Nestldown
Gardener - Level I
About Nestldown:
Nestldown is a nationally acclaimed private estate and event venue tucked into the Santa Cruz Mountains of California’s San Francisco Bay Area. The 180-acre property features approximately 35 acres of intensively maintained four-season gardens — spanning four distinct garden areas: the Main Lawn Garden, Chapel Garden, Apple Knoll Garden, and Fantasy Garden — each with its own horticultural character set within a stunning redwood and oak woodland landscape.
Every year these gardens serve as the backdrop for hundreds of weddings and special events. The result is a workplace where horticultural craft genuinely matters — and where the quality of your work is seen and appreciated by guests from across the country.
The Opportunity:
This is a hands-on, outdoor role for someone who loves working in exceptional gardens and wants to grow as a horticulture professional. As a Horticulture Technician, you’ll work alongside an experienced Garden Area Manager, learning the craft while contributing directly to the care and presentation of Nestldown’s signature gardens.
We don’t expect advanced horticultural knowledge on day one — we’re looking for someone who is curious, dependable, and genuinely excited to develop their skills in a high-standard, collaborative environment. If you take pride in your work and want a career path — not just a job — this is a place to build one.
What You'll Do:
Your day-to-day will span the full range of ornamental garden care in a working event estate:
- Perform garden maintenance including planting, pruning, deadheading, weeding, mulching, mowing, edging, staking, and seasonal color changes
- Prepare gardens for weddings, events, and guest visits — the standard is consistently high and the results are immediately visible
- Assist with irrigation system maintenance and basic repairs
- Support pesticide and fertilizer applications in accordance with company policy and California regulations
- Help install new landscape projects and seasonal displays
- Safely operate, maintain, and store horticultural equipment, tools, and vehicles
- Keep work areas — gardens, shops, and storage — clean, organized, and safe
- Communicate openly with your Garden Area Manager about progress, observations, and questions
What Makes You a Strong Fit?
Minimum Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Previous experience in landscape maintenance, horticulture, agriculture, nursery work, or outdoor labor preferred — but we’ll consider driven candidates with a strong desire to learn
- Valid California Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record
- Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work in varying weather conditions, including lifting up to 50 lbs regularly
- Ability to safely operate or learn to operate landscape maintenance equipment
The Qualities We Value Most:
- Genuine interest in horticulture and a desire to keep growing professionally
- Reliable, accountable, and thorough — you follow tasks through to completion
- Receptive to coaching and feedback; you see constructive input as a tool, not a critique
- A team-first mindset in a collaborative, crew-based environment
- Strong attention to detail and a personal commitment to quality work
- Adaptable in a dynamic, event-driven setting where priorities can shift
- Professional communication with supervisors and coworkers
Compensation & Benefits:
- Hourly wage: $20.00–$32.50 per hour, depending on experience and skills
- Full medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid vacation, paid holidays, and paid sick leave
Career Growth:
Nestldown is genuinely committed to developing horticultural professionals from within. The Gardens Department has a structured career path with clear advancement opportunities:
- Horticulture Technician → Horticulture Specialist → Garden Area Manager
Employees who demonstrate initiative, professionalism, and a commitment to learning are actively encouraged to pursue advancement as opportunities arise. This is a role with real room to grow.
Work Environment:
This is a full-time, on-site position at Nestldown’s estate in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The role is physically demanding — you’ll be outdoors in all seasons, working across varied terrain. The pace and priorities are shaped by both the horticultural calendar and the estate’s event schedule. It’s a beautiful place to work, and the work itself is meaningful.
Nestldown is an equal opportunity employer. Pursuant to California law, the pay range for this position is $20.00–$32.50/hr.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 - $30.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
