Gardener
(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities
Compensation: $24-$28 per hour
Wethersfield Estate & Garden seeks a skilled and motivated Gardener to join the horticulture team at one of the finest examples of Italian Renaissance gardens in the United States.
Nestled within 1,000 acres in Dutchess County, New York, Wethersfield Estate & Garden is anonprofit organization dedicated to the stewardship of land, habitat protection, conservation, culture, and the arts. The estate features a diverse range of formal and naturalistic garden spaces, extensive plant collections, and 20 miles of trails. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Wethersfield received the 2021 New York State Historic Preservation Award for Excellence in Historic Landscape Preservation.
Reporting to the Head Gardener, the Gardener assists in the care, maintenance, and development of the estate’s mixed perennial borders, cutting garden, formal hedges, container displays, and woodland gardens. Working closely with the horticulture team, this role supports formal garden displays, plant collections, greenhouse growing, and landscape enhancements to maintain the historic character and beauty of the gardens.
Responsibilities/Duties
- Planting, pruning, dividing, transplanting, weeding, watering, and hedge trimming
- Supporting greenhouse operations and plant propagation
- Assisting with seasonal planting plans and container displays
- Monitoring plant health and following IPM practices
- Maintaining plant collections and supporting plant records
- Working collaboratively with staff, interns, and volunteers
- Operating horticultural tools and equipment
- Assisting with garden tours, events, and educational programs as needed
- Will participate in weekend duties on a rotating basis
Qualifications/Requirements
- Degree or certificate in horticulture or equivalent experience
- Minimum 2–3 years of professional horticulture experience
- Strong plant identification skills ( woody and herbaceous plants)
- Experience with pruning, soil health practices, and general plant maintenance
- Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work in varying weather conditions
Additional Information
Position Type: Full-Time (40 hr/wk), Non-Exempt
Compensation: $24–$28 per hour, depending on experience
Benefits: Health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and optional on-site housing
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter describing your horticultural experience and interest in Wethersfield Estate & Garden to: Katharine Barrie, Head Gardener: kbarrie@wethersfield.org
Contact Information
Wethersfield Estate & Garden
Contact Name: Katharine Barrie
Email: kbarrie@wethersfield.org