Landscape Curator
Employment Type
Job (Full-Time)Job Categories
Horticulture
Job Description
Planting Fields Foundation is hiring an experienced landscape curator to manage two core areas of the designed
landscapes of Planting Fields. The ideal candidate will have a deep love of gardens and gardening, robust hands-on
experience creating and maintaining landscapes, and enthusiasm for teaching best practices to colleagues, volunteers,
and the public. The Landscape Curator will lead all aspects of the creation and maintenance of the Piet Oudolf Garden
(opening to the public in fall 2026). Additionally, the Landscape Curator will manage the goals identified in the Cultural
Landscape Report (CLR), which focuses on the Olmsted Brothers-designed gardens. The Landscape Curator will report to
the Director of Buildings and Grounds and work closely and coordinate with Foundation staff, NYS Parks staff, and
volunteers to ensure the optimal management of the designed landscapes.
About Us
Through a balanced approach to preserving and creating, the Foundation stewards the built and natural environment of Planting Fields as a public center of learning and life.
– We conserve and make accessible our tangible and intangible heritage, gifted by the Coe family and shaped by 20th-century visionaries.
– We celebrate human ingenuity and creativity through design, horticulture, and art.
– We foster research and scholarship to deepen understanding of how nature and culture intersect.
– We provide a sanctuary for personal discovery and social connectedness.
Mission statement adopted April 8, 2025
Duties & Responsibilities
• Provide overall supervision of the creation of the Piet Oudolf Garden, including management and coordination of all
contractors, vendors, staff, and volunteers.
• Supervise day-to-day horticulture planning, operations and the year-round care and maintenance of the Oudolf
Garden landscape and living collections. Responsibilities include all aspects of planning, monitoring, caring for, and
reporting on the diverse plantings of herbaceous perennials, trees, shrubs, and hardscape elements, as well as
supporting public use of the site along with related events and programs.
• Through mentoring, role modeling, and expertise in naturalistic planting design and maintenance, provide
leadership to a team of horticulturists, seasonal gardeners, interns, and volunteers.
• Ensure that the restoration of the Olmsted Brothers vision of Planting Fields’ 409 acres is implemented, maintained,
and preserved through the realization of the recommendations of the CLR.
• Lead by example with hands-on work outside, year-round, at a productive pace in various weather conditions.
• Serve as key liaison for Planting Fields Foundation with NYS Parks as it relates to landscape design initiatives.
• Ability to conduct archival research to further define historic objectives for the designed landscape.
• Understanding of sustainable and resiliency best practices for landscapes.
• Safe use of garden machinery including mowers, trimmers, saws etc. Coordinate safety training with NYS Parks staff.
• Lead public programs (e.g. garden walks and talks), special events or demonstrations as needed.
• In conjunction with Development Staff, research and apply for grants related to landscape initiatives.
• Provide information for select publications, profiles, and printed material regarding landscape.
• Perform other tasks and duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
• At least 5 years of experience in the management and maintenance of a designed public landscape.
• Degree in landscape architecture, horticulture, botany or historic preservation; related experience may substitute.
• A collaborative team-player and willing to maintain positive engagement with the public and colleagues.
• Ability to provide supervision and training of staff, interns, and volunteers; direct supervisory experience required.
• Verifiable reputation for excellence in landscape maintenance and development.
• Proven track record in taking initiative and moving projects from conception to implementation and evaluation.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Keen interest in working at a dynamic historic site.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and AutoCAD or similar programs.
• Must be a team player and work well with others.
• Fluency in English; ability to communicate clearly and provide direction to staff and volunteers
Additional Information
This is a full-time position based in Oyster Bay, New York. Employees are eligible to participate in a generous benefits
program. Salary range is $65,000-$75,000.
Application Instructions
To apply, send a resume and letter of interest (both in PDF format) to
gwouters@plantingfields.org.
March 15, 2026
