Head gardener

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

Start Date: Spring 2025  Compensation: $70-$90K/year commensurate with experience

We are helping with the recruitment of a Head Gardener for a new 1.9 acre ornamental garden and landscape designed by Tom Stuart-Smith Studio. It surrounds a private family home on 600 acres near Millerton, Dutchess County, New York. The project includes naturalistic plantings around the house, meadows, hedges, a swimming pool, a natural swimming pond, fruit trees, vegetable garden and woodland. Most of the planting is happening in spring 2025, ideally with the head gardener actively involved alongside the landscape contractor during the planting of the gardens.

The position is full time.

Salary package includes paid health insurance. Housing is not provided.
If you are interested in applying for the position, please email a cover letter, resume and two references to

Responsibilities/Duties

The candidate will be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the gardens (trees, shrubs, perennials, bulbs, pond, meadow, woodland, vegetable, fruit) and associated work (pest and disease monitoring, compost and mulch, deer fence, paths). Some tasks, including meadow cutting, snow ploughing and tree work may be contracted out under the supervision of the Head Gardener.  Interest or experience in meadow management is important. There is potential for a seasonal horticulturalist to assist the Head Gardener.

Qualifications/Requirements

Candidates must have a recognized horticultural qualification and a wide range of relevant practical gardening experience, ideally in large scale private estate gardens or a botanical garden open to the public. We are looking for a high standard of workmanship and horticulture with a proactive approach, and experience with the safe operation and maintenance of a range of horticultural tools and machinery. Must be flexible, reliable, and enjoy working as part of a team and/or working unsupervised.  The position requires good organizational skills, interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to prioritize own work.  Candidate is expected to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.

Contact Information

Tom Stuart-Smith Studio
Contact Name: Harry Birckmayer
Email: harrybirck@gmail.com