Job Description

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, .

Posting Information:

Salary/Hourly Rate: $21-$23/hour

Hours per week: 8-16

Job Classification: Limited Term, non-exempt 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: April - October 

Location: Castle Hill, Ipswich, MA

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

Our seasonal staff plays an integral role in ensuring that our visitors enjoy our extraordinary places. With the change to warmer temperatures, we experience an influx of visitors of all ages and backgrounds who want to explore and be inspired by our properties. Sandy beaches, wooded trails, cultural gardens, historic homes, community supported agriculture—there are many ways for visitors to discover and explore The Trustees, and just as many opportunities for seasonal employees to make each visitor’s experience special.

Castle Hill is one of the nation’s best surviving Country Place Era estates, the summer home of Richard T. Crane Jr. and his family, constructed between 1909 and 1927. The property’s complex blending of buildings, formal landscaping, recreational and entertainment spaces, farm and greenhouse is the work of seven nationally-known architects, landscape architects and gardeners and is surrounded by magnificent natural scenery. Mrs. Crane bequeathed her estate to The Trustees in 1949. Today, Castle Hill is one of 11 Trustees Public Gardens. In 2019, the organization undertook the stabilization and rejuvenation of the Rose Garden. Constructed in 1913-14, this iconic ruin was enhanced with new pergola and revitalized fountain set amidst the stabilized ruins of the former garden. Seasonal plantings now enliven and invigorate this favored romantic spot.

The Role :

As a Seasonal Fine Gardener, you will work under the supervision of the Castle Hill Horticulturist. You will conduct various landscape and garden maintenance tasks in the gardens at Castle Hill. You will work side by side with the Horticulturist, as well as with volunteers and other site staff. 

This position is a part-time, seasonal, non-exempt opportunity suited to a skilled professional gardener with an energetic, positive personality and strong work ethic. The position is expected to begin immediately and end on or about 11/1/ 2025. The position hours are 8-16 hours per week. The Fine Gardener will be based at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich, MA 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. He or she will be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Specifically, you’ll:

• The Fine Gardener will employ their hands-on skills and technical expertise in routine garden maintenance including planting, weeding, deadheading, staking, mulching, raking, edging, watering and general pruning.

• Assist with greenhouse tasks

• Assist with supplemental watering

• Ensure that all equipment is clean and stored neatly at the end of day

• Engage with the public in an open and positive manner 

This is a limited-term, non-exempt position working 8-16 hours/week reporting directly to the Horticulturist. 

Requirements

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• Two-year associate degree or above in horticulture or a closely related field of study required.

• One – three years of hands-on experience as a professional fine gardener. Experience in the public garden field a plus.

• Experience working with volunteer groups a plus. 

• 1- 3 years’ experience in estate or fine gardening preferred

• Knowledgeable in the care and maintenance of annuals and perennials using sustainable techniques including integrated pest management (IPM) methods.

• Experienced in pruning trees and shrubs

• 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 lift 40 pounds 

• Able to handle physical work such as routinely climbing ladders 

• Able to work outside in all variable weather conditions

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 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 [email protected] !

Benefits

Your 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.  

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 [email protected] .

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