Apprentice Gardener

RDV Corporation•Grand Rapids, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Apprentice Gardener works closely with the Gardener to care for and maintain gardens, annual beds, and outdoor containers at multiple private residences. The role supports seasonal enhancements and installations, ongoing garden and landscape needs, and the presentation and health of plant materials throughout the year. In partnership with the Gardener and Grounds & Landscape Manager, the Apprentice Gardener coordinates with the Principals to align plant and floral selections and presentation with their preferences and the needs of the residences. The position shares time between residences in Ada and Holland, Michigan. Work is primarily in Holland during summer and shifts primarily to Ada outside summer. Weekend hours are required during summer, and occasional weekend and holiday work may be required to meet seasonal, property, and staffing needs. The role also supports broader grounds, property, household, seasonal, and holiday needs as appropriate, while maintaining professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality in private residences.

Requirements

Experience planting and maintaining annual beds and outdoor containers is required.
Strong working knowledge of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and seasonal outdoor plant care, including planting, watering, fertilization, pruning, soil preparation, and general plant health.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation between work locations are required.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to exceptional, “Five Star” quality standards.
Ability to organize, anticipate seasonal needs, coordinate materials and deliveries, manage supplies, and prioritize work across multiple properties.
Responsible, flexible, dependable, and service-oriented, with a positive attitude and pride and ownership in work quality.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with the Grounds & Landscape Manager, grounds team, household staff, vendors, and other service providers.
Understanding of the nature of working in private residences and commitment to contributing positively to a professional, collaborative household staff environment.
Sensitivity to the Principals’ privacy, schedules, and use of the residences, including adjusting work and timing as needed to maintain a quiet, minimally intrusive environment.
Highest level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality regarding the Principals, their family, residences, activities, and personal or business matters.
Comfort operating employer-provided gardening and grounds equipment safely and appropriately, and seeking supervisor guidance when needed.
Neat, professional appearance and willingness to follow established uniform and appearance standards.
Flexibility in scheduling to accommodate seasonal, property, and staffing needs, including occasional weekend and holiday work as required.
Wear appropriate employer-provided safety equipment while performing the job.
Ability to lift 40 pounds to a maximum height of six feet.
Ability to stoop, bend, kneel, climb, and stand for lengthy periods.
Ability to safely operate small landscape maintenance machinery, such as a backpack blower and hedge clippers.
Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

Three to five years of professional gardening, groundskeeping, landscaping, horticulture, or related experience is preferred.
Experience caring for indoor plants is a plus.

Responsibilities

Assist with planting, caring for, and seasonally maintaining annual flower beds and outdoor pots across the properties.
Collaborate with the Principals and Gardener to plan and carry out seasonal installations and removals, including spring, summer, fall, and holiday plantings, in line with Principal preferences.
Weed, water, deadhead, fertilize, prune, and otherwise maintain plant materials.
Perform light pruning of shrubs and perennials, including boxwoods and hydrangeas.
Assist with ongoing care and upkeep of designated gardens.
Work with the grounds team to prepare garden beds and planting areas for seasonal installations, including migration and other groundwork as needed.
Monitor plant health and identify potential pest, disease, watering, soil, and environmental concerns; recommend solutions and coordinate additional treatment or support with the Grounds & Landscape Manager.
Order plants, flowers, greens, soil amendments, and other supplies for seasonal installations and ongoing maintenance.
Source plant materials from local growers and vendors, balancing quality, availability, and property needs.
Coordinate plant and material deliveries and ensure materials are received and distributed appropriately across the properties.
Plan ahead for seasonal needs and coordinate with the Principals on preferences and priorities so supplies are available before installations.
Coordinate decorative greens and plant materials for holiday pots and seasonal displays.
Maintain gardening tools, materials, and supplies, and communicate inventory or equipment needs to the Grounds & Landscape Manager.
Assist with broader landscape, garden, and property maintenance needs alongside the grounds team as time and seasonality allow.
Support the team and vendors responsible for indoor plant care and floral arranging as needed, while learning the Principals’ preferences and household standards.
Assist with seasonal garden preparation, cleanup, transitions, and special projects, including care of rose bushes and other specialty plantings.
Maintain outdoor spaces in a polished, guest-ready condition and proactively address or communicate appearance-related issues.
Provide additional grounds, property, or household support as seasonal needs and opportunities arise, including seasonal and holiday needs as requested.
Coordinate with grounds and household staff so work is completed efficiently and with consideration for the Principals’ schedules and use of the residences.
Maintain professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality while working in and around private residences.