Seasonal Fine Gardener

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionaries, 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- $23

Hours per week: 12

Job Classification:
Nonexempt, Seasonal or Limited Term

Job Type: Onsite

Duration:
April – November

Location:

Haskell Public Gardens, New Bedford, MA

The Allen

C. Haskell Public Gardens showcases great plant collections, outstanding landscape, and garden designs. In his lifetime, Allen Haskell pursued the rare, the unusual and the newest cultivars available from around the world. Under the care and stewardship of the Senior Horticulturist, the six‑acre garden is open and free to the public every day of the year. It is an actively used community resource for the city of New Bedford.

As a Seasonal Fine Gardener, you will report to the Southeast Gardens Senior Horticulturist and bring hands‑on technical skills to Allen

C. Haskell Public Gardens, providing a high level of care for the landscape and gardens, leading volunteers in exceptional standards of garden maintenance, and interacting with visitors, members, and donors in an open, engaging manner. This energetic, positive individual will bring their professional gardening talent to the care of the gardens, assist with living collections management, and implement best practices established under the leadership of the Senior Horticulturist.

This is a seasonal, part‑time position.

• 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, pond, and general garden trash clean‑up.
• 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 the 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.

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

• A high school diploma or GED.
• Three or more years of hands‑on experience and an employment history that shows increasing responsibilities in the public garden field.
• Knowledge or experience in the following…