the ability to work for long periods in extremely hot, cold, and humid conditions performing manual tasks including stooping, stretching, bending, and lifting.
- Position requires reliability and commitment to fulfill scheduling responsibilities including nights and weekends as assigned.
- Maintains high standards of safety for oneself, staff, and visitors. Includes but is not limited to the correct use and maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), complying with EPA (WPS) and OSHA regulations for pesticide use, operation of power and hand tools, and operation of motorized vehicles (including off-road vehicles, trucks, snow plows, tractors, and heavy machinery).
- Interest in Monticello and Thomas Jefferson, including his horticultural and agricultural exploits and desire to pursue new technology.
- Understanding the nature of Monticello as a plantation site with a complex history.
- The ability to interact with staff and visitors of all backgrounds and perspectives.
- Maintain clean and organized work spaces.
- The ability to make basic adjustments and repairs to power equipment.
- The ability to obtain and maintain a Virginia State Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator license, within 6 months of hire.
- Possess a valid Virginia Driver’s License.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
- Position requires extensive manual labor in extremely sunny, hot and humid conditions in summer and cold, windy, and rainy weather during spring, fall, and winter.
- Must be able to carry 35 lbs. unassisted.
- This position is considered essential personnel and expected to report to work to assist with snow removal or storm damage clean-up, in the event Monticello is closed to visitors.
- Competitive compensation
- Excellent benefits package
- Free admission to Monticello and partner institutions
- Beautiful grounds and walking trails
- Employee discount in the café, gift shop, and Monticello catalog
Job Summary
Full Time
Arts & Culture
$33k-45k (estimate)
03/14/2024
05/14/2024
monticello.org
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA
200 - 500
1923
LESLIE BOWMAN
$50M - $200M
Arts & Culture
Related Companies
About Thomas Jefferson Foundation Inc.
The Thomas Jefferson Foundation (formerly the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation) owns and operates Monticello, the mountaintop home of Thomas Jefferson and the only home in America on the elite World Heritage List of the United Nations. Incorporated in 1923, after the federal government waived its third opportunity to acquire Monticello for the nation, the Foundation purchased the house and land from the Levy family, stewards of the estate for 89 years. As a private, nonprofit organization, the Foundation receives no regular federal or state budget support for its twofold mission of preserv...ation and education. Since 1923, the Thomas Jefferson Foundation has steadily expanded its role as a museum and educational institution. Its facilities now include the house and gardens on nearly 2,000 of Jefferson's original 5,000 acres; the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies next door at Kenwood, a headquarters for Jeffersonian research and teaching and home to the Jefferson Library; and the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants, which propagates heirloom varieties and makes them available to institutions and individuals. The David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center and Smith Education Center hosts state-of-the art exhibits for visitors of all ages. It serves as the gateway to Jeffersons timeless Monticello, preparing guests for their trips to the historic mountaintop through dynamic content presenting fresh perspectives on Monticello and the enduring significance of Jeffersons life and ideas. About a half a million people visit Monticello each year.
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