Garden & Horticulture Manager
Employment Type
Job (Full-time)Job Categories
Horticulture
Job Description
The Garden & Horticulture Manager is a full-time, salaried position responsible for maintaining, cultivating, and curating the 5-acre historic Ferrell Gardens at Hills & Dales Estate. This position will lead and work with a team of five garden staff members and work closely with the landscape maintenance staff who care for the surrounding historic landscapes. The position is responsible for all aspects of horticulture at the estate, working to maintain the property to the highest possible standards. Inspired by the 180-year history of the garden, this position will provide oversight of the garden with sensitivity to the legacies of Sarah Ferrell, Ida C. Callaway, and Alice H. Callaway.
About Us
Hills & Dales Estate is the historic home and garden of textile magnate Fuller E. Callaway and is one of Georgia’s premier house and garden museums. The estate features the historic Ferrell Gardens (circa 1841), which contain extensive boxwood plantings, fountains, herb garden, and greenhouse. The centerpiece of the estate is a 1916 Italian villa designed by the noted architects Hentz & Reid. The 35-acre property is located in LaGrange, Georgia, one hour south of Atlanta. It is operated by Fuller E. Callaway Foundation, which seeks to preserve and share the home and garden for the instruction and enjoyment of the public through careful stewardship and engaging programs.
Duties & Responsibilities
RESPONSIBILITIES
Horticultural Care (40%)
Work with garden staff to maintain the historic trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plantings. Plan and implement all seasonal plantings with sensitivity to the historic nature of the gardens and, when possible, with plant varieties that were historically grown at the estate.
Routinely evaluate the quality of horticultural care and work to enhance the quality of presentation. Work to protect gardens from pests and diseases. Manage integrated pest management program including the control of boxwood blight, false oleander scale, and ambrosia twig borer.
Oversee garden improvement projects and provide horticultural guidance for the care of outlying historic landscapes. Ensure that any changes and additions to the landscape advance the mission of the garden. Work with garden staff to document plantings to ensure the historical integrity of the landscape is preserved.
Provide guidance and assistance regarding the care of the historic greenhouse. Grow flowers for floral arrangements in the Callaway home and assist the floral designer as needed.
Management (35%)
Lead, direct, and support three full-time gardeners, two part-time employees, one seasonal intern, and a small group of dedicated volunteers. Conduct meetings with each staff member to plan out annual goals and provide guidance and encouragement to achieve success. Conduct semi-annual evaluations to help team members reach their full potential.
Create a positive work culture that fosters teamwork, open communication, accomplishment of goals, and a safe work environment. Conduct monthly team meetings to keep staff members well informed. Work to expand the garden volunteer program.
Provide support for and periodically serve as manager-on-duty during special events.
Education & Programming (15%)
Actively participate as a part of leadership team to create estate programs and offerings that will increase visitation and enhance the quality of the estate. Work with Interpretation & Programs Manager and garden staff to create, plan, and teach garden workshops.
Conduct educational garden tours as required. Keep the garden tour manual up to date and offer periodic training for staff and volunteers. Work with staff to enhance plant labeling, expand garden interpretation, and grow garden-related educational offerings.
Make presentations to garden clubs and other interested groups when required. Prepare garden related articles for The Portico newsletter, the website, and other outside publications.
Procure materials and provide direction for seasonal decorating, primarily the annual Christmas decorating program and moderate exterior embellishments for Halloween.
Provide innovative ideas to extend the mission of the garden. Explore options to expand historic plant sales. Build and grow relationships with other historic gardens and horticultural professionals.
Administration & Budget (10%)
Oversee all garden expenditures, including purchasing plants and supplies for the garden. Work within approved budget.
Serve as a member of the Hills & Dales Advisory Group and work actively with that group to elevate the quality of the visitor experience.
Keep track of garden staff time records and approve hours twice per month. Approve time off and manage staff to ensure the smooth operation of the estate.
Education and Experience
REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, or related field, and 3 years of experience. Prefer candidates who have experience in a historic or public garden and a demonstrated interest in historic gardening. The individual must have strong, hands-on management skills and be knowledgeable in all aspects of ornamental horticulture. Candidates should be passionate about gardening, enjoy working in a team atmosphere, and have excellent communication skills, including writing. The individual should have, or obtain, a Georgia Pesticide Applicators License and be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite. Competitive compensation and full benefits will be commensurate with education and experience. Relocation assistance provided.
Additional Information
WORK HOURS & SUPERVISION
This position will work a Monday through Friday schedule with rotating weekend duty shared with other horticultural staff. Work hours vary seasonally. Periodically work weekends for educational programs, special events, or as needed to ensure the garden is kept to the highest possible standards. The Garden & Horticulture Manager reports to the Executive Director and works closely with other managers, including the Building Maintenance & Landscape Manager.
Application Instructions
TO APPLY
Send cover letter, resume, and contact information of three professional references to Carleton Wood at cwood@hillsanddales.org. Applications will be reviewed as received. For more information about the estate, visit www.hillsanddales.org. Hills & Dales Estate, a historic property of Fuller E. Callaway Foundation, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
December 1, 2024