Ellen B. Cleveland Horticultural Fellowship

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library; Zürich; On-site; CHF 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan (403b)

Store and cafe discounts

Free museum admission for you and your

Job summary

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library invites applicants to join the Ellen B. Cleveland Horticultural Fellowship to learn and experience all aspects of caring for a historic public garden and landscape.

The fellow works closely with horticulture staff and independently to preserve the garden’s design intent while gaining skills in budgeting, programming, and research. This is a one-year temporary position with potential extension, starting January 5, 2027, offering a competitive $19.00/hour and a

Qualifications

• Enrolled student or recent graduate of an accredited college or university with six semesters of completed coursework in horticulture or a related field.
• Graduate of an accredited college or university in horticulture or a related field with one year of practical, hands-on experience in horticulture, with some time devoted to the maintenance of gardens, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Garden & Estate Maintenance: Assist with all tasks necessary for overall good appearance of an outdoor area and the good health of woody and herbaceous plants therein, including activities such as planting, pruning, watering, mulching, weeding, raking, and mowing.

Skills

Tool safety

Oral and written directions

Gardening techniques

Communication

IPM knowledge

Job description

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library encompasses an unrivaled museum of American decorative arts in its mansion and galleries and a magnificent 60‑acre naturalistic garden—all set on 1,000 gorgeous acres.

Winterthur employs a wide array of positions in the areas of curatorial, horticulture, education, conservation, library, maintenance, marketing, development, technology, and administration.

Winterthur offers a unique and rewarding experience that is rich in culture and natural beauty. Winterthur considers its employees and volunteers to be among its greatest assets and welcomes applications from candidates who will contribute their specific skills to its mission “to inspire, enlighten, and delight all of its visitors while preserving and enhancing [Winterthur]” and also uphold its core values of agility, excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusion, and transparency.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Ellen B. Cleveland Horticultural Fellowship (“Fellowship”) is an opportunity for an emerging leader in horticulture to work at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (“Winterthur”) to learn and experience all aspects of caring for a public historic garden and landscape. The fellow will work one‑on‑one under the direction of horticulture staff as well as independently to preserve and maintain the historic design intent of the Winterthur Garden and Estate. They will learn safety and horticultural techniques, e.g., fertilizing, planting, pruning, snow removal, leaf removal, mowing, spraying pesticides, mulching, and weed‑eating. They will also learn the cultural requirements and botanical nomenclature of plants and about the design principles and history of the Winterthur Garden. In addition, they will be introduced to other aspects of the management of a public garden, such as budgeting, fundraising, programming, etc.

This Fellowship is an outstanding learning and growth opportunity for a recent graduate considering a career in public gardens. The fellow will also be expected to complete curatorial work on a particular plant grouping or a research project on a relevant topic, e.g., pest/disease control, Beech Leaf Disease, etc.

This is a temporary position with a one year term, with the opportunity to apply for an extension for a second year. Preferred start date is January 5, 2027.

Compensation: $19.00/hour

Benefits: Including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous paid time off plan including 10 holidays, vacation, personal, and sick time; 403b with employer match for eligible employees; discounts in the museum store and cafe; free general admission for you and your immediate family

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 2:30 pm (35 hours/week plus optional 5 extra hours)

Responsibilities

1. Garden & Estate Maintenance: Assist with all tasks necessary for overall good appearance of an outdoor area and the good health of woody and herbaceous plants therein, including activities such as planting, pruning, watering, mulching, weeding, raking, and mowing.
2. Site Maintenance: Aid in performing work required on paths, structures, signs, walls, benches, and vehicles, safely utilizing established procedures.
3. Aesthetic & Environment Stewardship: Acquire an understanding of the history and design intent of the Winterthur Garden and Estate. Develop an awareness of the principles of conservation, environmental management, and land stewardship and how they shape Winterthur’s philosophy towards horticultural practices.
4. Garden Programming: Take opportunities to assist with weekly garden lecture series, special garden events, and other programs as appropriate.
5. Continuing Education: Participate in a variety of training courses including operation of large equipment, plant identification classes, and field trips to gain a comprehensive understanding of the wider field of public horticulture.

Minimum Experience

Enrolled student or recent graduate of an accredited college or university with six semesters of completed coursework in horticulture or a related field

Preferred Experience

Graduate of an accredited college or university in horticulture or a related field with one year of practical, hands‑on experience in horticulture, with some time devoted to the maintenance of gardens, preferred.

Knowledge/Skills

1. Ability to operate horticultural hand-tools and power equipment safely.
2. Ability to execute oral and written directions.
3. Basic knowledge of gardening techniques and terminology.
4. Ability to express ideas clearly, orally and in writing.
5. Basic knowledge of I.P.M and plant taxonomy and anatomy.

Essential Functions

1. Exposure to pesticides, safe operation of hand-tools and motorized garden equipment.
2. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
3. Exposure to insect bites and poison ivy.
4. May be asked to work in inclement weather or emergency situations.
5. Have adequate hearing and sight in order to be aware of nearby guests and staff when the employee is using or is around equipment such as mowers, weed‑eaters, blowers and sprayers.
6. Ability to push mowers, blowers and walk over rough terrain.
7. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license in order to operate Winterthur vehicles

Thank you for considering Winterthur Museum job opportunities.