Job Title: Horticulture Assistant
Reports to: Head of Horticulture
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Date: Effective 09/01/2026
Position Summary
The Horticulture Assistant supports the Horticulture Manager with day-to-day horticultural activities across a 400+ acre property, performs skilled horticultural work, helps coordinate daily priorities, and assumes certain responsibilities in the absence of the Horticulture Manager.
Essential Job Responsibilities
· Assists in planning and designing annual and perennial flower beds.
· Assists with the production of bedding and potted plants in the growing operation.
· Maintains plants in the Main House, Whitney Center, Administration Office, and other interior spaces.
· Maintains the Exotic Garden, Display Meadow and the Lily Pond in the Walled Garden.
· Maintains the composting program.
· Maintains the bamboo courtyard at the Whitney Center.
· Performs pruning, mulching, weeding, fertilizing, watering, and other horticultural duties under the direction of the Horticulture Manager.
· Ability to water effectively by hand and/or manage basic irrigation tasks (monitoring, simple adjustments, and troubleshooting leaks/clogs).
· Performs special projects or related horticultural duties as required.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Required
· Skilled in digging, planting, transplanting, staking, and seasonal bed change-outs
· Strong pruning skills for shrubs and perennials.
· Hands-on knowledge of soil preparation, mulching, compost use, and basic fertilization practices.
· Experience with greenhouse/growing tasks as needed.
· Ability to safely operate and maintain common landscape tools including lawn mowers, sheers, sharpeners, shovels, spades, clippers and pruning equipment.
· High attention to detail and presentation standards.
· Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and produce quality results on time.
· Excellent organizational skills.
· Ability to work with all levels within the organization while maintaining professionalism and discretion.
Working Conditions
· Must be able to stand, walk, kneel, crouch, and bend for extended periods of time.
· Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and move materials such as soil, mulch, plants, containers, and tools.
· Work may require repetitive motions and use of hand tools and power equipment, including power washers.
· Work may occur inside buildings with stairs, requiring the ability to safely navigate stairways as needed.
· Work safely in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, rain) and around uneven terrain.
· Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed and follow all safety procedures.
Work Environment
· Office and outside environment, where the employee could be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibrations.
· Could be exposed to extreme working conditions and loud noise levels and environments.
· Regular work in formal gardens, lawns, paths, and specialty areas (e.g., meadow, pond/walled garden) and periodic work in greenhouses and storage areas.
· Routine work inside buildings requires care around finished interiors, furnishings, and high-visibility spaces.
· Work demands attention to detail and cleanliness.
Minimum Qualifications
· Three years of experience in a horticultural position; some education a plus.
· Valid Driver’s License.
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
Work Location: In person
