Head Gardener

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

Start Date: Late Winter / Early Spring 2025  Compensation: $45/hour (starting)

A historic private estate in Tivoli, NY, is seeking a Head Gardener to oversee and maintain its established gardens. The 35-acre property includes mature perennial plantings and vibrant summer annual plantings requiring skilled care. (Note: Lawn and woodland areas are managed by separate teams.)

The ideal candidate will have strong horticultural knowledge, a passion for natural pest management, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. This role also involves collaboration with other property and turf managers and managing seasonal crews for tasks such as mulching and clean-ups.

Responsibilities/Duties

• General garden care:
  • Weeding, watering, fertilizing, planting, pruning, deadheading, staking, transplanting, and managing invasives.
  • Applying animal repellents, thinning, shaping, and cleaning garden areas.
• Seasonal tasks:
  • Spring clean-up, annual planting, and mulching.
  • Managing winter tasks like pruning and overwintering plants.
• Pest and weed management:
  • Identify and manage garden pests (insects and weeds) naturally.
• Team collaboration:
  • Interface with other property managers and coordinate seasonal crews.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Horticultural Expertise:
  • Strong knowledge of perennial and annual plantings, irrigation systems, and natural pest and weed management.
• Professionalism:
  • Reliable, dependable, and organized.
  • Self-motivated, with excellent time management and work-planning skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with other property managers and lead seasonal crews.
• Required Credentials:
  • Must hold General Liability Insurance (GLI).
  • Must operate as an independent contractor (e.g., DBA, LLC, etc.).
  • GLI and independent contractor status (such as DBA or LLC) can be obtained by the applicant at/after hiring.
• Additional Attributes:
  • A good listener and team player.
  • Enthusiastic and committed to maintaining the gardens of a historic estate.
  • Open to candidates eager to learn and work hard, even without prior garden management experience.

Additional Information

This is primarily a seasonal role (spring, summer, and fall) with some winter tasks. Hours will vary between 25–40 hours per week, with increased workloads during spring clean-ups and planting season. Independent Contractor status with no benefits.

We welcome candidates who are passionate about gardening and historic estate preservation, regardless of previous independent garden management experience.

To Apply:
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter detailing your experience and interest in the role. References will be requested and verified during the interview process.

Contact Information

Private Estate in Tivoli NY
Contact Name: Rachel Winograd
Email: rachelsgardensbiz@gmail.com
Phone: 207-702-4161