Landscaper

Part-Time Landscaper & Grounds Preservation Specialist

The Wayside Inn 1797 – Middletown, VA

Overview

When guests pull up to The Wayside Inn 1797, their first impression isn't just the front desk... it's the sweeping historic grounds, vibrant flower beds, and pristine brick pathways. With over 200 years of Shenandoah Valley hospitality under our belt, we take immense pride in keeping our outdoor spaces (and historic indoor spaces) looking as timeless, charming, and welcoming as the Inn itself.

We are looking for a self-motivated, hands-on Part-Time Landscaper who loves working outdoors and takes genuine pride in a job well done. Whether you are a passionate gardener, someone looking for steady outdoor hours, or simply enjoy making spaces look beautiful with complete schedule flexibility, this role lets your work make an immediate, visual impact every single week.

The Wayside Standard: Our Expectations

• An Eye for Detail: You notice the small things before anyone else... a stray patch of weeds along the patio, a flower bed that needs fresh mulch, or seasonal blooms that need trimming. You treat our gardens, ponds, and historic rooms with the same care and pride you would bring to your own home.
• Versatility & Hands-On Craft: Historic properties keep life interesting. One day you might be planting colorful seasonal flowers, spraying weeds, and pruning shrubs. The next, you might be power washing brick walkways, clearing out gutters, setting up seasonal decorations, or lending a hand to help shift or arrange heavy antique furniture inside the Inn (always as a team effort!).
• Self-Directed & Reliable: Because this position is just a few hours a week, we trust you to be a self-starter. You can walk the property, see what needs love, and tackle your tasks efficiently without needing someone looking over your shoulder.
• A Team-First Spirit: While much of your time will be spent independently outdoors, you are a vital part of our Wayside family. Whether you are prepping the gardens for an event or helping team members move furniture to reset a historic parlor, you show up ready to pitch in.

The "Mutual Respect" Pact

We believe that a happy, respected team is the secret to an unforgettable guest experience. Here is what we offer in return:

• Life-First, Flexible Hours: We only need a few hours a week, and your time is truly flexible. Need to work early in the morning to beat the summer heat? Prefer coming in on specific days that fit around another job or personal schedule? As long as the grounds look great, we are happy to build a schedule that works for you.
• The "Innkeeper’s Perk": One of the best parts of working at a historic boutique inn is the property itself. When space permits, our team members are welcome to stay overnight in an empty room to relax and enjoy the Old World charm they help preserve.
• Total Transparency: Communication is seamless around here. Through our team app, you can check notes, post updates, and communicate directly with management so you always know what’s going on before you walk onto the property.
• Performance-Based Growth: We want you to feel supported and appreciated. We conduct Quarterly Performance Reviews to discuss your goals, share feedback, and offer performance-based pay increases as you master the property grounds.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Pull weeds, apply weed spray safely, and keep garden beds, pathways, and fence lines immaculate.
• Plant seasonal flowers, shrubs, and greenery to keep the grounds vibrant year-round.
• Prune bushes, trim small trees, and manage ongoing garden maintenance.
• Lead seasonal outdoor decorating (setting up fall, holiday, or spring displays and taking them down when the season ends).
• Handle light outdoor property maintenance including gutter cleaning, power washing stone walkways, and assisting with outdoor features like pond building or maintenance.
• Assist with indoor property needs as needed, including team-assisted heavy lifting or moving furniture within the Inn.
• Maintain groundskeeping equipment and keep tools clean, organized, and properly stored.

Requirements

• Hands-On Experience: Prior experience in basic landscaping, gardening, weed control, or general outdoor/indoor physical maintenance.
• Physical Capability: Comfortable walking the historic property, bending, lifting, carrying heavy objects (like furniture or mulch bags), and using outdoor power equipment. Note: Heavy furniture moves are always paired up with another team member for safety!
• Self-Starter Mindset: Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high standards.
• Reliability: Dependable, safety-conscious, and respectful of the property, guests, and team members.

Job Details & Benefits

• Position Type: Part-time (flexible hours, a few hours per week)
• Pay: $16.00 per hour
• Benefits: Employee discount, Innkeeper overnight perks, flexible scheduling

Pay: From $16.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16