Seasonal Fine Gardener

The Trustees of Reservations•Osterville, MA

20d•$21 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

Armstrong-Kelley Park is an 8.5 acre garden and woodland oasis in Osterville, Massachusetts with a varied terrain which includes woodland trails, unusual trees, annual and perennial borders, and small ornamental water garden. In Spring 2020, The Cape Cod Horticultural Society (CCHS), which has owned and maintained Armstrong-Kelley Park for nearly 100 years, approved a plan to be integrated into The Trustees. Through this integration, which became official in the Fall of 2021, this treasured community resource is now a Trustees reservation, and its 12th public garden. A new master plan has been developed for the park and will bring new plantings, improved access and parking, and new garden features in the next two years. As the Fine Gardener, you will play an important role in maintaining vibrant new plantings in this exciting time of change in the park. As the Seasonal Fine Gardener, you will report to the Southeast Gardens Senior Horticulturist and bring hands-on technical skills to Armstrong-Kelley Park, 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. As an energetic, positive individual, you will bring your professional gardening talent to the care of the gardens, assist with living collections management, and implement best practices established under the leadership of the Horticulturist. This is a seasonal, part-time position.

Requirements

Minimum of 1-3 years of related work experience
Minimum of 1-3 years of supervisory experience
Three or more years of hands-on experience and an employment history that shows increasing responsibilities in the public garden field.
A strong record of public garden or estate garden maintenance.
Knowledge or experience in the following areas: arboriculture, perennials, annual displays, woody plant care, pruning and other technical gardening skills.
Demonstrated knowledge of horticultural care and conservation, cataloguing, stewardship and applied practice.
Ability to inspire confidence and maintain effective working relationships at all levels of the organization including staff, volunteers and diverse public visitors.
A proven, passionate commitment to the values, mission and purposes represented by The Trustees.
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.
Significant experience using hand and power tools and ability to repair and maintain equipment.
Experience supervising staff, interns and/or volunteers.
Able to work some nights and weekends to prepare for special events or to ensure the safety of the public.
Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment.
A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy.
A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and able to push and pull items
Comfortable with exposure to environmental elements like heat, cold, chemicals, and others

Nice To Haves

Preferred Two-year Associate degree in horticulture or related field of study required. Certificate in horticulture accepted with experience in professional estate gardening or bachelor’s degree
Pesticide Applicator’s License preferred.

Responsibilities

Work independently to perform horticulture duties associated with installation, maintenance and care of permanent and seasonal plantings, including perennial and shrub borders, tree care, natural areas, lawns and pathways. This includes planting, weeding, watering, mulching, deadheading, pruning and staking.
Support stewardship team in water garden maintenance by conducting a weekly backwash of the system, monitoring water levels and filling pond if necessary.
Positively motivate and oversee our Thursday volunteer group in the gardens.
Maintains garden infrastructure including irrigation system, pathways, playground structure and general garden trash clean up.
Interacts with the public in a positive, cheerful manner.
Works as part of a team to collaborate with engagement staff and stewardship staff.
Abides by the policies and best practices to guide great garden design and exceptional horticultural standards in balance with their natural surroundings and historic integrity.
Checks in frequently with Southeast Gardens Senior Horticulturist and communicates efficiently and effectively via all Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook 365, Teams), garden design drawings, phone calls, text messages, and in-person meetings.

Benefits

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.

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