Job Description
Description Why Cheekwood? Working at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens offers you the opportunity to work for one of the most beautiful places in Nashville. Formerly the home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, Cheekwood now serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and museum with period rooms and art galleries. At Cheekwood, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of roles tailored to your skills and interests. Whether you are passionate about horticulture, art curation, historical preservation, or one of our many other career opportunities, you would have the chance to thrive and make a meaningful impact here. Working in such a place that cherishes its rich history, vibrant art scene, and serene gardens offers a unique blend of fulfillment and inspiration. You will find yourself in a supportive environment where every day brings new opportunities for personal and professional growth, amidst the backdrop of picturesque settings. What does the Cheekwood Garden Team do and why join? At Cheekwood, the gardening team is responsible for the care and maintenance of the garden's plants and landscapes. Their tasks typically include planting and propagating a diverse array of flora, ensuring proper soil health and nutrition, watering schedules, pruning for shape and health, pest and disease management, and seasonal upkeep. Joining the gardening team at Cheekwood offers the opportunity to work with a diverse range of plants, including rare and exotic species, which can be rewarding for plant enthusiasts. We also offer a peaceful and beautiful work environment surrounded by nature, making it an attractive career for those who enjoy working outdoors and appreciate the tranquility of gardens. What will you be doing? The Garden & Turf Supervisor oversees the maintenance of landscapes and plant collections, managing staff schedules and workflows while ensuring adherence to company policies. They work closely with department leaders to establish best practices, coordinate garden operations, and maintain aesthetic standards. The supervisor also contributes to garden design and seasonal displays, manages budgets, and trains staff and volunteers. Engaging with visitors, providing educational presentations, and representing Cheekwood in community activities are integral parts of their role, ensuring alignment with organizational values and goals. Essential Responsibilities Directly supervises both permanent and temporary garden staff engaged in proper garden maintenance including scheduling and managing daily workflows. Follows all company policies and procedures related to the supervision and performance of direct reports, including annual performance evaluations and disciplinary action. Collaborates with the department leadership to develop, maintain, and document best management practices. Assists department leadership and other supervisors in coordinating overall garden operations including all-staff work plans, irrigation schedules, and routine and seasonal maintenance plans. Primarily responsible for the full scope of garden maintenance within a clearly identified zone and communicates and coordinates with other supervisors to ensure seamless coverage between zones and throughout peripheral and transitional areas. Performs all levels of landscape and ground maintenance required to maintain the highest aesthetic standards throughout the property and support seasonal display rotations, especially Blooms. Understands and stewards the Mission Statements for Gardens and Collections. Assists department leadership with design development for garden areas and seasonal displays. Monitors plant health via best scouting practices. Monitor and manage soil fertility in garden areas. Controls weed and pest populations in garden areas via best practices for integrated pest management and in accordance with the Cheekwood Pesticide Use Policy. Performs limited tree work, including pruning and light removals. Maintains plant labels, plant inventories, and other physical garden interpretation in assigned areas. Requests plant labels as needed and completes accession forms on new plant material. Maintains standards for the daily care and storage of garden equipment and works with other supervisors to ensure total participation in maintaining the highest standards of organization. Responsible for maintaining records of work activities in assigned areas of the garden. Engages in diversified and/or specialized scope based on individual background and departmental and institutional needs (See Additional Responsibilities, as applicable). Assists Department leadership to schedule and manage contract services to support the garden maintena