Lead Gardener and Grounds Supervisor in Newport

Classification: Seasonal (May-Oct), Full-time (Non-exempt)

Reports to: Preservation Crew Supervisor

Job Summary: The Lead Gardener and Grounds Supervisor plans, schedules, and is hands-on in the maintenance of the grounds (gardens, landscaping, and hardscaping) predominantly for Rough Point (a recently accredited arboretum), but also for NRF’s other historic properties. The Lead Gardener and Grounds Supervisor oversees the Grounds department and will be an active participant of the Grounds Committee.

Salary Range: $28-32.00 per hour

Specific Responsibilities

• Serve as working lead coordinating and overseeing activity of other grounds employees, including ensuring safety procedures are followed.
• Receive, prioritize, and delegate landscape, garden, and hardscaping needs across NRF’s portfolio.
• Relay weekly/daily objectives to grounds crew and communicate any grounds-related concerns to Supervisor.
• Review, follow through, and close out grounds-related tenant requests using property management software.
• Coordinate with grounds-related subcontractors as needed across NRF’s portfolio.
• Monitor and address needs of Rough Point’s fence adjacent to Cliff Walk.
• Identify and plan for hardscape and landscape maintenance and repairs across the portfolio; this includes performing, documenting, and tracking regular conditions assessments and incorporating climate mitigation strategies and long-term sustainability.
• Report any employee accidents and injuries in a timely manner.
• Participate in regular safety and grounds committee meetings.
• Inform annual budget planning.
• Occasionally assist with special events and programs.
• Other projects as requested by Supervisor.

Hands-on

• Perform all gardening tasks, including but not limited to planning, planting, seeding, transplanting, starting seeds in greenhouse, pruning, fertilizing, harvesting, weeding, deadheading, mulching, edging, staking, amending soil, watering and organically managing pests, diseases and invasives.
• Manage all gardens organically, as per NRF policy.
• Maintain connection to historic plant list and plans when planting and transplanting.
• Planting of trees and shrubs.
• Add plants to and maintain camel topiary.
• Spring and Fall leaf clean-up.
• Oversee Rough Point volunteer gardeners.
• Operate and maintain vehicles and equipment such as mowers, tractors, snowplows, chain saws, backpack blowers, electric clippers, etc.
• Maintain outdoor visitor structures, such as benches and picnic tables.
• General cleaning of garage and ensuring exterior visitor circulation and pathways are well maintained and safe to use.
• Preparing properties for storms and high winds per emergency plan.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of horticultural experience.
• Degree/certification in horticulture or related field preferred.
• Minimum three years of supervisory experience.
• Mechanical and operations knowledge of all machines and tools related to groundskeeping.
• Ability to provide the highest level of customer service to tenants as well as visitors at the museums.
• Knowledge of materials and methods used in the maintenance of grounds and gardens.
• Ability to motivate, train and direct staff.
• Possess competent computer skills and the ability to become proficient in management programs, like our property management software.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions; lift and carry up to 50 lbs., bending, reaching, stooping, and climbing and working from ladders.
• Personal qualities of a strong work ethic, attention to detail and ability to work efficiently.