Horticulturist

Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy

Title: Horticulturist

Type of Position: Full-time, year-round, non-exempt
Reports to: Ecology and Horticulture Supervisor

Department: Horticulture

Salary Range: $52,000-$55,000 per year

 

The Greenway Conservancy, the non-profit responsible for the management and care of The Rose Kennedy Greenway, is seeking a highly motivated individual for a full-time position as Horticulturist to join our team. The Conservancy’s team of horticulture professionals care for nearly 17 acres of vibrant green space and extensive gardens including formal gardens, meadows, and native plantings, in the heart of downtown Boston using ecological and organic practices. The Conservancy has been a pioneer in ecological horticulture; among the first in the nation to care for a public park completely organically.

 

The Greenway Conservancy is committed to providing a park environment that is welcoming to racially, culturally, and economically diverse residents and visitors. You can read more about our mission, vision, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion on our website.

 

Responsibilities 

 

The Horticulturist will use best ecological and organic practices to maintain and manage landscape plants on The Greenway.  The Horticulturist reports to the Ecology and Horticulture Supervisor; supports the Horticulture Project Manager and Designer; and helps to realize the vision of the Director of Horticulture.  The primary duties of the Horticulturist are to maintain and manage the gardens and landscape in the park.  This position also contributes to the success of events and engagements in the park; and provides content for Outreach and Marketing to help highlight horticulture and ecology on The Greenway.  

  • Perform general horticultural tasks, such as: planting, pruning, weeding, watering, mulching, etc; maintain irrigation system and make repairs.
  • Make observations and diagnose plant disease, pest and cultural issues in the landscape.
  • Lead, train, and oversee seasonal Horticulture Technicians, Interns and Volunteers.
  • Work with the Volunteer Manager to plan volunteer activities.
  • Develop weekly and seasonal work plans; adapt and enhance when appropriate. 
  • Maintain horticulture tools and equipment in good working order, some repairs as needed.  Training is available.
  • Help to maintain the nursery area and plants for projects.
  • Maintain clean and organized work spaces and vehicles.
  • Follow safety policies and promote an overall culture of well-being and good health.
  • Assist with maintaining plant records and support the Plant Collections Policy.
  • Engage with visitors and support a positive experience on The Greenway.
  • Communicate effectively with others.
  • Collaborate with and support other departments.
  • Additional tasks as requested to help maintain the park and landscape.

Skills and Qualifications

 

  • Horticulture degree or a related field, completion of a certificate program, and relevant experiences are all considered during the review and selection of candidates.
  • A good candidate will have a combination of formal education and three (3) years of practical experience performing general horticulture maintenance; working at a public garden or park is favorable.
  • High level of plant knowledge, including identification and nomenclature, and landscape design is significant and relevant to this position.
  • Knowledge of plant disease and pest problems are valuable skills for this role.
  • Horticulture accreditations are helpful; development opportunities are available. 
  • Experience leading others and managing projects is preferred.
  • Effective communication skills. 
  • Experience working with volunteers is a plus.
  • Commitment to and knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion is valued by The Greenway.
  • Ability to engage and support a wide variety of people.
  • Valid US driver’s license in good standing.
  • Knowledge of computer applications is beneficial; training is available.

 

Logistics

 

  • Full-time, on-site position. Work week is Monday through Friday, 7:30 am – 3:30 pm; with paid 15-minute morning and 45-minute lunch breaks.
  • Must be able to work outside in all types of weather; rain and winter outfitting is provided.
  • Expected to be certified and maintain MA Pesticide Applicator license within one (1) year of hire date.
  • Must be able to safely lift up to 50 lbs.
  • May be stationary and experience changes in position for periods of time.
  • Safely ascending to various heights is part of the work experience.
  • Recording observations are included in daily operations.
  • All incoming employees are required to comply with the Conservancy’s COVID-19 vaccination policy.
  • The accepted candidate will be required to have a successful completion of a CORI background check.

 

Compensation and Benefits

  • Salary range of $52,000- $55,000 depending on experience; scheduled overtime (1.5 x rate/hr) to support work plans is possible on weekends, evenings and holidays.
  • The Greenway Conservancy offers competitive benefits including: 
    • Medical and dental insurance (Conservancy pays 80% of premiums and 100% of the medical deductible).
    • Vision insurance.
    • Short and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance (Conservancy pays 100% of premiums). 
    • 16 paid vacation days, 13.5 paid holidays, 7 paid sick days annually.
    • Simple IRA with 4% employer match after 2 years of employment.
    • Pre-tax commuter benefits.
    • Branded workwear is provided, including short and long sleeve shirts, hats, sweatshirt, winter jacket and rain gear.
    • Professional development specific to the role is available and encouraged.
    • Free/discounted admission to many cultural organizations in New England.
    • Qualified employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

 

Application process

 

  • Please email one-page cover letter, resume and 3 references to: careers@rosekennedygreenway.org with the job title in the subject line. Each file name should begin with the applicant’s last name.
  • No phone calls, please.

 

About The Greenway and the Greenway Conservancy (www.rosekennedygreenway.org) 

 

The Greenway is the contemporary public park in the heart of Boston. The Greenway welcomes millions of visitors annually to gather, play, unwind, and explore. 

 

The Greenway Conservancy is the non-profit responsible for the management and care of The Greenway. The Conservancy has won numerous awards, including for our organic landscape care and park programming. The majority of the public park’s annual budget is generously provided by a range of private sources.

 

The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer,  and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression (including transgender) or any other characteristic protected by law.