Fine Gardener

The Trustees of Reservations•North Andover, MA

13d•$21 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

With a striking variety of garden rooms, every day working at Stevens-Coolidge brings something exciting and different. Your responsibilities as a fine gardener will range from harvesting heirloom vegetables from the potager garden for our local food bank to helping lead our robust volunteer corps through deadheading in the sunken rose garden. You will contribute to the Trustees’ mission by painstakingly caring for this historic, community cornerstone and inspiring its next generation of admirers. Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens is a historic 91-acre property with gardens including a potager garden, formal cutting garden, Italianate rose garden, perennial garden, orchard, meadows and the newly created Entry Garden composed of a mix of introduced and native pollinator friendly plantings, greenhouse complex, and nursery. The Trustees are currently focused on sustainability and improving and elevating our public gardens. This position is a limited term, 35 hour per week, non-exempt opportunity suited to a skilled gardener with an energetic, positive personality and strong work ethic. The position is expected to begin in March and end in late October. The Fine Gardener will be based at Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens in North Andover and reports to the Horticulturist. The successful candidate will have a high level of horticultural skill, a passion for plants, attention to detail, and a positive, collaborative nature. They will be able to work independently and as part of a team, will work outdoors in all kinds of weather, and will support all aspects of horticulture at Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens. The Fine Gardener will interact with staff, visitors, volunteers, members and donors in an open and engaging manner.

Requirements

Two-year Associate degree in horticulture or related field of study preferred. Certificate in horticulture accepted with five or more years of proven experience in professional estate or fine gardening
Three or more years of hands-on experience and an employment history that shows increasing responsibilities in the horticulture field
Experience supervising staff, interns and/or volunteers
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 handle the physical demands of the job including routinely climbing a ladder, lifting loads up to 40 pounds, and working outside in all weather conditions
Occasional weekend and evening hours required to care for collections
A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy
A satisfactory criminal background check (CORI)

Nice To Haves

Pesticide Applicator’s License preferred

Responsibilities

The Fine Gardener will employ their 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 assist in organizing volunteers
Engage with the public in an open and positive manner
Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation

Benefits

Sick time: Prorated by length of service
Vacation time: Prorated by length of service
12 observed holidays, 3 floating
Health insurance: You are eligible to participate in the Trustees’ health insurance benefit via Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). BCBS also offers additional benefits, such as fitness reimbursement and rewards for healthy habits.
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave
Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program: Free access to a confidential service that helps employees and their communities with personal and work-related issues, such as mental health support, counseling, and financial advice.
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.