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: $20-$22 

Hours per week: 20-30 

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/ 2024. The position hours are 24 – 30 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 20-30 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 ca