Director of Horticulture

Mount Vernon Country Club is situated on one of George Washington’s original seven farms. The culture of the club is one with a growing membership that supports creativity, new ideas and collaboration. The organization is fully supportive of its team members and the overall employee experience.

Golf Course Architect Russell Roberts designed the nine-hole golf course which opened on June 3, 1961. On June 10, 1961, an exhibition match was played by Head Pro Dick Mason, Sam Snead, and two local professionals Bobby Bowers and Al Jamison, where Sam Snead shot 67.

In 1963 the members purchased Mount Vernon Country Club and renamed it Woodlawn Country Club. Golf Course Architect Ed Ault designed the second nine holes which opened in 1968. In 1993 Woodlawn Country Club again became Mount Vernon Country Club.

Over the past 20 years the Club has continued to develop including significant golf course improvements which were designed by Golf Course Architect Bill Love. In 2014, the Clubhouse had an interior renovation and in 2016 major improvements were made to the golf course.

Position Overview: The Director of Horticulture will provide grounds and landscaping maintenance of clubhouse grounds and throughout the golf course. Will take the lead on horticulture planning, design, and overall appearance of the Mount Vernon Country Club grounds. The individual will oversee a 2-3 person staff.

The position reports to the Golf Course Superintendent.

Key success traits and characteristics:

• Enjoys being a part of a team-based culture with the opportunity to advance their technical expertise, organizational leadership skills, and grow within the organization.

• Takes ownership and initiative in their product, and has a highly precise workmanship

• Craves variety and change, while delivering high-quality products and services

• Goal oriented leader, who consistently sets priorities, takes the initiative with little supervision

• Has a passion for the outdoors and embraces new ideas, concepts and technology in the horticulture industry

• Thrives in an environment of trust, collaboration, problem solving and consistent achievement of high standards

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide routine maintenance to include, but not limited to, watering, spraying, weeding, fertilizing, pesticide application, pruning, mowing, mulching, edging, blowing, and leaf and debris removal.

• Maintain landscaping of assigned exhibit.

• Participate in the planning, designing, purchasing, planting, and maintenance of display gardens, exhibits and other related areas.

• Harvest plants, and transplant or pot and label them.

• Observe and document plant health for possible signs of insects or diseases.

• Operate tractors and other machinery and equipment to fertilize, cultivate, harvest, and spray fields and plants.

• Inspect plants and bud ties to assess quality.

• Dig, cut, and transplant seedlings, cuttings, trees, and shrubs.

• Move containerized shrubs, plants, and trees using golf cart or tractors.

• Maintain cleanliness at workstations.

• Haul and spread topsoil, fertilizer, peat moss, and other materials to condition soil, using wheelbarrows or carts and shovels.

• Maintain knowledge of plants and associated problems such as diseases, weeds, and insect pests.

• Determine plant growing conditions, such as greenhouses, hydroponics, or natural settings, and set planting and care schedules.

• Assist with preventative maintenance on all equipment.

• Shovel areas clear of snow and ice.

• Fulfill on-call duty twenty-four hours a day in order to report as emergency personnel for situations such as snow removal and storm damage.

• Maintain interior foliage plants in public areas and administrative offices.

• Participate in professional development and obtain industry certifications, as assigned.

• Ensure guest safety at all times.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Compensation and Benefits:

• $55,000-$70,000 salary range

• Health Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• 401K

• Paid Vacation/Sick Time

• Uniforms/Uniform Allowance

• Local/National Dues

• Continuing Education

• Golfing Privileges

Education:

• Associates degree in Horticulture, Science or related field preferred. Related horticulture experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Bachelor’s degree in related field may be considered in lieu of experience requirement.

Experience/Training:

• Minimum of five years of horticulture experience in commercial landscaping or related industry strongly preferred

• Prior and/ or current industry certification(s) preferred

• Must possess plant knowledge

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

• Comfortable working outside in various weather conditions