Horticultural Fellowship

Job Description

The Wethersfield Fellowship seeks to train the next generation of horticulturalists. This is a 6-8 month position (beginning March or April, flexibility as to scheduling is negotiable) for forty hours a week. The horticultural Fellow reports to the Head of Horticulture and is treated as part of the garden staff. There are rotating weekend duties, and occasional evening obligations. Housing is available.

About Us

Nestled in 1,000 acres of rolling hills in Dutchess County, New York, Wethersfield Estate & Garden is generally considered to be one of the finest examples of Italian Renaissance gardens in the United States. Founded in 1938, Wethersfield is a non-profit organization devoted to the proper stewardship of land, habitat protection, conservation, culture, and the arts. Wethersfield contains a diversity of formal and native-inspired garden spaces that use the latest horticultural knowledge to develop a lasting garden in a changing world. Wethersfield is on the National Register of Historic Places, and won the 2021 New York State Historic Preservation Award for Excellence in Historic Landscape Preservation.

Duties & Responsibilities

-The Wethersfield Fellow will learn about ornamental horticulture and apply knowledge to maintain specific areas (including annual beds in a cutting garden, mixed perennial borders, woodland gardens, formal hedges, container displays, and established lawns) and will maintain such areas by planting, weeding, watering, trimming, mowing, mulching, record-keeping, and other tasks.

-The Fellow will learn about greenhouse management, including the propagation of plants by cuttings and seeds, soil preparation for container culture, water and fertilizer programs, and integrated pest management practices.

-The Fellow will rotate work on open weekend days and will be able to conduct garden tours and/or educational programs for members of the community to gain programming and public relations experience. Off site field trips will be taken to other gardens.

Education and Experience

The qualified applicants have a passion for horticulture. A horticultural education is preferred, and previous training and experience will be considered. Strong communication skills are desirable. A valid driver’s license is required.

Additional Information

Two Fellowships are available for 2025. The hourly rate is $18-$19/hr, other experience/qualifications will be considered. On-site housing is available.

Application Instructions

Please send a cover letter and resume to Head Gardener Jeff Lynch at jefflynch@wethersfield.org. Please indicate whether housing is required.