Assistant to the Head Gardener/Director of Horticulture/Garden Department
Position Summary:
Flamingo Estate is seeking an assistant to the Flamingo Estate Head Gardener/Director of Horticulture and Associate Animal Caretaker. This is a full-time, *permalance position. We offer competitive rates.
The almost 7 acre private estate garden serves as a backdrop for the Flamingo Estate brand known for its exquisite everyday essentials both sourced from and inspired by the garden. The Garden Department is responsible for the care and maintenance of the botanical-like garden itself including both exterior and interior plants, the Estate goats and chickens, as well as working with the Estate’s beekeeper. This is truly a unique position for the right candidate.
The candidate we’re looking for must possess excellent verbal/written communication skills, organizational skills, willingness to learn, and the ability to positively work well in a constantly changing environment.
Position Responsibilities:
*Apply appropriate horticultural technique as directed by the Head Gardener including: preparation/cultivation, pruning, planting, seeding, potting, transplanting, watering, fertilizing, mulching and plant material removal
*Provide assistance with plant installation, irrigation set-up, improving soil drainage, and developing new landscape areas on the estate
*Daily morning sweeping/blowing of Estate walkways. May be asked to provide sweeping/blowing at other times depending on other Department needs. May also be asked to clear estate walkway drains of leaf debris
*Assist in management and maintenance of irrigation systems and perform minor irrigation repairs
*Exercise continual maintenance and effective removal of weeds from plantings/planting beds, pathways, pots, and slopes
*Daily removal, breakdown, and placement of plant debris materials into green bins, or if applicable, designated compost location on the Estate
*Daily monitoring and reporting of plant pests and diseases
*Maintain proper staking practice of trees, shrubs, and plants on the property
*Manages all maintenance and inventory of landscape tools and machinery, including cleaning, sharpening, oiling, and coordinating repair
*Keeps, creates, up-to-date, simple, paper written, as well as digital records and reports that may include, but not limited to plant inventory, equipment inventory, contractor work, and various tracking logs
*Monitor and report malfunctioning or damaged garden infrastructure (irrigation, lighting, furnishings, drainage, and security)
*Meet physical demands of position, but not limited to , ability to work on sloped terrain, working outdoors in all weather conditions, standing, walking, moving, lifting and carrying items up to 50lbs
*Provide backup assistance to the Animal Caretaker with goat and chicken care including assisting with morning and evening care procedures as directed by the Animal Caretaker, light maintenance and preparation on structures (light repair, rain preparation, tarping, and requested structure/gate security procedures)
*Assist with purchase, pick up and delivery of animal food and bedding. Includes proper storage on Estate and transport of materials to animal domain
*Practice and adhere to all safety guidelines, ensuring a safe working environment for the entire Garden Department Team
*If requested, assist other Flamingo Estate Production teams with hands-on production work in preparation for (and at times during) other department projects taking place on Estate grounds
Position Qualifications:
*Ability to work individually and in a team environment
*Maintain a work culture that highly values teamwork, collaboration, assistance, productivity, and efficiency of garden staff
*Take directions, adhere to priorities, follow through completion of tasks with due diligence to the standards of direct reports: Head Gardener and Animal Caretaker
*Demonstrate commitment to advancing and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the ability to work respectfully with fellow garden team members and production staff
*Physical ability and willingness to perform related work assigned
*Motivated, organized, autonomous individual adept at following both oral and written directions
*Must love working with and have basic knowledge of garden plant care, cultivation, and maintenance
*Verifiable professional work experience in landscaping, garden maintenance, horticulture, or professional plant care
*Degree or certification in horticulture or related field preferred
*Ability to identify, notify, and provide weed, insect, plant disease, and environmental stress management
*Light carpentry knowledge a plus
*Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment
*All employees must sign an NDA/confidentiality agreement
*Requires a California driver’s license with fewer than three DMV points
*No produce, flowers, or equipment is to leave the Estate
*Must have own car and be willing to transport products and produce between estate and office location
This is a full time role. The position is *‘Permalance’: meaning an employee who works permanently for Flamingo Estate solely as a’ Freelancer’. After 1 year, the position may become salaried and include benefits package
Core Values:
Conscientious: Attention to detail, finish duties mindfully, effectively, and promptly Dedication: Show a deep commitment to the role and the garden department team Accountable: Take ownership of tasks and complete them
Resilience: Never complains or shies away from work
Pride: Help maintain a standard of cleanliness and organization
Thank you in advance for your application and time. The interview process at Flamingo Estate may include multiple rounds of interviews and we may not be able to follow up with every applicant. If you are an individual with a disability and need accommodation in order to apply for a posted job please contact us at 1-(844)-352-6646. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination under federal law. Flamingo Estate is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status
Please send resume and cover letter to: gardenteam@flamingoestate.com