Estate Gardener & Grounds Manager

The Inn at Little Washington; Virginia; On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Estate Gardener & Grounds Manager to oversee the beautiful gardens and grounds of a prestigious establishment. This role involves managing a team, ensuring 5-star horticultural standards, and collaborating closely with management to enhance the property's landscape. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in garden management and a passion for maintaining exceptional outdoor spaces. Join a team that values excellence and offers a supportive environment for professional growth.

Benefits

Health, vision, and dental insurance

Paid time off

401(k) retirement plan with match

On-the-job training

Employee education allowance

Flexible schedules

Employee appreciation events

Complimentary uniforms

Delicious family meals

Referral bonuses

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in estate/fine garden management.
• Valid Virginia Driver’s License required.
• Experience in personnel management is essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee management of Estate Gardens and Grounds Division.
• Supervise and train Grounds crew members.
• Implement landscape maintenance programs.

Skills

Horticultural Care

Landscape Management

Personnel Management

Budget Management

Communication Skills

Plant Identification

IPM Program Development

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture

Commercial Pesticide Applicators License

Tools

Landscape Small Engine Equipment

Compact Utility Loaders

Job description

Join to apply for the Estate Gardener & Grounds Manager role at The Inn at Little Washington

6 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Estate Gardener & Grounds Manager role at The Inn at Little Washington

Located in the picturesque town of Washington, Virginia.

30 minutes from Culpeper, Front Royal, and Warrenton, Virginia

40 minutes from Gainesville and Stephen City, Virginia

Just a bit over an hour from Reston, Loudoun County, Virginia and Washington, DC.

Since 1978 The Inn at Little Washington, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, has been one of the most decorated restaurants and hotels in the world. There is no better time to join our growing team of exceptional people. Your next career awaits.

Some of our awards include Michelin 3 Stars, Forbes 5 Stars, Michelin Green Star, AAA 5 Diamonds, and Wine Spectator Grand Award. Member of Relais & Chateaux.

We Offer

Why join our team:

• Health, vision and dental insurance (full time employees)
• Paid time off (Full time employees)
• 401(k) retirement plan with match
• On-the-job training
• Employee education allowance
• Advancement potential
• Flexible schedules
• Employee appreciation events
• Complimentary uniforms
• Delicious “family” meals daily prepared by the chefs
• Referral bonuses
• Competitive pay
  
  

www.theinnatlittlewashington.com

Summary

Perform all functions related to the overall management of the Estate Gardens and Grounds Division. Provide direction and supervision for the field crew and all their related tasks. Maintain responsibility for all aspects of proper horticultural care and maintenance of plant material and lawn areas throughout the property. Maintain 5-star standards of excellence through all phases of the workday; responsible for these standards being translated to the work performed by the Grounds crew.

Essential Functions

• Maintain responsibility for all aspects of proper horticultural care and maintenance of plant material and lawn areas throughout the property.
• Effectively manage all work performed on site to fit within the specific unique requirements and restrictions of The Inn, always maintaining superior guest experience as the foremost priority.
• Develop and grow a collaborative relationship with the Chef Proprietor and General Manager of The Inn to develop and implement the ever-changing vision and direction of The Inn as they dictate and bring into reality the parts of the vision that relates to the Gardens & Grounds of The Inn.
• Supervise and manage Associate Estate Gardener and Grounds Attendant crew members.
• Responsible for developing and prioritizing daily task lists, providing training whenever necessary.
• Monitor quality during task performance to ensure 5-star results and maintain accountability for proper completion on schedule.
• Provide leadership to the Grounds crew. Actively work with the Associate Estate Gardener to develop that person as a leader within the Division and at The Inn.
• Implement a comprehensive landscape maintenance program.
• Work in a collaborative effort with the Chef Proprietor in the continued enhancement of the Grounds & Gardens.
• Supervise and manage horticultural applications (fertilizers, fungicides, pesticides, etc.) as needed, developing an effective IPM program. Maintain proper record keeping of applications.
• Work with Management to develop and effectively manage the budget for the Grounds Division.
• Maintain responsibility for all purchasing within the division. Work with the AP Administrator to ensure timely processing of invoices and effective vendor management. Develop new vendor relationships and manage existing relationships to the benefit of The Inn.
• Maintain responsibility for tool & equipment management and inventory control. Provide training whenever necessary for the proper and safe use of tools & equipment.
• Effectively manage the maintenance and repairs of division vehicles and equipment.
• Manage operations yard facilities and plant & materials holding areas.
• Manage specialized wood burning fireplace services, holiday décor installation, and winter storm services.
• Manage all exterior water features, including multiple fountains and the feature Koi Pond Garden.
• Develop positive attitudes within the Grounds Division to promote unity and foster a team environment that will yield effective crossline work efforts with all divisions within The Inn.
  
  

Qualifications

Required

• Candidate to have a minimum of 10 years of prior full-time experience in estate/fine garden management, commercial landscape maintenance, high end residential landscape maintenance or design/build, resort landscape maintenance, or other similar landscape focused discipline that provides practical field experience relating to a large, detail oriented, horticulturally diverse property or properties.
• Shall hold, or shall acquire within 90 days of employment, an active Commercial Pesticide Applicators License or Registered Technician Certification and have experience with applications & best practices.
• Shall hold a valid Virginia Driver’s License and shall have reliable transportation.
• be available for weekend work, overtime, and winter storm services as required.
• Shall have experience in personnel management in one or more of the related professions.
• Be familiar and comfortable with the operation and maintenance of standard landscape small engine equipment (line trimmer, motorized shears, blower, chain saw, etc.) and
• Have a functional knowledge and experience with budget management related to landscape operations.
  
  

Desirable

• Bachelor’s Degree, associate degree, or professional certification(s) in Horticulture or another related field
• Be familiar and comfortable with the operation of compact utility loaders, skid steer loaders, and associated attachment implements.
• Have experience in holiday décor or other seasonal display installation and management.
  
  

Skills

• Possess the ability to communicate verbally with team members to effectively develop a team environment that will promote individual and collective effort resulting in more efficient performance of recurring daily tasks as well as specialized and ongoing projects.
• Maintain responsibility for all work quality control, utilizing the Associate Estate Gardener for direct crew supervision.
• Be familiar and comfortable with all varieties of landscape tools and with the operation of trucks & trailers.
• Be well versed in complex pruning techniques of trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals.
• Teach various skills to others. Accurately assess the talent levels of team members to ensure optimal production in all areas. Grow and develop leaders within the team to promote higher levels of performance and efficiency by fostering personal growth and accountability. Develop and manage a chain of commands.
• Have a functional knowledge of and the ability to diagnose plant health problems, including diseases and pest infestations. Manage cost effective plant replacement to ensure long term success with no lapse in a high-quality guest experience.
• Have an elevated level of plant identification skills and practical horticultural knowledge.
• Understand personnel management, and the ability to work well with different personalities to maximize performance and efficiency of varying tasks and situations that may arise during the work period.
• Develop and implement an effective IPM program. Maintain responsibility for proper & safe management of all horticultural applications. Maintain compliance with all required state and federal regulations.
• Develop and manage effective ornamental & turf care programs, following acceptable industry standards to promote the health and development of the landscape assets of The Inn.
• Understand and implement high level seasonal flower rotation and planter programs.
• Understand landscape irrigation. Install and maintain appropriate irrigation systems wherever possible.
• Build and manage the annual budget for the Grounds Division, working directly with the Director of Finance to develop realistic goals and fit the division appending patterns into the cashflow cycles of The Inn throughout the year.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Shall have the ability to lift a minimum of 40 lbs. without risk of bodily injury.
• Shall be able to perform the physical workload required of a landscape-oriented job, to include extended periods of walking and working outside in extreme weather conditions, if necessary, without problem.
  
  

**The Inn at Little Washington is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws**

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Hospitality

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