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 one (1) part-time Seasonal Gardener to work in the Rokeby Wildlife Garden. The Rokeby Wildlife Garden is our 0.5-acre native plant education garden managed by the Native Plant Conservation Team (NPC). Please note that this position will not be working in the formal walled garden adjacent to the former Mellon residence. This is a part-time, temporary position
of approximately four (4) months, requiring 20 hours per week.
|
Schedule:
|
Part-time (20 hours a week), beginning May 18, 2026 (or soon thereafter once the position is filled) through September 2026.
|
|
Location:
|
Upperville, VA; The Oak Spring estate is located in rural northern Virginia, 15 minutes from the nearest town. Having access to a vehicle is desirable, but not essential.
|
|
Compensation:
|
$20/hour
|
|
To Apply:
|
We will begin reviewing applications on a rolling basis until this position is filled. To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to hr@osgf.org with the subject line “Rokeby Wildlife Garden Seasonal Gardener 2026”.
|
POSITION DESCRIPTION
OSGF
is seeking an energetic and reliable part-time Seasonal Gardener to support daily gardening and landscape maintenance tasks in the Rokeby Wildlife Garden throughout the growing season. The Wildlife Garden Seasonal Gardener
will report to the Head of NPC, 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 Wildlife Garden 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), and Biocultural Conservation Farm team (BCCF).
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work closely with the Head of NPC and other members of the NPC team to curate and maintain the Rokeby Wildlife Garden;
- Proper care, treatment and ongoing maintenance of the wildlife garden and adjacent spaces including watering, planting, weeding, pruning, deadheading, mulching and propagation of cultivated species;
- Identifying and managing problem weeds in the beds and paths;
- Evaluating plants for overall health, including identifying and addressing problems with diseases and insect pests;
- Maintain plant label signage throughout the garden beds;
- Working with the ACL team on on-site composting and recycling of garden organic waste;
- Assisting with native plant education for occasional visitors;
- Assisting with propagation of plants and seed collection, and contributing to the development of protocols for these processes;
- Assist occasionally with other native plant conservation, invasive species management, or native planting projects elsewhere on the landscape;
- Other special projects and duties as assigned by the Head of NPC.
QUALIFICATIONS
- On-the-job experience working in gardens and/or 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 and ability to identify common weeds as well as flora native to Virginia and/or the ability to key out unknown plants using a dichotomous key or other tools;
- 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;
- 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!
