EXECUTIVE RESIDENTIAL HORTICULTURAL ASSISTANT - 80462

About the Role

Assistant to the Residence Horticulturist, this position is responsible for the maintenance and care of the garden, ornamental beds, shrubs, and turf as well as all areas under the responsibility of the Horticulture Department. The assistant will work alongside the rest of the Horticulture team to maintain the beauty and health of all plant life at the Tennessee Residence.

Responsibilities

• Assist with hands-on maintenance of annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, and other plants in a manner consistent with the horticultural standards of the Residence.
• Perform garden maintenance and development tasks including soil preparation, planting and transplanting, mulching, pruning, weeding, potting, raking, sweeping, and watering.
• Plan and create floral arrangements for events at the Tennessee Residence when necessary, within the limitations given by the Residence Manager.
• Operate push mowers, weed eaters, backpack blowers, tractors, garden ATVs, pickup trucks, and other power equipment safely and efficiently. Utilize hand tools effectively and safely.
• Assist others on the horticulture team by educating them in the use of equipment and tools or horticultural methods when needed.
• Maintain the grounds and exterior areas to ensure a clean, safe, and aesthetically pleasing environment, including routine landscaping, debris removal, walkway upkeep, and general property appearance.
• Respond to weather events, emergencies, and unexpected conditions by performing prompt cleanup, hazard removal, and support for recovery efforts.
• Participate with the Residence Staff and Horticulture Team to complete projects, events, and initiatives as desired by the First Family.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma.
• One year of experience as a professional gardener or groundskeeper.
• Some floral arrangement experience preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• A thorough understanding of horticultural practices and the ability to identify frequently used woody, herbaceous, and annual landscape plants.
• The ability to use hand and power tools safely and effectively.
• A willingness to interact with the public on an informal basis by answering questions and providing directions.
• Strong work ethic and enthusiasm for landscaping work.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• The ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Robust physical abilities needed, such as digging, bending, stooping, kneeling, and the ability to lift more than 40-50 pounds of weight for multiple hours a day.
• Floral arrangement knowledge and skill would be helpful, and a willingness to learn and improve this skill on the job.

Pay

Annual Salary: $48,684.00 - $60,936.00

This position is designated as In Office and requires a criminal background check.