Horticulturalist Assistant (Full Time/Year Round)

Job Description

Job Description

Fiddler's Elbow is an exclusive club situated in Bedminster, New Jersey. We proudly offer three championship golf courses, available for play nearly every day of the year, along with award-winning practice facilities both indoors and outdoors. Our sports and leisure complex boasts impressive state-of-the-art aquatic facilities enjoyed by individuals of all ages, as well as tennis, paddle sports, fitness options, and The Cove, a mini club designed for children. Our elegant manor-style clubhouse features both casual and fine dining options, along with the finest banquet facilities in the area for galas, weddings, and social gatherings. With our rich history, stunning grounds, and exceptional amenities, Fiddler's Elbow is truly an inspiring environment and a fantastic place to begin or advance your career!

At Fiddler's Elbow, our mission is not only to, "Enhance the lives of our Members & Guests with WOW moments they can't live without," but to also enhance and enrich the lives of our Fiddler's Family members.

We are looking for a Horticultural Assistant to join the Fiddler’s Family and share their passion for horticulture with our members, guests, and fellow staff members. Fiddler’s Elbow has introduced a Garden onto our grounds which comprises of ornamental and pollinator flowers, bee hives and vegetable plots to be used onsite by our Events and Kitchen staff.

The Horticultural Assistant supports the Director of Grounds to maintain health and aesthetic appeal of the Garden’s collection, including planting areas and individual plants. They will help support Fiddler’s mission by practicing and modeling appropriate garden maintenance and sharing horticultural knowledge. Aid in the planning and execution of

short-term and long-term horticultural goals for the Garden. The Horticultural Assistant will have the opportunity to showcase their expertise and creativity in garden design, installation, and maintenance. The Horticultural Assistant is responsible for meeting the needs of Members, Guests and fellow Team Members during their experience at Fiddler’s Elbow. This is an outdoor-based position that involves constant attention to detail, care and creativity.

Essential Functions of the Horticultural Assistant:

• Assist in planting, plant removal, pruning, weeding, container maintenance, and other plant care tasks
• Practice appropriate garden care techniques, including identification and management of weeds, pests, and diseases, in an organic garden environment
• Monitor, maintain and troubleshoot watering of all plants
• Jointly and independently lead and direct volunteers in the maintenance of Garden collections and care
• Communicate regularly with the Director of Grounds regarding tasks accomplished, Garden needs, and suggested focus areas
• Assist and support the Director of Grounds to assess, design, prioritize and plan upgrades to plants, plant collections, ornamental containers and gardens
• Work closely with the Director of Grounds and other staff to fulfill the mission of the Garden
• Act as compost captain
• Train and assist in care and maintanence of the honeybee hives
• Train and assist in the upkeep and feeding of farm poultry; (chickens, ducks, quails, etc.)
• Keep planted areas tidy and safe as needed
• Alert the Director regarding pest control needs
• Assist maintenance staff to maintain site and facilities in good working order
• Maintain personal tools and the Garden’s tools and machinery clean and in good working order;
• Interact respectfully and courteously with a variety of people including Garden visitors, other staff, and volunteers.
• Participate in Garden special events with occasional weekend or evening duty assignments
• Perform occasional outreach activities including supplying photographs and context for Garden’s social media posts, and teaching/helping with horticultural workshops and programs
• Perform other duties as needed to help ensure a pleasant Garden experience for Members, Guests, Team Members and Trustees

Skills:

• Demonstrated knowledge of landscape maintenance practices and plant care
• Basic plant knowledge including characteristics of a wide range of native and ornamental plants.
• Ability to identify plants, plant pests and weeds
• Ability to communicate effectively with varied people in both written and verbal interactions
• Competency with various tools and equipment needed to perform varied horticultural tasks
• Familiarity with botanical plant names
• Knowledge of basic pruning concepts and techniques
• Willingness and desire to learn new skills

Work Styles:

• Attention to Detail
• Cooperation
• Dependability
• Adaptability

Personality:

• Self-motivated
• Flexible
• Professional
• Positive

Required Education/Experience:

• High School Graduate or equivalent.
• Previous horticultural experience is preferred

Required Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be able to communicate and understand the predominant language of our members and guests.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, kneel and walk for long periods of time
• Ability to reach, bend, stoop, wipe and lift to perform job functions
• Ability to lift, move and carry objects weighing up 50+ pounds
• Ability to handle many tasks at once
• Must be a team player; possess the ability to collaborate and work well with others
• Able to safely and effectively perform all physical tasks essential to the position
• Ability to use shovels, rakes, trowels, pruning shears, loppers, and other basic machinery used in plant maintenance

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to work indoor and outdoor environments
• Must be able to work both day and/or night hours, occasional long hours, weekends and holidays

Safety Hazards:

• General plant care/garden environment with exposure to heat, wind, etc.
• Lifting of heavy objects such as bags of soil, potted plants and large planter pots
• Working in the vicinity of bee hives
• Handling of sharp objects and gardening tools

Classification:

• FLSA Non-exempt
• Seasonal

Why join the Fiddler’s Family?

Benefits for ALL staff members:

• Competitive pay
• 2 days off per week   
• Career advancement opportunities within our Club Development and Continuing Education 
• Golf, Paddle/Tennis, and Fitness Privileges
• Paid Sick Leave
• PLUM Benefits 
• Annual Summer and Holiday staff events 
• 401(k) Plan, eligibility after 1 year of employment 

Benefits for Full Time Staff Members also include:

• Comprehensive healthcare, dental and vision package 
• Flexible Spending & Dependent Care Accounts 
• Paid Time Off (Vacation and Holiday) 
• Life insurance