Job Description
Job Description
PRIVATE ESTATE HORTICULTURIST / HEAD GARDENER
Location: Jacksonville / St. Augustine, Florida
Position Type: Full-Time, Long-Term
Compensation: Competitive salary based on experience ($70,000+)
Position Overview
A private, detail-oriented household is seeking a highly skilled Estate Horticulturist / Head Gardener to oversee the full-time care and development of a 3-acre residential estate (over 200 fruit trees).
This is a hands-on, autonomous role for a professional who takes pride in maintaining land to exceptional standards and has a deep understanding of fruit trees, edible gardens, soil health, and organic growing practices.
The ideal candidate is not a landscaper, but a true experienced horticulturist—someone who understands how to cultivate, manage, and elevate a property over time according to the principles vision. Perfect for a previous estate horticulturist or professor/teacher of horticulture or permaculture who are looking to make a career change and simply life.
We are looking for someone who can catch the vision of the property, add to it, beautify it and maintain it. A bonus would be if you’re also a creative who also loves sketching ideas, working on landscape designs, and computer savvy (create a feeding schedule for trees, documenting problems, etc).
Core Responsibilities
Property & Grounds Stewardship
- Maintain all aspects of the estate grounds to a consistently high standard
- Manage turf, ornamental areas, and natural spaces with attention to detail and seasonal needs
- Identify and proactively address issues before they become visible problems
Orchard & Edible Garden Management
- Prune, feed, and maintain fruit trees (citrus, stone fruit, tropicals, berries, etc.)
- Oversee vegetable gardens, planting cycles, and harvest schedules
- Implement and maintain organic / no-spray growing systems and gardening
- Manage composting, mulching, and soil-building practices
Equipment Operation & Maintenance
- Operate and maintain equipment including tractor, mower, and small machinery
- Perform light mechanical upkeep and coordinate servicing when needed
Irrigation & Soil Health
- Monitor and adjust irrigation systems for efficiency and plant health
- Understand soil composition, nutrient needs, and amendment strategies
- Apply fertilizers and organic inputs appropriately and safely
Planning & Autonomy
- Independently manage daily, weekly, and seasonal priorities
- Develop and execute long-term improvement plans for the property
- Maintain a clean, organized, and well-functioning workspace
Growth & Creative Opportunity
- Opportunity to design and expand orchard and garden systems
- Contribute to long-term vision including layout, crop selection, and regenerative practices
- Ability to implement systems that improve soil health, yield, and overall property beauty
Qualifications & Experience
- 10+ years experience preferred (5+ years minimum) in horticulture, estate gardening, or similar role
- Strong knowledge of:
-
- Fruit tree care and pruning cycles
- Vegetable gardening and crop rotation
- Organic / regenerative growing practices
- Soil health and nutrient management
- Irrigation
- Experience operating tractors and property equipment
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Strong attention to detail and pride in workmanship
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Self-directed and highly organized
- Observant and proactive (not reactive)
- Takes ownership of the property as if it were their own
- Values cleanliness, order, and precision
- Comfortable working in a private, respectful household environment
Trial & Hiring Process
To ensure the right long-term fit for both parties, finalists may be invited to participate in a paid trial period (typically 3–5 days) on the property.
During this trial, candidates may be asked to:
- Demonstrate pruning/grafting techniques on select trees
- Assess plant health and identify issues or opportunities
- Perform light equipment operation
- Walk the property and provide observations and improvement ideas
The trial is designed to evaluate:
- Practical skill level
- Attention to detail
- Work ethic and organization
- Ability to think independently and proactively
- And most importantly, determine if you are the right fit for the family
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Long-term, stable position
- Flexible structure for the right candidate
Additional Notes
This is a career opportunity, not a seasonal or crew-based position. The goal is to build a long-term relationship with a professional who can elevate and maintain the estate at a high level over time. Open to helping with relocation expenses for the right person.