Head Of Gardens

Who is Square Roots Collective? Square Roots Collective (SRC) is a group of enterprises: for-profit businesses, non-profit ventures, formal and informal partnerships and associations with like-minded organizations, all united by our commitment to the thriving of the Kennett Square region for all of its residents. We imagine and invest in a broad spectrum of initiatives that celebrate the uniqueness of Kennett, enhance the lives of residents and contribute to creating a foundation in which future generations can thrive. Learn more at www.ksqroots.com. Our Unique Model SRC was created as a sustainable model for community development in which for profit initiatives like The Creamery Beer Garden and Restaurant are owned by a non-profit social welfare organization called Square Roots Community Initiative (SRCI), which reinvests 100% of its profits into community improvements. So, for example, when a guest buys a beer at The Creamery, they are helping to fund the development of a trail through Kennett Trails Alliance. When they book a room at Artelo, our arts-themed hotel, they are helping to house a family through Family Promise of Southern Chester County or supporting social services provided by other non-profits. Our Organization Square Roots Collective is the organizing and sustaining force behind an array of social enterprises each with its own distinct identity, including Kennett Trails Alliance, Voices Underground, The Creamery, and Artelo, as well as an array of projects under development. All of these are social impact ventures that fit within three areas: (1) Hospitality (i.e., The Creamery, Artelo and numerous projects at various stages of development), (2) Real Estate (i.e., adaptive reuse commercial development projects and a housing portfolio), and (3) Non-Profits that we founded and manage (i.e., Kennett Trails Alliance and Voices Underground). We also nurture an array of experimental initiatives that are funded through non-profit foundations.

HEAD OF GARDENS

Private 29-

Acre Estate Cochranville, Pennsylvania Schedule:

Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 AM - 4:30

PM Location:

Estate Owner Cochranville, PA (on-site) About the Estate This 29-acre private estate in Cochranville, Pennsylvania, features a one-mile trail loop winding through a landscape that has been thoughtfully transformed from open farmland into a thriving, nature-rich environment over the past seven years. The property includes approximately seven acres of active reforestation, three to four acres of wildflower meadows, and extensive plantings of native trees and shrubs throughout. Multiple wells with water tanks support irrigation needs across the grounds. Role Overview The Head of Gardens is a hands-on leadership role responsible for the care, maintenance, and continued development of the estate's trails, gardens, meadows, and reforested areas. This person will serve as the primary steward of the property's landscape—ensuring that all plantings thrive, trails remain clean and well-groomed, and the estate presents beautifully in every season. Beyond horticulture, this role requires a resourceful, self-directed individual who can pitch in with general estate upkeep as needed. Core Responsibilities Trail and Grounds Maintenance Maintain trail loop: mowing, edging, clearing debris, and ensuring safe passage Weed whack, prune, and manage vegetation along trail borders and planted areas Chip fallen branches and storm debris using the on-site woodchipper Perform seasonal cleanup in spring (opening) and fall (closing/winterization) Horticulture and Plant Care Plant, transplant, and propagate native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers Monitor plant health and take proactive steps to ensure vegetation thrives Water plants using ATV-mounted tank and pump system, drawing from on-site wells. Set up and maintain irrigation systems for newly planted areas Manage and expand the wildflower meadows and reforested sections. Receive and properly install new trees and bushes purchased each year by the owner Equipment Operation Operate and maintain a Kubota tractor (with bucket and PTO), ATV (2,500 lb. towing capacity), woodchipper, chainsaws, and weed whackers Perform basic equipment upkeep and report any maintenance or repair needs

General Estate Support:

Assist with general property tasks: moving or painting furniture, minor structural repairs, touch-up projects, and other needs to keep the estate looking its best. Identify and address issues proactively—this role requires someone with a keen eye who sees what needs doing without being told Vendor Management Source, contact, and manage vendors and service providers needed on the property. Evaluate vendors to ensure the estate is getting the best value for services rendered. Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with reliable vendors and suppliers. Coordinate vendor schedules, oversee on-site work, and ensure quality standards Negotiate pricing and service agreements, keeping the estate owner informed of recommendations and decisions.

Qualifications Required:

Working knowledge of horticulture, including plant identification, transplanting, propagation, and understanding what plants need to thrive.

Hands-on experience with grounds maintenance:

mowing, pruning, plant care, and weed management. Comfort and competence operating power equipment including tractors, ATVs, chainsaws, woodchippers, and weed whackers. Ability to lift heavy objects and perform physically demanding work outdoors in all weather conditions. Experience with or ability to set up basic irrigation systems. Strong problem-solving skills—a resourceful, "figure-it-out" mindset Self-directed work style with the initiative to identify tasks and act without supervision. Preferred Experience with native plant species of the Mid-Atlantic region . Background in reforestation, land restoration, or meadow management. Prior experience working on a private estate, farm, or large-acreage property. Basic carpentry or handyman skills for general estate upkeep tasks.

Characteristics That We Seek Problem-Solving:

A problem-solving orientation with the capacity to size up a situation and apply good judgment in determining a path forward.

Ownership Mentality:

The ability to own issues or responsibility areas so completely that colleagues do not worry about whether something is being completed diligently and with excellence. We call this "third stage performance."

Humility:

An attitude of "no problem" and that no job is too small or request too inconsequential.

High Capacity:

Excellent interpersonal, organizational, problem-solving, analytical, verbal, and written communication skills across a variety of stakeholders including owners, designers, consultants, and contractors. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment driving projects forward collaboratively yet independently.

Time Management:

Solid decision-making and time management skills; the ability to professionally deal with pressure while managing multiple projects simultaneously

Self-Motivated:

Results-driven, service- and detail-oriented, self-motivated and able to work both independently and on a team

Detail Oriented:

Detail oriented and possessing the ability to understand what is important and how different elements need to be prioritized and executed with accuracy

Trust-Building:

The ability to build trusting and collaborative relationships, while at the same time asserting project management disciplines that ensure a smooth and predictable process

High Character:

Our work is worthless unless we live in a way that demonstrates integrity in the way we interact with others What We Provide All equipment and tools necessary to perform the job (tractor, ATV, woodchipper, chainsaws, hand tools, watering system, etc.) On-site wells and water tank infrastructure for irrigation A supportive working environment with clear expectations and regular performance evaluations How to Apply Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief description of their relevant experience, particularly any background in horticulture, land management, or estate maintenance. Please include references from previous employers or clients. Please send applications to lalmanza@ksqroots.com.

Pay:

$50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Work Location:

In person