2026 Horticulture Apprentice

The Oak Spring Garden Foundation (OSGF) is a 501(c)(3) private operating foundation based in Upperville, Virginia with a mission to perpetuate and share Rachel Lambert Mellon’s home, garden, estate and Library to serve the public interest. The Foundation is dedicated to inspiring and facilitating scholarship and public dialogue on the history and future of plants, including the culture of gardens and landscapes and the importance of plants for human well-being. For additional information, please visit www.osgf.org.

OSGF is accepting applications for one (1) full-time Horticultural Apprentice (HA) to work in the formal and production garden and greenhouses. This position is full-time with benefits for one year from start date. If available, on-site housing accommodations may be included for non-local candidates for the duration of the contract.

Schedule: Full-time, beginning January 5, 2026 (or soon thereafter once the   position is filled) through December 2026.

Location: Upperville, VA; The Oak Spring estate is located in rural northern Virginia, 15 minutes from the nearest town. Having access to a car is desirable, but not essential.

Compensation: Starting salary is $20.00 per hour. Paid holidays and time off is provided, as well as optional health/vision/dental insurance and a 403(b) package.

To Apply: We will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue until this position is filled. To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to hr@osgf.org with the subject line “Horticulture Apprentice 2026”. Please note, applications submitted with cover letters will be given preference.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The HA position provides hands-on and practical horticultural experience in a formal garden, greenhouse and cut-flower garden setting.  The HA will gain experience in a wide range of horticultural tasks, with some consideration given to the specific areas of interest and background of the successful candidate.  The HA, working with the Head Gardener and others in the Garden Team, will be responsible for maintaining the excellence of horticulture at OSGF with the main focus on the formal walled garden and surrounding areas, including the formal greenhouse. The HA will receive opportunities to expand their experience in pruning, planting, cultivation and harvesting in the garden, greenhouse, cut-flower garden settings, as well as the management of weeds and invasive species. The HA will foster excellent working relationships with staff working in other departments within the OSGF Teams.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely with the Head Gardener and other members of the Garden Team to ensure that the formal garden and landscape is maintained to a high standard and style that respects the principles established by Mrs. Mellon.
• Proper care, treatment and ongoing maintenance of the formal garden, display greenhouse, production greenhouse, and adjacent spaces including watering, planting, weeding, pruning, deadheading, mulching and propagation of cultivated species.
• Assisting with planting, removal and dividing of both annual and perennials, and also the cultivation of vegetables planted in the formal garden.
• Preparing, planting and evaluating plantings within beds for overall health, including identifying and addressing problems with diseases and invasive pests.
• Working with Garden and Arboriculture, Conservation and Landscape Teams on on-site composting and recycling of garden organic waste.
• Assisting with the ordering of supplies and materials for the garden.
• Assisting with and performing, tours of the formal gardens, formal greenhouse, landscape and act as a representative and ambassador of OSGF for potential future employees, external guests, and others.
• Liaising with the Biocultural Conservation Farm Team to ensure that vegetables produced in the formal garden do not go to waste.
• Assisting with propagation of plants and seed collection, and contributing to the development of protocols for these processes.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned by the Head Gardener.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Some coursework or certification in horticulture, agriculture, or botany (e.g. certificate programs, vocational training, or community college courses).
• Ability to lift at least 30 pounds.
• Knowledge of plant biology, soil science, or garden design basics.

• Basic working knowledge of horticulture and landscape practices including tree pruning, formal garden maintenance, cut flower management, vegetable garden
• Basic working knowledge of current trends and practices in environmentally sustainable horticulture.
• Ability to work with garden and farm equipment.
• Ability to do repetitive tasks for long periods of time (i.e. weeding, mulching).
• Ability to work independently and also as a part of a team.
• Excellent time-management, communication and organizational skills.
• Dependable and collaborative team player.
• Ability to exhibit safe and responsible conduct in outdoor environments.
• Must have a Driver’s License and a reliable method of transportation to and from work.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The HA must be comfortable working both indoors and outdoors, in extreme temperatures of Virginia’s ecological environment, and more. Days can sometimes feel long, even though we keep to an 8-hour day, and the work can be strenuous. For the right individual this work is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling!