Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy

Title: Gardener

Type of Position: Full-time, 9-month-seasonal (mid-March to mid-December), non-exempt

Reports to: Ecology and Horticulture Supervisor

Department: Horticulture

Salary: $22.75 hourly 

The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy, the non-profit responsible for the management and care of The Rose Kennedy Greenway, seeks a 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 Gardener will use best ecological and organic practices to assist with maintaining the gardens and landscapes on The Greenway.  The primary responsibility of the Gardener is to help maintain the gardens and landscape in the park. The position reports to the Ecology and Horticulture Supervisor; supports the Horticulturists and Horticulture Project Manager and Designer; and helps to realize the Director of Horticulture’s vision for gardens and landscape on The Greenway.   This position contributes to the success of events and engagements in the park; and provides content for Outreach and Marketing. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• General horticultural maintenance, such as: planting, pruning, weeding, watering, mulching, irrigation repairs, etc.
• Contribute to weekly and seasonal planning. 
• Provide support to weekly and corporate volunteers. 
• Follow safety policies and promote an overall culture of well-being and good health.
• Help to keep tools and equipment organized and in good working order.
• Maintain clean and organized work spaces and vehicles.
• Help to maintain the nursery area and plants.
• 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 Preferred Qualifications

• Previous work experience in garden or landscape maintenance. 
• Horticulture or related education, training or certification is preferred.
• Basic plant knowledge is preferred.
• Horticulture accreditations or certifications are preferred; development opportunities are available.
• Ability to work productively independently, and as part of a team.
• Effective communication skills.
• Experience working with volunteers is preferred.
• Interest 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 preferred; 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. Communications outside of regular shifts can be expected.
• Must be able to work outside in all types of weather; rain and winter outfitting is provided.
• 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.
• We strongly encourage all incoming employees to be COVID-19 vaccinated.
• The accepted candidate will be required to have a successful completion of a CORI background check.

Compensation and Benefits

• The starting hourly compensation for this position is $22.75 per hour; 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). 
  • 12 paid vacation days, 8 paid holidays, and 5 paid sick days between March and December. 
  • Simple IRA with 3% 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.
  • Free/discounted admission to many cultural organizations in New England.

Application process

• Please email the following to careers@RoseKennedyGreenway.org with “Gardener” in the subject line
  • one-page cover letter
  • one-page resume
  • 3 professional references
• No phone calls, please.
• The Greenway Conservancy invites and encourages minority group members, veterans, disabled individuals, women, and people of all gender identities to apply.

About The Greenway and the Conservancy

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 majority of the public park’s annual budget is generously provided by private sources. 

To learn more about The Greenway and the Conservancy, please visit our website and blog and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

The 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.