The Oak Spring Garden Foundation (OSGF) is a 501(c)(3) private operating foundation based in Upperville, Virginia with a mission to perpetuate and share Rachel Lambert Mellon’s home, garden, estate and Library to serve the public interest. The Foundation is dedicated to inspiring and facilitating scholarship and public dialogue on the history and future of plants, including the culture of gardens and landscapes and the importance of plants for human well-being. For additional information, please visit www.osgf.org.
OSGF is accepting applications for two (2) part-time Seasonal Gardener positions to work in the formal and production garden and greenhouses. This is a part-time, temporary position
of approximately four (4) months, requiring 20 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
OSGF
is seeking an energetic and reliable part-time Seasonal Gardener to support daily gardening and landscape maintenance tasks throughout the growing season. The Seasonal Gardener will report to the Head Gardener, and work closely with senior staff to receive guidance and training. The ideal candidate is energetic, enjoys spending time outdoors, interacting with people, and has an outstanding work ethic with great attention to detail. Applicants should have a basic knowledge of plants and experience using a variety of equipment for tasks like planting, pruning, weeding, mowing and mulching. On the job training will be provided as necessary.
The Seasonal Gardener
will have opportunities to interact with staff working in other areas at OSGF, including the Garden team, Arboriculture, Conservation and Landscape team (ACL), Biocultural Conservation Farm team (BCCF), Native Plant Conservation team (NPC), Communications team, Library team and the Program team.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work closely with the Head Gardener and other members of the Garden team to ensure that the formal garden and landscape are maintained to a high standard, and in a style that respects the principles established by Rachel “Bunny” Mellon;
- Proper care, treatment and ongoing maintenance of the formal garden, display greenhouse, production greenhouse, and adjacent spaces including watering, planting, weeding, pruning, deadheading, mulching and propagation of cultivated species;
- Assisting with planting, removal and dividing of both annual and perennials, and also the cultivation of vegetables planted in the formal garden;
- Preparing planting beds and evaluating plants for overall health, including identifying and addressing problems with diseases and insect pests;
- Working with the Garden and ACL teams on on-site composting and recycling of garden organic waste;
- Assisting with the ordering of supplies and materials for the garden;
- Assisting with, and performing, tours of the formal gardens, formal greenhouse, landscape and act as a representative and ambassador of OSGF for potential future employees, external guests, and others;
- Liaising with the BCCF to ensure that vegetables produced in the formal garden do not go to waste;
- Assisting with propagation of plants and seed collection, and contributing to the development of protocols for these processes;
- Other special projects and duties as assigned by the Head Gardener.
- Some coursework or certification in horticulture, agriculture, or botany (e.g., certificate programs, vocational training, or community college courses);
- Must have physical stamina to participate in rigorous outdoor activities, and be able to lift at least 30 pounds;
- Knowledge of plant biology, soil science, or garden design basics is desirable but not required.
- Basic working knowledge of horticulture and landscape practices including tree pruning, formal garden maintenance, cut flower management, vegetable garden management;
- Basic working knowledge of current trends and practices in environmentally sustainable horticulture;
- Ability and willingness to work with and operate garden and farm equipment;
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks, and concentrate on a task for long periods of time;
- Ability to work independently and also as part of a team;
- Excellent time-management, communication and organizational skills;
- Dependable, collaborative and supportive team player;
- Must have physical stamina to participate in rigorous outdoor activities;
- Ability to exhibit safe and responsible conduct in outdoor environments.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Some coursework or certification in horticulture, agriculture, or botany (e.g., certificate programs, vocational training, or community college courses);
- Must have physical stamina to participate in rigorous outdoor activities, and be able to lift at least 30 pounds;
- Knowledge of plant biology, soil science, or garden design basics is desirable but not required.
SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
- Basic working knowledge of horticulture and landscape practices including tree pruning, formal garden maintenance, cut flower management, vegetable garden management;
- Basic working knowledge of current trends and practices in environmentally sustainable horticulture;
- Ability and willingness to work with and operate garden and farm equipment;
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks, and concentrate on a task for long periods of time;
- Ability to work independently and also as part of a team;
- Excellent time-management, communication and organizational skills;
- Dependable, collaborative and supportive team player;
- Must have physical stamina to participate in rigorous outdoor activities;
- Ability to exhibit safe and responsible conduct in outdoor environments.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The Seasonal Gardener must be comfortable working both indoors and outdoors, in extreme temperatures of Virginia’s ecological environment, and more. Days can sometimes feel long, even though we keep to an 8-hour day, and the work can be strenuous. For the right individual this work is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling!
TO APPLY
To be considered for this position, please send a cover letter and resume to hr@osgf.org with the subject line “Seasonal Gardener 2026”. Please note, applications submitted with cover letters will be given preference.
Oak Spring Garden Foundation is an equal opportunity organization and will not allow discrimination based upon age, ancestry, disability, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, race, religious belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, political belief, or veteran status.
