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) full-time Horticultural Apprentice (HA) to work in the formal and production garden and greenhouses. This position is full-time with benefits for one (1) year from start date.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The HAposition provides hands-on and practical horticultural experience in a formal garden, greenhouse and cut flower garden setting. The HA
will gain experience in a wide range of horticultural tasks, with some consideration given to the specific areas of interest and background of the successful candidate. The HA, working with the Head Gardener and others in the Garden team, will be responsible for maintaining the excellence of horticulture at Oak Spring with the main focus on the formal walled Garden and surrounding areas, including the formal greenhouse. The HA will receive opportunities to expand their experience in pruning, planting, cultivation and harvesting in garden, greenhouse, cut-flower garden settings, as well as the management of weeds and invasive species.
The HA
will have opportunities to interact with staff working in other areas at OSGF, including the Arboriculture, Conservation and Landscape team (ACL), Biocultural Conservation Farm team (BCCF), Native Plant Conservation team (NPC), Communications team, Library team and Programs team.
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Schedule:
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Full-time (40-hours/week), beginning January 4th, 2027 (or soon thereafter once the position is filled) through December 2027.
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Compensation:
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$20/hour in addition to paid holidays and up to 10 days of PTO.
Please note – preference will be given to local candidates who do not require on-site accommodation. However, if housing is available at the time, it may be an option for non-local candidates. Housing is shared with other apprentices/interns.
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Location:
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Upperville, VA; The Oak Spring estate is located in rural northern Virginia, 15 minutes from the nearest town and approximately 1 hour west of DC.
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To Apply:
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We will begin reviewing applications early November, and will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to hr@osgf.org with the subject line “Horticulture Apprentice 2027”.
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RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work closely with the Head Gardener and other members of the Garden Team to ensure that the formal garden and landscape is 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. Tasks may include, but are not limited to, watering, planting, weeding, pruning, deadheading, mulching and propagation of cultivated species.
- Assisting with planting, removal and dividing of both annual and perennials, in addition to 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 ACL team for on-site composting and recycling of garden organic waste.
- Assisting with the ordering of supplies and materials.
- Assisting with and leading tours of the formal garden, formal greenhouse and landscape. The HA will also 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 process protocols related to these tasks.
- Other special projects and duties as assigned.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Some coursework or certification in horticulture, agriculture, or botany (e.g., certificate programs, vocational training, or community college courses).
- Knowledge of plant biology, soil science, or garden design basics.
- Ability to meet the physical requirements including but not limited to, bending, standing for long periods, working with sharp objects, performing manual tasks and lifting at least 30lb. Overall, the HA must be able to participate in rigorous outdoor activities.
- Comfortable working outside, in varied weather conditions (including extreme heat and cold, and exposure to stinging and biting insects and animals) in a rural setting. Furthermore, the selected candidate must be able to exhibit safe and responsible conduct in outdoor environments.
- Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without OSGF sponsorship.
- Must have a Driver’s License and a reliable method of transportation to and from work.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Basic working knowledge of horticulture and landscape practices including tree pruning, formal garden maintenance, cut flower management, and vegetable garden management.
- Basic working knowledge of current trends and practices in environmentally sustainable horticulture.
- Ability to work with garden and farm equipment.
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks, in addition to concentrating on a singular task for long periods of time.
- Ability to work independently and also as a part of a team.
- Excellent time-management, communication and organizational skills.
- Dependable and collaborative team player.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The HA 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!
