Seasonal Fine Gardener

About The Trustees of Reservations

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. Learn more at www.thetrustees.org
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• Salary/Hourly Rate: $20-$22
• Hours per week: 20-30
• Job Classification:
  Limited Term, non‑exempt
• Job Type: Onsite
• Duration:
  April – October
• Location:
  
  Castle Hill, Ipswich, MA

Our seasonal staff plays an integral role in ensuring that 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. Castle Hill is one of the nation's best surviving Country Place Era estates, the summer home of Richard T.

Crane Jr. and his family, constructed between 1909 and 1927. The estate’s landscape, gardens, and historic structures provide unique opportunities for seasonal employees to make each visitor’s experience special.

As a Seasonal Fine Gardener, you will work under the supervision of the Castle Hill Horticulturist and conduct various landscape and garden maintenance tasks. The position is part‑time, seasonal, non‑exempt, and suited to a skilled professional gardener with an energetic, positive personality and strong work ethic. The role will begin immediately and end on or about 11 / 1 / 2024, with 24‑30 hours per week.

• Perform routine garden maintenance including planting, weeding, deadheading, staking, mulching, raking, edging, watering, and general pruning.
• Assist with greenhouse tasks.
• Assist with supplemental watering.
• Ensure that all equipment is clean and stored neatly at the end of each day.
• Engage with the public in an open and positive manner.

• Two‑year associate degree or above in horticulture or a closely related field (required).
• One to three years of hands‑on experience as a professional fine gardener (required; public garden experience a plus).
• Experience working with volunteer groups (a plus).
• 1‑3 years’ experience in estate or fine gardening (preferred).
• Knowledge of annual and perennial care using sustainable techniques, including integrated pest management.
• Experience pruning trees and shrubs.
• Ability to identify weeds and invasive plants.
• Familiarity with pests and diseases of common landscape plants.
• Experience with landscape and gardening equipment such as mowers, weed whips, edgers, shovels, pruners.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds.
• Ability to routinely climb ladders.
• Ability to work outside in all variable weather conditions.

• Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment.
• Successful completion of a satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

• Sick Time: 40 hours of paid sick time upfront.
• Reciprocity:
  Access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.
• Discounts:
  Free entry to all Trustees properties, discounted event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and inns.

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.

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status, including but not limited to age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preferences, nation of origin, religion, or disability status. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. To request reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at people.

• Seniority level:
  Entry level
• Employment type:
  
  Temporary
• Job function:
  Management and Manufacturing
• Industries:
  Non‑profit Organizations and Primary and Secondary Education

Have questions? Reach out to our People Team by emailing people
.