Director of Gardens and Grounds

Position Title: Director of Gardens and Grounds

Hours: Full-time, salaried,

40 hours per week (Generally M-F 7:30am – 4pm)

SUMMARY

As lead horticulturist and hands-on leader at an historic private estate, the Director of Gardens and Grounds is a strong and intuitive professional who is responsible for the management of an exquisite 15-acre facility. The Director of Gardens and Grounds will delight in motivating and being a part of a successful team. This professional will be responsible for the care and maintenance of the Estate to include arichly planted perennial garden, a boxwood “cloud” garden, topiary lined lawn, vegetable garden,meadows, and intimate garden spots. He/she will be a cheerful and approachable colleague, adept at assessing and promoting the horticultural employees’ strengths and working hard to improve their skills. This position will collaborate with the owners, property manager, and designers to ensure that the Estate Gardens evolve and mature as intended. The Director of Gardens and Grounds must be energetic and passionate about working with plants in new ways, have keen knowledge of best horticultural practices and techniques, a refined design sense, an eye for detail, good interpersonal skills, and an excellent work ethic.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES

• Supervision of all garden staff for daily oversight and staff enrichment
• Coordination and supervision of all outside contractors
• Oversight and daily care of the gardens including pruning, weeding, mulching, watering, grooming/deadheading, edging, trimming and debris clean up.
• Maintain an integrated pest management (IPM) program.
• Plant, transplant, divide and maintain the collection of herbaceous materials. Additionally, care for all woody plant materials.
• In close coordination with owners, planning of annual seasonal vegetable, herb, and fruit program.
• Creation and monitoring of horticulture budget in partnership with owners, as needed.
• Manage the recruiting, hiring, training, motivating and administration of garden staff.
• Manage irrigation system programming and maintenance.
• As working supervisor, work will include use of power equipment for the maintenance of lawns and gardens including: lawn mowers, string trimmers, hedge trimmers, skid-steer, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic Qualifications

• - Bachelor’s degree in horticulture with an emphasis in ornamental horticulture (preferred) or a related field is required.
• Minimum 3 years of staff management with proven results of team building, which includes skills in coaching, staff productivity and a commitment to results.
• Minimum 3 years of experience working with woody/herbaceous perennials and turf in public or private environment.
• Proven track record and experience with the care of gardens and landscapes.
• Working knowledge of best horticultural practices and techniques.
• Proficiency in proper pruning techniques for a variety of ornamental shrubs and trees.
• Strong organizational and communication skills and experience working in a collaborative culture. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Valid Texas driver’s license (within three months of hire).
• Have or be willing to obtain a Texas Pesticide Applicators License (within 6 months of hire).

Additional Qualifications

• Passion for gardening, plant health and quality maintenance.
• Landscape project management experience helpful but not required.
• Conversational Spanish is helpful.

Physical requirements

• Work outside, year-round, at a productive pace in South Texas weather conditions.

Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Safety equipment provided

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Management: 5 years (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $70,000 - $80,000