Head Estate Gardener / Horticulturist
Chateau Lill | Woodinville, WA
Part-Time | Daytime Hours
$30–$34 per hour, depending on experience
About the Role
Chateau Lill, a private 10-acre estate and premier event venue just outside Woodinville, is seeking an experienced Head Estate Gardener / Horticulturist to care for and steward our diverse gardens and landscaped grounds.
Our longtime Head Gardener is retiring, creating a unique opportunity for an experienced horticulture professional to take ownership of the care and continued development of an established estate landscape.
This is a hands-on gardening position for someone who takes pride in beautiful, healthy, thoughtfully maintained gardens. The ideal candidate has strong practical horticultural knowledge, works confidently and independently, notices what needs attention without always needing direction, and enjoys developing a deep familiarity with a property over time.
The estate includes ornamental gardens, mature trees and shrubs, perennial and annual plantings, expansive lawns, a vineyard, ponds, a small farm, and landscaped event spaces. Because Chateau Lill hosts weddings and private events throughout the year, maintaining beautiful and presentation-ready grounds is an important part of this role.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide hands-on care and maintenance of gardens and planted areas throughout the 10-acre estate
- Take primary responsibility for the health, appearance, and seasonal needs of assigned gardens and landscaped areas
- Identify and care for perennials, annuals, bulbs, shrubs, woody plants, and other ornamental plantings
- Perform pruning, deadheading, dividing, transplanting, planting, weeding, mulching, fertilizing, and general garden maintenance
- Monitor plant health and identify signs of pests, disease, nutrient deficiencies, and other horticultural concerns
- Make thoughtful recommendations for plant care, replacement, seasonal improvements, and garden needs
- Assist with seasonal planting, garden installations, and ongoing landscape improvements
- Maintain gardens and guest-facing areas to the high presentation standards expected of a premier event venue
- Plan and prioritize gardening tasks based on season, weather, plant needs, and the property's event schedule
- Communicate effectively with the Facilities/Maintenance team and other Chateau Lill staff
- Properly use, clean, and maintain gardening tools and equipment
- Work independently while collaborating with the larger property team as needed
Qualifications
Required:
- Professional experience in horticulture, estate gardening, fine gardening, landscape gardening, nursery work, or a comparable field
- Strong working knowledge of ornamental plants, including perennials, annuals, bulbs, shrubs, and woody plants
- Practical knowledge of pruning, planting, soil health, plant nutrition, pest management, and common plant diseases
- Ability to identify plant needs and determine appropriate care throughout the growing season
- Experience safely and effectively using standard gardening tools and equipment
- Strong attention to detail and a high standard for garden appearance and presentation
- Ability to organize and prioritize work independently and follow projects through to completion
- Dependable, self-motivated, and comfortable taking ownership of day-to-day garden care
- Ability to work outdoors throughout the year in changing Pacific Northwest weather conditions
- Ability to perform physically demanding work, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and lifting up to 50 pounds
Preferred:
- Experience caring for a private estate, botanical garden, high-end residential property, winery, resort, event venue, or similarly detailed landscape
- Formal education, coursework, or certification in horticulture or a related field
- Knowledge of Pacific Northwest plants, growing conditions, and seasonal garden care
- Experience with garden planning, plant selection, seasonal rotations, or landscape installations
- Excellent organization and time-management skills
Schedule & Compensation
- Part-Time
- Tuesday - Thursday
- Daytime schedule
- Approximately 6-hour shifts, with hours varying based on season and property needs
- $30–$34 per hour, depending on experience
- Potential for the position to develop into a full-time role as property needs evolve
This position reports directly to the Director of the property and works closely with the Facilities/Maintenance team and other Chateau Lill staff to ensure the estate grounds are maintained to the highest standard.
About Chateau Lill
Chateau Lill is a distinctive 10-acre estate and event venue in the Woodinville wine country. The property features lush rolling lawns, mature gardens, ponds, a vineyard, a small farm, and towering firs that create the setting for weddings, corporate gatherings, and private events.
Our gardens are an important part of the Chateau Lill experience. From the upper and vineyard lawns to the pond and gazebo gardens, the grounds serve as both a working landscape and the backdrop for some of our guests' most memorable occasions.
We are looking for someone who will develop a strong connection to the property and take pride in caring for its gardens for years to come.
To Apply
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter or statement of interest describing your gardening/horticultural experience and why this position appeals to you.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $30.00 - $34.00 per hour
Benefits:
Experience:
- Gardening: 1 year (Required)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
