Fine Gardener

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the nation’s premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do.

We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website,(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Salary/Hourly Rate: $21.50/hour

Hours per week: 40

Job Classification:
Nonexempt, Limited-Term

Job Type: Onsite

Duration:
April 1st–December 1st

Location:

Long Hill, Beverly, MA

Long Hill is an historic 114-acre property which includes a distinctive mix of gardens containing perennials, trees and shrubs in historic gardens, apple orchard, meadows and newly created Summer Garden, greenhouses, nursery and demonstration and trial gardens currently under development. These gardens are surrounded by nearly 100 acres of woodland containing two miles of trails. The Trustees are currently focused on sustainability, educating and engaging the public, and improving and elevating our public gardens.

Our seasonal staff plays an integral role in ensuring that our visitors enjoy our extraordinary places. With the change to warmer temperatures, we experience an influx of visitors of all ages and backgrounds who want to explore and be inspired by our properties. Sandy beaches, wooded trails, cultural gardens, historic homes, community supported agriculture—there are many ways for visitors to discover and explore The Trustees, and just as many opportunities for seasonal employees to make each visitor’s experience special.

As the Seasonal Fine Gardener, you will conduct various landscape and garden maintenance tasks throughout the property with a special focus on new gardens, greenhouses and landscapes. You will work side by side with the horticulturist for these spaces, as well as with volunteers and other site staff. You will also lend support for special events and other programs.

• Employ hands‑on skills and technical expertise in routine garden maintenance including planting, pruning, weeding, deadheading, staking, mulching, raking, edging, labeling, watering, and pruning.
• Positively motivate and organize volunteers.
• Engage with the public in an open and positive manner.
• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation.

This is a limited‑term, nonexempt position (40 hours/week) reporting directly to the Horticulturist.

• Required:
  • Knowledgeable in the cultivation and maintenance of annuals and perennials using sustainable techniques including integrated pest management (IPM) methods.
  • Experienced in pruning shrubs and small trees.
  • Able to identify weeds and invasive plants.
  • Familiar with pests and diseases of common landscape plants.
  • Experienced in the use of landscape and gardening equipment including mowers, weed whips, edgers, shovels, pruners.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Able to lift ~40 pounds.
  • Willing to work in variable outdoor weather conditions.
• Preferred:
  At least 3 years’ experience in estate or fine gardening.

• Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment.
• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.

Have…