Seasonal Fine Gardener

Who We Are

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations 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
• Hours per week: 22
• Job Classification:
  Nonexempt, Limited Term
• Job Type: Onsite
• Duration:
  April – November
• Location:
  
  Bradley Estate, Canton, MA

The gardens at the Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate in Canton are nested among 90 acres of bucolic fields and woodlands interlaced with trails. The gardens are the masterwork of Charles Platt who designed the house and grounds in 1902 to include a formal walled garden and terraces with sweeping views of the Boston hills, surrounded by broad lawns, meadows and gentleman’s farm.

In 1945, the estate passed from Dr. Arthur Tracey Cabot to his niece, Eleanor Cabot Bradley, who continued the garden tradition by enhancing the property further with ponds, a camellia house, greenhouses, and a wide variety of specimen ornamental trees. Today the main house is used for event and wedding rentals, and the walled garden and terraces beckon as a colorful extension of the house architecture.

The camellia house, woodland and kitchen gardens deepen its horticultural interest.

As a Seasonal Fine Gardener you are a skilled gardener with an energetic, positive personality and strong work ethic. The position is expected to begin in April and end in early November. You will be based at the Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate in Canton, MA and report to the Senior Horticulturist. You should have a high level of horticultural skills, a passion for plants, attention to detail, and a positive, collaborative nature.

You will be able to work independently and as part of a team and will be experienced in leading volunteers.

• Work independently to perform all duties associated with installation, maintenance and care of permanent and seasonal plantings, including perennial and shrub borders, tree care, and pathways. This includes planting, weeding, watering, mulching, deadheading, pruning and staking.
• Positively motivate Wednesday volunteer group in the maintenance, installation and care of plant collections with careful attention to planting plans, record keeping and proper plant identification.
• Manage and maintain garden infrastructure including irrigation system, pathways, water feature and general garden trash cleanup.
• Interact with the public in a positive, cheerful manner.
• Collaborate with engagement staff, stewardship staff and consultants on the execution of garden and landscape construction, installation and care of new plantings, provide inspiration and technical advice for programs, and occasionally lead garden tours.
• Abide by the policies and best practices to guide great garden design and exceptional horticultural standards in balance with their natural surroundings and historic integrity.
• Check infrequently with Southeast Gardens Senior Horticulturist and communicate efficiently and effectively via all Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook 365, Teams), garden design drawings, phone calls, text messages, and in-person meetings.

• Required: A bachelor's degree or two-year associate degree in horticulture, botany or related field.
• Required: Three or more years of hands‑on experience and an employment history that shows increasing responsibilities in the public garden field.
• Required: Knowledge or experience in arboriculture, perennials,…