Head of Horticulture - LongHouse Reserve, East Hampton, NY

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

 Compensation: Salary range of $85k-$100k commensurate with experience

About LongHouse Reserve 
A 16-acre living museum where art meets nature, LongHouse Reserve is a unique cultural institution that integrates world-class sculpture with innovative garden design. Founded by Jack Lenor Larsen, our mission emphasizes "living with art in all forms."

Position Overview 
LongHouse Reserve seeks an experienced horticultural leader to guide our garden's evolution while maintaining its artistic legacy. This role combines strategic vision with hands-on garden management, overseeing all aspects of our diverse landscape. The Head of Horticulture will report directly to the Executive Director and consult with the Garden Committee.

Throughout the year, the Head of Horticulture visually assesses and tracks the quality, condition and maintenance of physical grounds and related systems and equipment in accordance with established standards, regulations and guidelines. Selects and schedules all vendor services, tracks expenses, develops and manages landscaping budget, and keeps accurate records. Defines, assigns and verifies completion of all maintenance, repairs and renovation projects. Interviews, trains, supervises, counsels, schedules and evaluates staff.

Responsibilities/Duties

1. Strategic Leadership 

  • Develop and implement comprehensive garden master plan
  • Direct sustainable and ecological initiatives
  • Manage departmental budgets and resources
  • Lead climate adaptation strategies
  • Guide collection development and documentation


2. Garden Operations

  • Oversee gardens (boxwood, roses, perennials, shrubs, trees)
  • Maintain ornamental grass garden and naturalized areas
  • Manage integrated pest management programs
  • Implement soil health programs
  • Direct winter protection strategies
  • Oversee equipment operations and maintenance
  • Supervise seasonal displays and plantings
  • Order annuals for pots
  • Maintain tropicals in pots and store for the winter
  • Maintain climbing roses, clematis, and wisteria
  • Direct bulb planting and annual flower programs
  • Manage leaf removal and snow clearing operations
  • Supervise lawn mowing and turf maintenance
  • Manage irrigation and coordinate with outside irrigation contractor
     

3. Team Leadership

  • Manage horticultural staff and volunteers
  • Coordinate volunteer program with other LHR staff
  • Direct seasonal staff hiring and training
  • Provide professional development
  • Ensure safety compliance
  • Coordinate with artistic program teams
  • Oversee contractor relationships
  • Work with in-house staff and outside contractors
  • Coordinate with outside arborist services for hemlock hedge and large tree pruning
  • Manage bilingual communication with staff (Spanish language skills helpful)

4. Education & Community Engagement

  • Develop garden interpretation programs
  • Lead tours and workshops
  • Support special events
  • Engage with visitors and community
  • Contribute to educational initiatives

Qualifications/Requirements

Required:

  • Advanced degree in horticulture or related field
  • 5-10 years progressive garden management experience, with minimum 3 years' experience as head gardener or work at a maintenance company or arbor care company/demonstrated experience with estate-level garden maintenance
  • Proven track record maintaining gardens at highest standards
  • Experience supervising small garden staff (2-3 people)
  • Proven staff management experience
  • Strong knowledge of Northeast plant materials
  • Experience with collection management software
  • Budget management expertise

Desired:

  • Vision for integrating art and nature
  • Innovation in sustainable practices
  • Strong communication skills
  • Collaborative leadership style
  • Professional degree in horticulture or arboriculture
  • Formal garden maintenance expertise

Physical Requirements

  • • Year-round outdoor work in all conditions
  • • Operation of landscape equipment
  • • Physical stamina for garden work
  • • Valid driver's license

Additional Information

Schedule

  • • Full-time, flexible schedule required
  • • Weekend rotation for critical maintenance and programming
  • • Winter vacation preference
  • • Special event availability Compensation & Benefits
  • • Salary range of $85k-$100k commensurate with experience

Comprehensive health insurance

Contact Information

LongHouse Reserve
Email: horticulturalist.longhouse@gmail.com