Horticulturalist I

Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association; Salem (MA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Peabody Essex Museum seeks a Horticulturalist I to support the care of its landscapes and 18 gardens across the PEM campus, an accredited Level II arboretum with historic and diverse plantings.

In this role you will work under the Manager of Horticulture and Grounds, performing seasonal tasks and assisting volunteers while applying knowledge of plant care and gardening techniques.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; horticultural education or certifications preferred.
• At least three years of hands-on experience in horticulture or related field.
• Knowledge of plant care and gardening techniques; greenhouse experience desirable.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a variety of horticultural tasks across seasons under supervision.
• Support maintenance of PEM landscapes, gardens, and green spaces.
• Work independently and with team members and volunteers to care for plantings.
• Assist with seasonal planting, pruning, weeding, and greenhouse work as assigned.

Skills

Hands-on horticulture experience

Plant care knowledge

Greenhouse practices

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Horticultural education or certifications preferred

Job description

In this role, you will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of horticultural activities, working both independently and alongside team members and volunteers under the supervision of the Manager of Horticulture and Grounds. Your daily responsibilities will vary by season, including tasks such as planting and preparation in the spring, weeding and deadheading in the summer, cutbacks and pruning in the fall, and greenhouse work in the winter. A high school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience is required, with horticultural education or certifications highly preferred. Candidates should have at least three years of hands‑on experience in horticulture, fine gardening, arboriculture, or a closely related field, along with proven knowledge of plant care and gardening techniques. Prior greenhouse cultivation experience is highly desirable but not required.

Description

As the Horticulturalist I, you will support the ongoing care, upkeep, and preservation of the Peabody Essex Museum's landscapes and gardens. The PEM campus is an accredited Level II arboretum, showcasing a diverse collection of trees and plants. There are a total of 18 gardens you will contribute to the maintenance of. The museum’s gardens and green spaces reflect horticultural efforts from the 17th century to today, so each landscape has its own style and maintenance requirements.

Salary & Benefits

This is a benefits-eligible hourly position with a 40-hour workweek - a typical day will be from 7:30am to 4:00pm. The hiring range for this role is $21.10 to $22.75 commensurate with experience.

Why Membership Matters

MNLA members grow, sell, install, maintain and preserve the living landscape. They’re skilled professionals knowledgeable about the living landscape in Massachusetts who can help answer your questions and provide the products and services you’re looking for.

A Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist (MCH) is the ultimate resource for growing in Massachusetts. They’ve invested the time to learn and qualify as experts in the field and include nursery professionals, landscape contractors, fine gardeners, designers, land managers, tree care professionals, and turf pros.

Plant Something MA is a project of MNLA which includes professional environmental horticulturists—people who grow, care for, design and install plantings and landscapes in your community.

Growing Wild helps reverse the loss of biological diversity, foster and protect endangered species and add to the natural beauty of our Commonwealth—right in your own backyard.

MNLA provides access to green industry speakers on thecutting-edge and up-to-date information. Our dynamic community is made up of folks from all walks of life. Colleagues share advice and insights. Passion for the betterment of our community drives member participation in MNLA. Individual contribution is valued. Get involved! Join a committee or volunteer at an event. Make our industry—and your business—and better!