Grounds Gardener (GG-TS-GNY-02)

Job Title: Grounds Gardener

Location: Garrison, NY

Hours: Monday-Friday with occasional weekend support as needed

Salary: $70,000/yr. - $75,000/yr. plus full benefits

An Estate in Garrison, NY is looking for a Grounds Gardener to maintain their property, which includes a Preserve and Private Gardens, to the highest standards with a focus on ecological and sustainable practices. Working under the Ecological Landscape Manager's guidance and in collaboration with other staff the Gardener handles various tasks, such as gardening, trail maintenance, grounds work, equipment upkeep, and trash removal. The role requires professionalism, reliability, and respect for privacy and confidentiality. As a crucial member of the property team, the Grounds Gardener helps realize the principals vision for the estate, emphasizing ecological and sustainable practices. The position is full-time, with some flexibility based on seasonal needs, and occasional weekend support may be required.

Responsibilities :

Assist with overseeing subcontracted landscape team on property projects.

Removal of invasive weeds from woodland, wetland and meadow ecologies, this requires familiarity with native plants and care of natural landscapes.

Remove trash and debris from public and private areas and transport to designated central collection point, daily.

Proactively consider impacts involved in all aspects of land care and utilize the most environmentally responsible protocols. Ensure efforts are made to reduce the operational consumption of resources and manage waste through environmentally sensitive practices.

Care for trails, including trash pickup, basic pruning, weed removal, repairing washouts, and after-storm care. Will occasionally require safe use of a chainsaw.

Care for gardens, including weeding, planting, watering, pruning and seasonal cutbacks/mowing tasks, in a horticulturally professional and competent manner

Routinely clean, organize and maintain tools, equipment, and machinery.Perform basic repairs, as necessary.

Perform routine preventative maintenance of landscaping tools, equipment and machinery.

Assess and address maintenance and security issues through regular monitoring throughout the property. Report security breaches or unusual activity.

Assist in maintenance and operation of the landscape automatic irrigation system.

Participate in larger projects, including installations, seasonal maintenance and clean ups.

On occasion will assist with NYC projects.

Assist with special events as requested.

Recordkeeping, and data input as necessary.

Qualifications:

Must be passionate, eager, willing to learn, open minded, and love to put in a good day's work:)

Knowledge, training and experience in horticulture, with an emphasis on natural landscapes.

Native plant knowledge, and an enthusiasm for supporting local ecosystems.

Knowledge of health and safety protocols in a professional horticultural setting, and a commitment to maintaining a consistently safe working environment.

Skill and experience in the operation and utilization of landscape machinery and equipment. Requires safe and effective use of a tractor with attachments, UTV, weed whackers, chainsaws, and other horticultural equipment.

Some knowledge of irrigation systems and capacity to operate and perform basic upkeep and repairs of the system.

Organized and systematic approach to work, and capacity to communicate clearly.

Must be a team player, willing to help as needed, regardless of the task.

Must have a neat and professional appearance.

Proactive attitude and approach problems with a sense of possibility.

Must be flexible with work schedule and able to be on call during weekends for emergencies.

Continuously consider, share and help to implement improvements in work practices.

Courteous, pleasant demeanor, extremely discreet, honest, non-obtrusive, and responsible character.

Must be service oriented and implicitly understands the nuances of providing invisible levels of customer service.

Must be an organized self-starter with attention to detail and follow projects through from start to finish.

Ability to multitask and remain calm in the face of unexpected challenges.

Ability to work in all weather and temperature conditions.

Valid NY Driver's License is required and must be a confident driver.

Ability to regularly handle heavy manual labor, including lifting, pushing, and pulling objects/machinery up to 50lbs.*

Must be physically able to frequently ascend/descend ladders, bend over or kneel for extended periods of time.*

Strong Communication skills are required. Proficiency in verbal and written English is essential, and fluency in Spanish is preferred.

Must travel to New York City, as required.

All private residential properties are smoke-free environments.

Must be legally eligible to work in the United States at the time of hire.

The principal is committed to protecting the safety of our employees. All employees are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid 19 unless the individual is approved for a reasonable accommodation due to a disability or a religious reason.