Horticultural Steward

Who We Are: 

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is Massachusetts’ 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, www.thetrustees.org. 

Posting Information: 

Salary/Hourly Rate: 22.00-26.00 per hour 

Hours per week: 40 hours per week 

Job Classification: Full-time 

Job Type: Onsite, Naumkeag, Stockbridge, MA 

What You’ll Do: 

The Role: 

The Horticulture Steward is a member of the team responsible for the year-round upkeep and maintenance of Naumkeag , while part of the broader Western Hills and Southern Berkshires Team. The Horticulture Steward is responsible for identifying and executing property specific horticulture and stewardship needs as directed by Horticulturist and Property Specialist. The Horticulture Steward provides leadership to seasonal staff and volunteers as needed. This position is primarily field-based with minimal administrative tasks. While this role will be primarily focused on the maintenance and care of the gardens at Naumkeag, it also requires participation inthe set up and break down of the properties three signature events, The Incredible Naumkeag Pumpkin Show, Winterlights, and The Daffodil and Tulip Festival.   This role reports to the Horticulturist, and works in collaboration with the Facilities Specialist, and the Property Manager, all under the supervision of the Regional Vice President.   

Specifically, you’ll: 

• Perform horticultural tasks and property maintenance including but not limited to greenhouse cultivation,  installation and maintenance of permanent and seasonal plantings, weeding, staking, deadheading, mulching, pest scouting and management.  Prunes hedges and shrub borders under Horticulturist supervision.  Lawn mowing, string trimming, trash pickup, raking, tree care are also included. 

• Operate and maintain vehicles, machinery, tools and equipment to the highest standards.  

• Provide cheerful and positive oversight to volunteers, interns, and seasonal employees under the supervision of the horticulturist and facilities specialist.  

• Participate in weekly meetings to cooperatively plan work with other members of the Western Hills and Berkshires team.  

• Support goals of Annual Stewardship Plan including routine property maintenance and targeted completion of deferred maintenance and horticulture projects in pursuit of Key Performance Indicator goals.  

• Support the long-range strategy for the public gardens including meeting statewide standards and guidelines for  public gardens, horticulture and living collections management.  

• As a primary public-facing presence on these properties, ensure positive visitor experience and safety.  

• Maintain positive and productive relationships with our neighbors, visitors, and Trustees staff from other divisions and regions.  

• Work with the Horticulturist and Engagement Manager to identify meaningful volunteer and internship opportunities.  

• Work with the Western Hills and Berkshires team to install, operate and take down seasonal events such as The Incredible Naumkeag Pumpkin Show, Winterlights and The Daffodil and Tulip Festival. 

• Bouquet making for events and interior of the house as needed. 

• Bring creative ideas, solutions and genuine excitement to your work and team 

• Assist with projects on other Trustees properties as required and perform additional duties as assigned by the Horticulturist.  

• Other duties as assigned. 

This is a full-time non-exempt position, working 40 hours per week reporting directly to Stephen Zelno, Horticulturist.  

What You’ll Need: 

Skills and Experience: 

• 1-3 years of professional experience in property maintenance, public horticulture, fine gardening, native plant horticulture 

• Experience in landscape management, facilities management, or other experience that is relevant to this position is a plus.  

• Associate degree in Horticulture, Park Management, Forestry, ecology, or another natural resource field, preferred but not required. 

• Experience in landscape and garden maintenance with an eye for quality outcomes and attention to detail.  

• Knowledge or experience in the following areas: horticultural science, plant physiology and pathology, integrated pest management, native plant  horticulture, plant nomenclature,  arboriculture, ornamental pruning, herbaceous ornamental plants, plant propagation and greenhouse management, care of tools and equipment and other technical horticultural skills.  

• Experience using hand and power tools including hand pruners and saws, string trimmers, brush saws, chainsaws, blowers , ladders and more. The ability to repair and maintain equipment.  

• Basic carpentry and painting skiIls a plus, experience in formal landscape management and horticulture, trails maintenance, and related experience preferred. Experience managing cultural/historic landscapes and maintaining structures and building systems also a plus.  

• The ability to work independently and unsupervised as well as work cooperatively and demonstrate leadership in groups. Ability to work with a diverse group of people, have excellent interpersonal skills, and be comfortable and competent speaking to the public.  

• Ability to complete assigned tasks and projects, meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks.  

• Basic computer skills and ability to keep good records, familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.  

• A positive attitude, willingness to be flexible, and a commitment to achieving the goals of The Trustees. Strong commitment to the mission of The Trustees.  

• This position performs tasks across a broad range of disciplines, so a willingness to learn new skills and flexibility to meet the day-to-day demands of the job is a must. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• 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).  

• Massachusetts Hoisting License - 2A (preferred) or willingness and ability to obtain  

• Massachusetts Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (preferred) or willingness and ability to obtain  

• OSHA 10 Hour General Industry (preferred) or willingness to obtain 

• Wilderness First Aid (preferred) or willingness to obtain   

Your Benefits: 

• Sick time: 80 hours   

• Vacation time: 15 days per year  

• Early release time: 36 hours per year  

• Floating holidays/personal days: 15 Floating Holidays (13 observed holidays; 2 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- and Long-Term Disability Insurance  

• Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave  

• Life Insurance  

• 401k with 5% match after 1 year of employment 

• 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.  

• Day of Wonder: Spend one workday per year to exploring a Trustees property  

• Day of Service: Spend one workday per year to helping with a project at a Trustees property  

Equal Opportunity and Diversity:

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preferences, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.

The Trustees’ commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here: Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at people@thetrustees.org.