Horticulturalist Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

About Fiddler’s Elbow
Fiddler's Elbow is an exclusive private club situated in Bedminster, New Jersey. We proudly offer three championship golf courses available for play nearly every day of the year, award-winning practice facilities, and a state-of-the-art sports and leisure complex. Our elegant manor-style clubhouse features world-class casual and fine dining options, alongside premier banquet facilities for weddings and social gatherings. With our rich history, stunning grounds, and exceptional amenities, Fiddler's Elbow provides an inspiring environment to begin or advance your career!

Our Mission
At Fiddler's Elbow, our mission is not only to "Enhance the lives of our Members & Guests with WOW moments they can't live without," but to also enhance, enrich, and support the lives of our Fiddler's Family members.

Position Overview
We are looking for an energetic and passionate Horticulture Assistant to join our Fiddler’s Family. This entry-level role is perfect for an aspiring horticulturist who loves working outdoors and wants to gain hands-on experience in a premier estate environment.

Fiddler’s Elbow features a dedicated, multi-faceted farm and garden ecosystem that includes ornamental and pollinator flower collections, active honeybee hives, vegetable plots utilized by our culinary team, and farm poultry (chickens, ducks, and quails). Working under the guidance of the Director of Grounds, you will help maintain the health, sustainability, and aesthetic beauty of our diverse gardens while bringing creative ideas to life.

Key Responsibilities

• Garden Maintenance: Assist with planting, plant removal, pruning, weeding, mulching, and ornamental container maintenance.
• Organic Plant Care: Practice sustainable garden care techniques, including the early identification and organic management of weeds, pests, and plant diseases.
• Irrigation & Water Systems: Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot watering schedules and irrigation systems for all plant collections.
• Farm & Hive Support: Train and assist with the daily upkeep, feeding, and care of our farm poultry, as well as the seasonal maintenance of the honeybee hives.
• Sustainability Leadership: Act as the property's designated "Compost Captain," overseeing the collection and management of organic material.
• Teamwork & Volunteering: Jointly or independently guide volunteers during garden workdays and collaborate with clubhouse maintenance staff.
• Community Engagement: Assist with horticultural workshops, interact courteously with club members, and provide photos/context for the club's social media platforms.

Skills & Personal Attributes

• Basic familiarity with landscape practices and a strong interest in native/ornamental plant identification.
• Comfort operating standard gardening hand tools and light machinery safely.
• Exceptional attention to detail and pride in keeping outdoor spaces tidy, safe, and visually stunning.
• A dependable, collaborative work style with a self-motivated, positive attitude.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school graduate or equivalent; a background or current coursework in horticulture, agriculture, or environmental science is a strong plus but not required.
• Previous landscaping, farming, or gardening experience is preferred, but we are fully prepared to train the right candidate.
• Must be able to speak, read, and understand English to interact effectively with members and guests.

Physical Requirements & Environmental Safety

• Ability to stand, walk, kneel, bend, stoop, and perform physical labor for extended periods in an outdoor setting.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and move heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds (e.g., bags of soil, mulch, or large planters).
• Ability to multitask safely while working with sharp tools and standard gardening machinery.
• Absolute comfort working in varying weather conditions (heat, humidity, wind, and rain).
• Comfort working in close, safe proximity to active honeybee hives and farm poultry.

Why Join the Fiddler’s Family?
We take care of our team. Benefits for all staff members include:

• Competitive hourly pay
• Reliable scheduling with 2 days off per week
• Excellent career advancement opportunities and continuing education support
• Club privileges, including access to Golf, Paddle/Tennis, and Fitness amenities
• Paid Sick Leave
• Exclusive PLUM benefits and corporate discounts
• Fun team culture, including annual summer and holiday staff appreciation events
• 401(k) plan enrollment eligibility (after 1 year of employment)