Planting Fields Foundation is hiring an experienced landscape curator to join a growing team and lead landscape initiatives as they relate to the implementation and maintenance of the recently completed Cultural Landscape Report (CLR). Looking to critical archival materials that establish the precedent for a significant designed landscape, the CLR strives to restore the Olmsted Brothers vision for the 409-acre estate. The development of this position was a critical action step of the CLR. The Landscape Curator will report to the Executive Director of Planting Fields Foundation but work closely with New York State Parks staff and volunteers to ensure the optimal management of the landscape. This position is equally hands-on as it is administrative offering critical management as it relates to the CLR and the overall enhancement of the site’s vast living collections.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ideal candidate to join a growing organization embarking on a next phase of institutional growth. With a three-year strategic plan in place, opportunities are in abundance to optimize the site’s tangible and intangible heritage and to create a long-range vision to achieve goals. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and resourceful in overseeing landscape initiatives.

Duties + Responsibilities

• Ensure that the restoration of the Olmsted Brothers vision of Planting Fields’ 409 acres is implemented, maintained and preserved through the realization of the recommendations of the
• Manage and supervise Planting Fields Foundation landscape staff and grounds
• Serve as key liaison for Planting Fields Foundation with NYS Parks as it relates to landscape
• Provide relevant and ongoing training to staff, volunteers and interns so they are able to properly maintain and understand the principles of the historic designed
• Ability to conduct archival research to further define historic objectives for the designed
• Understanding of sustainable and resiliency best practices for
• Support ongoing work to maintain accurate records and labeling of the living
• Safe use of garden machinery as necessary including mowers, trimmers, saws
• Develop a broad familiarity with the living
• Understand the diversity of local wildlife to ensure optimum care and cultivation of flora and
• Lead public programs (e.g. garden walks and talks), special events or demonstrations as
• Assist in the maintenance of paths, gates, garden beds, and other hard
• In conjunction with Development Staff, research and apply for grants related to landscape
• Represent the organization in professional, academic, and social
• Develop and monitor department budgets, contracts, and other administrative
• Provide information for selected publications, profiles, and printed material regarding
• Act as an ambassador for Planting Fields, answering questions for park visitors about horticulture, history and design, and general park
• Perform other tasks and duties as

Qualifications + Requirements

• At least 5-7 years of progressive leadership in the management and maintenance of historic

• Advanced degree in landscape architecture, horticulture or historic preservation; MA or MS required but related experience may
• Ability to provide supervision and training of staff, apprentices or interns, and volunteers; previous project management and/or direct supervisory experience
• Verifiable reputation for excellence in landscape
• Ability to lead programs for staff, volunteers and
• Proven practical experience of the cyclical maintenance of a historic
• Proven track record in taking initiative and moving projects from conception and program design to implementation and
• Strong communication and collaboration
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize multiple time-sensitive projects in a fast-paced
• Keen interest in working at a dynamic historic
• Must be diplomatic, analytical, of the highest integrity, and possess sound
• Regular office hours are required. Due to the nature of the responsibilities, evening and weekend work is sometimes required, and at times may be on an emergency
• Fluency in English; ability to communicate clearly and provide direction to staff and

This is a full-time position based in Oyster Bay, New York. Employees are eligible to participate in a generous benefits program. Salary range is $55,000-$70,000.

To apply, send a resume and letter of interest (both in PDF format) to gwouters@plantingfields.org.