Gardener (Full-Time)

About the role

Working at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens offers you the opportunity to work for one of the most beautiful places in Nashville. Formerly the home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, Cheekwood now serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and museum with period rooms and art galleries. At Cheekwood, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of roles tailored to your skills and interests. Whether you are passionate about horticulture, art curation, historical preservation, or one of our many other career opportunities, you would have the chance to thrive and make a meaningful impact here. Working in such a place that cherishes its rich history, vibrant art scene, and serene gardens offers a unique blend of fulfillment and inspiration. You will find yourself in a supportive environment where every day brings new opportunities for personal and professional growth, amidst the backdrop of picturesque settings.

At Cheekwood, the gardening team is responsible for the care and maintenance of the garden's plants and landscapes. Their tasks typically include planting and propagating a diverse array of flora, ensuring proper soil health and nutrition, watering schedules, pruning for shape and health, pest and disease management, and seasonal upkeep. Joining the gardening team at Cheekwood offers the opportunity to work with a diverse range of plants, including rare and exotic species, which can be rewarding for plant enthusiasts. We also offer a peaceful and beautiful work environment surrounded by nature, making it an attractive career for those who enjoy working outdoors and appreciate the tranquility of gardens.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and steward the mission of gardens and collections.
• Perform landscaping tasks such as weeding, mulching, planting, and pruning.
• Troubleshoot irrigation systems.
• Supervise seasonal staff and volunteers.
• Operate landscape equipment safely and responsibly.
• Participate in seasonal exhibitions and garden projects.
• Engage with the community and industry representatives.
• Understand and uphold the Mission Statements for individual gardens and collections.
• Assist the garden supervisor in upholding the historic and current intent of the garden.
• Practice landscaping maintenance and upkeep including weeding, mulching, watering, planting, pruning, pest control, spraying, string trimming, leaf removal, and trash removal.
• Maintain bed edges and tree rings.
• Apply basic understanding of plant physiology and botanical nomenclature.
• Practice safety measures during task execution.
• Maintain water features in assigned garden, if applicable.
• Maintain standards for the daily care and storage of garden equipment.
• Maintain records of work activities in assigned areas of the garden.
• Maintain constant awareness of the guest experience and ensure safety and comfort of all persons moving through the garden.
• Understand and uphold the Cheekwood Mission, Vision and Values, and maintain awareness and flexibility to support organizational goals.

Requirements

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Must be a certified pesticide applicator in the State of Tennessee or obtain certification within one year of employment.
• At least three years of garden maintenance experience in public horticulture, estate maintenance, or related field.
• Skilled in identification of herbaceous annual, herbaceous perennial, and woody perennial plant material.
• Strong working knowledge of general taxonomy and binomial nomenclature.
• Strong working knowledge of plant healthcare principles and plant lifecycles.
• Competent in the safe and efficient operation of landscape maintenance equipment.
• Strong working knowledge of basic equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Positive and professional attitude.
• Detail‑oriented.
• Able to work independently as well as in a team.
• Able to work flexible and fluctuating schedules based on business needs.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood)
• Long Term Disability Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood)
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• 403b and Roth 403b with a generous employer match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off and 11 Paid Holidays
• Aflac products are offered