A private ultra-high-net-worth couple, long established in Sands Point, Long Island, seeks a seasoned and highly accomplished Head Gardener to assume full responsibility for the care, management, and long-term stewardship of their extensive estate gardens, greenhouses, and surrounding grounds. This position calls for a deeply knowledgeable horticulturist of sound judgment and refined standards, capable of leading a skilled grounds staff while preserving the beauty, order, and dignity befitting a distinguished private estate. The Head Gardener will work in close coordination with the Estate Manager and will be entrusted with both daily operations and long-range planning.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assume overall charge of the estate’s gardens, lawns, orchards, vegetable plots, wooded areas, and ornamental plantings, maintaining the highest horticultural standards at all times
• Direct, train, and supervise a team of four to five gardeners and grounds staff, ensuring discipline, efficiency, and exemplary workmanship
• Plan and execute all seasonal planting, pruning, soil management, fertilization, and integrated pest management programs
• Oversee greenhouse operations, including propagation, climate control, specimen care, inventory, and seasonal rotations
• Preserve and enhance formal gardens and landscape features in keeping with the character and traditions of the estate
• Maintain irrigation systems, outdoor lighting, garden structures, tools, and machinery; coordinate servicing, repairs, and improvements as required
• Source plants, materials, and equipment; manage trusted vendors and contractors with discretion and fiscal responsibility
• Assist in the care, feeding, habitat maintenance, and general well-being of select estate animals, primarily peacocks, in coordination with the Estate Manager and outside specialists
• Ensure environmentally responsible and safe horticultural practices throughout the property
• Maintain accurate records, planting logs, inventories, schedules, and budget documentation
• Provide regular updates to estate leadership regarding grounds conditions, staffing matters, and upcoming seasonal needs
• Support special events, formal gatherings, storm preparation, and post-storm recovery efforts across the estate

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of five years’ professional experience in estate gardening, horticulture, or grounds management; private estate experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience with garden or grounds staff
• Thorough knowledge of horticulture, plant identification, soil science, pruning techniques, greenhouse cultivation, and integrated pest management
• Proficiency with irrigation systems, grounds equipment, and estate maintenance machinery
• Comfort working around and supporting the care of ornamental birds or similar animals
• Strong organizational ability, sound judgment, and clear communication skills
• Physically capable of performing demanding outdoor work in all seasons and weather conditions
• Discreet, professional, dependable, and respectful of privacy at all times
• Genuine sense of pride in stewardship, order, and the long-term care of an exceptional property