Director of Horticulture in Manchester

About Hildene: Located in southwestern Vermont, Hildene was the seasonal residence of Robert Lincoln and his wife, Mary. Mr. Lincoln was the only child of President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive to adulthood. In 1978, the nonprofit Friends of Hildene purchased and preserved the estate, which is open to the public year-round. Hildene is among Vermont’s top cultural heritage sites and tourist destinations. The rich tapestry of the Lincoln family legacy and Abraham Lincoln’s enduring greatness are woven into the fabric of contemporary life at Hildene.

Position Overview: Reporting to the Director of Programming and supervising employees and volunteers, this position takes part in all aspects of Hildene’s ecological approach to land management. As the lead for Hildene’s Horticulture crew, the Director of Horticulture supports the management, cultivation, and maintenance of over 20 acres of landscaped spaces, gardens, and natural areas throughout our 412-acre property while also protecting historic landscape features where appropriate. This position supports the curation of Hildene’s plant collection, ensuring the highest horticultural standards, and leading by example with the most current ecologically sustainable practices.

Responsibilities:

• Garden curation, design, and development.
• Plant and seed decisions, sourcing, and ordering.
• Manage property-wide IPM program - pest scouting and identifying, management strategy creation, beneficial insect ordering and release, and manual pest control.
• Research, define, and manage continually evolving ecologically based garden management practices, staying up to date on industry best practices.
• Maintain horticultural standards across the property.
• Represent horticulture and ecological stewardship in meetings, projects, and events.
• Collaborate with Programming, Advancement, and Guest Services/Group Tours for educational opportunities and tours.
• Collaborate with Grounds and Hildene Farm to support management practices and projects.
• Collaborate with Marketing on communication efforts and product sales.
• Collaborate with leadership to ensure mission delivery and brand support.
• Collaborate with Private Functions, Advancement, and Programming to provide event support and to ensure horticulture standards are maintained during events.
• Develop and maintain relationships with contractors, vendors, and industry contacts.
• Manage all aspects of the Horticulture department work, staff, and volunteers.
• Manage new horticulture-related projects as they arise.

Required Skills:

• Communication & strong organizational skills.
• Supervisory and budget management experience.
• Knowledge of high-level horticulture techniques.
• Detail-oriented, but able to see the big picture.
• Must be able to pass a background check.
• Proficiency with Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Physical Requirements:

• Consistently works in a variety of weather conditions.
• Move objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Traverse uneven terrain from one job location to another.
• Consistent use of hand tools to care for gardens and landscapes.
• Constantly position and re-position self to care for and maintain gardens and landscapes.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in plant science or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience, preferably in a public garden setting.
• Alternatively, combination of experience and education.

Compensation: $50,000 - $60,000. Benefits include dental and vision, life and AD&D insurance, paid time off, holidays, and a Simple IRA (Individual Retirement Account) account with an employer 2% contribution.

Additional Information: Background check required for applicants 18 years of age or older. TO APPLY: Please visit our website, hildene.org, and apply via our online process. Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome candidates who contribute to our diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.