Seasonal Fine Gardener

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the nation’s 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: $21 

Hours per week: 24

Job Classification: Nonexempt, Limited Term 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: April – November 

Location: Bradley Estate, Canton, MA 

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

The gardens at the Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate in Canton, are nested among 90 acres of bucolic fields and woodlands interlaced with trails. The gardens are the masterwork of Charles Platt who designed the house and grounds in 1902 to include a formal walled garden and terraces with sweeping views of the Boston hills, surrounded by broad lawns, meadows and gentleman’s farm. In 1945, the estate passed from Dr. Arthur Tracey Cabot to his niece, Eleanor Cabot Bradley, who continued the garden tradition by enhancing the property further with ponds, a camellia house, greenhouses, and a wide variety of specimen ornamental trees. Today the main house is used for event and wedding rentals, and the walled garden and terraces beckon as a colorful extension of the house architecture  The camellia house, woodland and kitchen gardens deepen its horticultural interest.            

The Role:

As a Seasonal Fine Gardener, you are a skilled gardener with an energetic, positive personality and strong work ethic. The position is expected to begin in April and end in early November. You will be based at the Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate in Canton, MA and report to the Senior Horticulturist. You should have a high level of horticultural skills, a passion for plants, attention to detail, and a positive, collaborative nature. You will be able to work independently and as part of a team and will be experienced in leading volunteers.   

Specifically, you’ll:

• Work independently to perform all duties associated with installation, maintenance and care of permanent and seasonal plantings, including perennial and shrub borders, tree care, and pathways. This includes planting, weeding, watering, mulching, deadheading, pruning and staking. 

• Positively motivate Wednesday volunteer group in the maintenance, installation and care of plant collections with careful attention to planting plans, record keeping, and proper plant identification. 

• Manage and maintain garden infrastructure including irrigation system, pathways, water features, pond, and general garden trash clean up. 

• Interact with the public in a positive, cheerful manner. 

• Collaborate with engagement staff, stewardship staff, and consultants on the execution of garden and landscape construction, installation and care of new plantings, provide inspiration and technical advice for programs, and occasionally leads garden tours. 

• Abide by the policies and best practices to guide great garden design and exceptional horticultural standards in balance with their natural surroundings and historic integrity. 

• Check in frequently with Southeast Gardens Senior Horticulturist and communicate efficiently and effectively via all Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook 365, Teams), garden design drawings, phone calls, text messages, and in-person meetings.   

This is a limited term, nonexempt position, 22 hours/week, reporting directly to the Southeast Gardens Senior Horticulturist.  

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• Required:
• A bachelor's degree or two-year associate degree in horticulture, botany or related field. 
• Three or more years of hands-on experience and an employment history that shows increasing responsibilities in the public garden field.  
• 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 constituencies.   
• 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. 
• Preferred:
• Certificate in horticulture accepted with five or more years of proven experience in professional estate gardening.   
• Pesticide Applicator’s License preferred. 

Eligibility Criteria:

• 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. [if needed] 

• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check. 

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.

Questions? Contact our People team at people@thetrustees.org!

Your Benefits:

• Sick time: Mass Sick Leave
• 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. 

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.