Horticulturist Assistant

Job Description

Estate Horticulture Assistant for Bergström Wines LLC.

Bergström Wines, a family-owned local business since 1999, is seeking a full-time Horticulture Assistant for our estate gardens, orchard spaces, and vineyards. This position involves assisting the Estate Horticulturist in maintenance of current ornamental and vegetable garden spaces, as well as helping to plan and execute the expansion of fruit and vegetable gardens, pollinator gardens, orchards, and natural areas. The Horticulture Assistant will also be asked to help in the vineyards on an as needed and available basis in coordination with the Vineyard Manager. During the harvest season, the Horticulture Assistant may also have the opportunity to help in the winery in coordination with the Winemaker.

The Horticulture Assistant will assist the Estate Horticulturist in the following:

· Maintain the health, viability and aesthetic value of vegetable and fruit gardens and orchard spaces on all estate properties.

· Maintain landscaping at winery office, winery building, and Ekollon tasting house.

· Lawn maintenance, including mowing, blowing, edging, etc.

· Ornamental landscape maintenance, including weeding, pruning, trimming, mulching, etc.

· Irrigation system troubleshooting and maintenance, performing repairs and adjustments as needed.

· Plant selection and design of new plantings.

· Water feature maintenance, including regular cleaning and minor repair.

· Fruit tree pruning and harvest.

· Implement organic pest management strategies and utilize IPM for sustainable practices.

· Maintain natural areas through planting, weed control, fertilizing, and irrigating.

· Operate gas and electric power tools; mowers, tractors, sprayers, weed-eaters, blowers, chainsaws, and hedgers, etc.

· Assist in vineyard when needed, including dormant pruning, canopy management, applying Biodynamic preparations, and sorting fruit during harvest.

Requirements:

· Familiar with plant identification and landscaping tools

· Solve garden issues creatively and support maintenance during inclement seasons.

· Punctual, dedicated, and detail-oriented.

· Reliable vehicle and ability to commute to and between job sites.

· Ability to lift up to 50+ pounds.

· Comfortable with working outside year-round in all types of weather.

Compensation and Work Schedule:

· Competitive salary, DOE.

· Benefits including company-provided health and dental insurance, 401K with company-matching program, paid time off, and allocations of Bergström wines via wine club membership.

· 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday schedule.