Outdoor Gardener – Formal Gardens

Job Description

The Outdoor Gardener for the Formal Gardens works under the supervision of a Horticulturist !!. The position is year-round, full-time, non-exempt and benefits eligible. The standard work schedule for this position is five days per week, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 am – 3:30 pm with an unpaid 30-minute lunch. The hourly pay range is $19.00-$20.38.

The schedule may be flexible to accommodate the organization’s needs. Occasional shifts in schedule will occur for the following events:

Evening hours around the Night Lights event in November, December and beginning of January. Three nights minimum are expected for this event.

As part of the essential staff, there is the expectation of snow removal assistance as part of a larger team effort. The Outdoor Gardener will be expected to report to assist with snow removal efforts on a rotational scheduled weekend coverage roster.

About Us

New England Botanic Garden was created more than 30 years ago on the site of a former family dairy farm in rural Boylston Massachusetts. We are nearly 200 acres of conservatories, formal and naturalistic gardens, a Garden Shop, café, and views of the Wachusett Reservoir. We are open year-round, and are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. We care for an irreplaceable collection of plants and place sustainability and environmental stewardship at the forefront of our work. Please visit our website https://nebg.org/.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Work within the formal garden team under the supervision of the Outdoor Horticulturist II, with guidance from the Formal Gardens Manager, to maintain assigned garden areas to the Director of Horticulture’s established standards of excellence, with an emphasis on sustainability and aesthetics. This position works primarily outside maintaining the Lawn Garden, Secret Garden, and Entry Garden.
• Perform a wide range horticultural tasks including weeding, planting, mulching, pruning, deadheading, fertilizing, watering, pest and disease management and daily upkeep such as blowing off paths and sweeping.
• Safely operate and maintain power tools, vehicles, and other landscape equipment after receiving training.
• Supervise individual volunteers, groups, and interns to carry out regular garden maintenance.
• Support the aesthetic vision for assigned garden areas by assisting with planning, planting, and maintaining seasonal displays and garden improvements.
• Support the Horticulture Department with exhibitions and special events including year-long commitments to winter lights event.
• Support snow removal operations, including safe operation of snow throwers, salt spreaders, and related equipment after training. Performing other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• 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.

Education and Experience

• A degree in horticulture, plant science, or closely related field or equivalent relevant experience is preferred.
• Comfortable working independently, and able to use appropriate judgement when working alone.
• Must have or be able to obtain a Massachusetts pesticide applicator (core) license within a year of being hired.
• Must be able to effectively use standard office technology including telephones, radios, computers, printers, copiers, and Microsoft Office software including Outlook, Word, and Teams.
• Must be able to safely work with appropriate hand and power tools. (Handheld blowers. string trimmers, snowblowers, utility carts).
• Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check.
• Valid driver’s license.

Additional Information

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly and work outdoors in all seasonal extremes (Rain, snow, heat, cold).
• Effective communication skills and willingness to interact with the public.
• Must be able to bend, squat, kneel, stand, and walk for extended periods of time and to navigate uneven grounds and stairs evenly.
• Poison ivy, ticks, mosquitoes, bees, and other stinging insects will be encountered on the property. Training and personal protective equipment will be provided.
• Must be able to comfortably and safely work at heights on ladders with training.

Note: Duties described above, other duties and physical demands have been identified as essential functions as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Application Instructions

Please submit a cover letter and resume at https://bit.ly/nebg-jobs.