A Farm, Nursery, or Greenhouse Worker propagates, cultivates and harvests plants, primarily flowers, trees, shrubs and sod, and other crops such as mushrooms that are grown in greenhouses, or grows and harvests farm crops such as grain, fruit or vegetables. Operates and maintains equipment used to grow and harvest plants and crops. Cares for animals including dairy cows or chickens, pigs or other animals raised for meat.
Department of General Services Governor's Support Nashville, TN Annual Salary:
$48,684.00 - $60,936.00
Closing Date:
09/05/2026 This position is designated as
In Office Background Check:
This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position. How you make a difference in this role: Assistant to our Residence Horticulturist, this position is responsible for the maintenance and care of the garden, ornamental beds, shrubs and turf as well as all areas under the responsibility of the Horticulture Department. The assistant will work alongside the rest of the Horticulture team to accomplish what is needed for maintaining the beauty and health of all plant life at the Tennessee Residence. This includes the operation of equipment and hand tools when necessary, including mowers, blowers, tillers, chainsaws and more.
Job Overview:
The Horticulture Assistant will work with the horticulture team to maintain the Tennessee Residence gardens to the highest horticultural standards by mowing turf areas, removing debris, clearing pathways, weeding, planting, pruning and mulching along with other needed tasks. Individuals in this position should have knowledge of plant materials and a keen interest in gardening, a general understanding of horticultural principles and the skills necessary to perform basic horticultural tasks.
Key Responsibilities:
Assist with hands-on maintenance of annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees and other plans in a manner consistent with the horticultural standards of the Residence. Physically work in all aspects of garden maintenance and development including soil preparation, planting and transplanting, mulching, pruning, weeding, potting, raking, sweeping and watering. Plan and create floral arrangements for events at the Tennessee Residence when necessary, within the limitations given by the Residence Manager. Operate push mowers, weed eaters, backpack blowers, tractors, garden ATVs, pickup trucks and other power equipment safely and efficiently. Utilize hand tools effectively and safely. Assist others on the horticulture team by educating them in the use of equipment and tools or horticultural methods when needed. Maintain the grounds and exterior areas to ensure a clean, safe and aesthetically pleasing environment, including routine landscaping, debris removal, walkway upkeep and general property appearance. Respond to weather events, emergencies, and unexpected conditions by performing prompt cleanup, hazard removal, and support for recovery efforts. Participate with the Residence Staff and Horticulture Team to complete projects, events and initiatives as desired by the First Family. Perform other duties assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
High School Diploma One year of experience as a professional gardener or groundskeeper. Some Floral arrangement experience preferred Skills and Abilities A thorough understanding of horticultural practices and the ability to identify frequently used woody, herbaceous and annual landscape plants The ability to use hand and power tools safely and effectively A willingness to interact with the public on an informal basis by answering questions, providing directions, etc. Strong work ethic and enthusiasm for landscaping work The ability to work independently and collaboratively The ability to follow written and verbal instructions Robust physical abilities needed, such as digging, bending, stooping, kneeling, and the ability to lift more than 40-50 pounds of weight for multiple hours a day Floral arrangement knowledge and skill would be helpful, and a willingness to learn and improve this skill on the job Pursuant to the State of Tennessee's Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State's policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person's race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.
