Company description

Rock Cobble Farm is a private estate located in South Kent Connecticut.

Job description

Greenhouse Horticulturist

Rock Cobble Farm | South Kent Connecticut
Rock Cobble Farm is a large private estate in Northwest Connecticut featuring extensive landscapes, formal gardens, greenhouses, and natural areas. The estate has a rich history and a longstanding commitment to horticultural excellence, maintaining the highest standards of care, presentation, and stewardship across its gardens, greenhouse operations, and surrounding landscapes.

The greenhouse facility consists of three environmentally controlled growing zones housing an extensive collection of over 800 tropical and temperate species, including an orchid collection of more than 600 specimens.

The Greenhouse Horticulturist oversees greenhouse operations, plant propagation, interior plant displays, seasonal container installations, and the care and management of the greenhouse collections. The position serves as the primary plant health care specialist, implementing an integrated pest management (IPM) program using beneficial insects and targeted pesticide applications. The Greenhouse Horticulturist supervises the Assistant Greenhouse Horticulturist and collaborates with the broader horticulture and food production teams to support estate operations and seasonal activities.

Duties and Responsibilities
Greenhouse Operations and Plant Care
-Maintain greenhouse collections and facilities in coordination with the Gardens and Building Managers.
-Monitor plant health, scout for pests and diseases, and implement a comprehensive IPM program.
-Propagate plants through seed sowing, cuttings, division, and other methods for seasonal displays.
-Perform watering, fertilizing, pruning, transplanting, grooming, and general plant maintenance.
-Maintain greenhouse organization, cleanliness, and high aesthetic standards.
-Maintain gardens surrounding the greenhouse and Greenhouse Horticulturist residence.

Plant Displays and Seasonal Installations
-Prepare, install, and maintain weekly houseplant displays throughout residences as requested.
Coordinate seasonal container plant displays throughout the estate and satellite areas.
-Coordinate seasonal container plant installations at off-site properties as requested , including spring delivery and setup, fall retrieval, and return to the greenhouse for storage. Approximately two trips are required annually, typically involving one overnight stay per trip. Driving a vehicle may be required.

Farmstand and Food Production Support
-Select, prepare, and deliver surplus greenhouse plants to the RCF Farmstand for weekly sales during the summer months.
-Prepare plant displays and attend the Second Saturday Farmstand event on the second Saturday of each month, May through October, assisting with sales and customer plant care questions.
-Prepare and coordinate greenhouse plant displays for the annual Holiday Market in December.
-Support the Food Production Team with microgreens production in the greenhouse as needed.

Weekend and Seasonal Duties
-Perform assigned weekend and occasional holiday greenhouse duties.
-Perform light snow removal in designated areas during winter weekend duties.
-Assist with other seasonal duties as necessary.

Administrative Duties
-Maintain accurate plant accession records, pesticides log, inventories, and labeling.
-Keep detailed plant health records, production schedules, and seasonal plans.
-Order seeds, plant materials, and greenhouse supplies.
Process invoices and credit card reconciliation promptly.
-Coordinate greenhouse activities with the Garden Manager and other departments.
-Assist with the annual horticulture internship recruitment and selection process.

Supervisory Duties
-Supervise and train the Assistant Greenhouse Horticulturist and other assigned staff.
-Provide instruction and mentoring to interns during Greenhouse rotations.
-Occasionally provide tours of the Greenhouse collections.

Qualities
-Commitment to exceptional horticultural and aesthetic standards.
-Extensive knowledge of horticultural techniques, plant identification, propagation, and IPM.
-Strong communication, organizational, and time management skills.
-Ability to supervise staff and work collaboratively with other departments. --Experience managing diverse plant collections, including tropical plants and orchids, with the ability to research and implement new horticultural practices.
-Ability to operate horticultural tools and equipment safely.
-Willingness to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
-Ability to perform physically demanding tasks and lift up to 50 pounds.
-Adaptability, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a positive attitude.

Requirements
-Minimum bachelor's degree in Horticulture or related field.
-Three or more years’ experience in tropical plant cultivation and Greenhouse management.
-Connecticut Private Pesticide Applicators License or ability to obtain one within the first three months of employment.
-Valid Connecticut driver's license.

Reports to: Garden Manager

Schedule: Tuesday–Saturday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM. Occasional holiday work required.

Salary: $60,000 to $70,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Benefits: Onsite Housing Provided, Paid Sick and Vacation, Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), 401(k), and relocation assistance for eligible candidates

Compensation

this position is: salaried, varies DOE, $60,000.00 - $70,000.00

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline