Gardener

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The British Embassy seeks a full-time Gardener for the Ambassador’s Residence Garden designed by Edwin Lutyens. This position is a great opportunity to gain exposure to all facets of garden specialties including plant collections, arboriculture, seasonal plant displays, greenhouse care and formal garden care. The gardener is a critical member of a small team of staff who care for the 5 acres of historic gardens.

Candidates must be knowledgeable in the areas of horticulture and landscape maintenance; ideal candidate will be familiar with the unique challenges related to conserving a private garden and historic property.

• Maintain all plantings on a daily basis, including watering, weeding, deadheading, mulching, fertilizing, IPM, pruning, and other maintenance as directed.
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment, including mowers, tractors and small machines.
• Maintain landscape features such as walkways, sculpture and fountains as directed.
• Monitor garden conditions for safety and reporting problems to Horticulturist
• Report problems related to pest, diseases, and or damage to gardens and grounds
• Assist with propagation of plants, seed collections and other greenhouse tasks
• Assist with record keeping related to IPM, plant documentation, and equipment inventory
• Supervise and work with garden volunteers
• Work with Embassy colleagues on garden preservation projects
• Assist with the moving of plants, equipment and garden furniture
• Assist with Beekeeping
• Interact with visitors, including participation in tours and public programs
• Perform other duties as assigned

The successful candidate will be a self-starter who has the drive and initiative to work independently on tasks on their own, along with enthusiasm, a positive attitude and willingness to learn. He/she will have good communication skills and be able to take instruction and direction. Basic knowledge of equipment use and maintenance is desirable.

• Associate’s degree in Horticulture/Landscape desired (Professional Certificate programs may be substituted for degree)
• Three years of relevant professional work experience in garden and plant care
• Knowledge of common garden pests, diseases, and symptoms of nutrient deficiencies for a variety of herbaceous and woody plants
• Knowledge of when to transplant and the ability to consider soil conditions, flowering time, and foliage at various stages of growth when undertaking transplant projects
• Knowledge of best safety practices and ability to routinely apply institutional best practices, including use of gloves, eye and ear protection, masks, boots, and other protective clothing for use when exposed to soil, dust, mud, and chemical and pesticide sprays
• Knowledge of greenhouse and nursery best practices preferred
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to use, adjust, clean, service and organize gardening tools and follow safety procedures for the operation of machinery and tools
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and enthusiasm for working in a team environment
• Ability to solve problems creatively
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Basic knowledge of equipment use and maintenance is desirable.

• Changing and Improving
• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together

25 January 2026

Grade

S1

Type of Position

Full-time

Working hours per week

40

Region

Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories

Country/Territory

United States

Location (City)

Washington

Type of Post

British Embassy

Number of vacancies

1

Salary Currency

USD

$26.61

Type of Salary

hourly

Start Date

2 March 2026

Other benefits and conditions of employment

You must have the right to live and work in the US in order to take up this role, whether in your own right or as a dependant, and be able to demonstrate that when required. If you are not a US citizen, dual US citizen or US Permanent Resident, it is your responsibility check your eligibility to work for a foreign government in the United States, and specifically to work in this role at this location, and provide proof of your…