Conservatory Gardener

New England Botanic Garden•Boylston, MA

1d•$19 - $21•Hybrid

About The Position

The Conservatory Gardener is a year-round, hands-on gardening position focused on maintaining New England Botanic Garden’s indoor conservatory collection and associated outdoor formal garden spaces. This role involves caring for a diverse collection of potted and in-ground plants using horticultural best practices and supporting special exhibitions and events, while ensuring accessibility and safety for the public.

Requirements

Must have or be able to obtain a Massachusetts pesticide applicator (core) license.
Must be able to effectively use standard office technology including telephones, computers, printers, copiers, and Microsoft Office software including Outlook, Word, and Teams.
Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

A degree in horticulture, plant science, or closely related field or equivalent relevant experience preferred.
Previous greenhouse/conservatory experience, preferred.

Responsibilities

Support the maintenance of conservatory collections and assigned outdoor garden areas using sustainable horticultural practices.
Maintain the living collections and equipment in conservatory support spaces including Growing House, Pit House, Propagation House, Potting Shed, and storage and office spaces.
Support the maintenance of garden infrastructure and reporting maintenance needs to the appropriate personnel.
Perform horticultural tasks including but not limited to: pruning, fertilizing, watering, weeding, pest, and disease scouting and control, repotting, and acclimatizing plants.
Propagate plant material for seasonal displays and enhancement of the garden’s living collection.
Support the seasonal relocation of containerized conservatory collections throughout the outdoor gardens in spring and back indoors in fall. This includes proper acclimatization and the creation of visually stunning and educational displays as directed by the Formal Gardens Manager.
Support the aesthetic vision and inspiration for horticultural displays in assigned garden areas.
Work with the Horticulturist II on implementing proper fertilization and pest control practices for the Conservatory collection.
Support the Plant Recorder by providing detailed information on plant additions, removals, and relocations.
Support snow removal operations under the direction of the Director of Horticulture.
Be welcoming to all staff and the public and respectful of staff differences and preferences.
Use gender-neutral communication styles and respect everyone’s pronouns.
Attend Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) workshops and training sessions.
Work with an awareness of surroundings in accordance with NEBG safety policies.
Complies with the provisions of the current Employee Handbook, all published personnel policies, and the requirements of the job description.
Performs other duties as assigned.