Outdoor Garden Keeper & Horticulture Technician

New England Botanic Garden; Boylston (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Outdoor Gardener at New England Botanic Garden is a year‑round, hands‑on role focused on maintaining the Garden's naturalistic outdoor spaces. You will care for diverse plantings, follow horticultural best practices, and support exhibitions and events while ensuring accessibility and visitor safety.

You will work with the Naturalistic Gardens team under the Director of Horticulture, performing seasonal pruning, planting, irrigation support, weed control, and pest scouting.

Qualifications

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly and work outdoors in all seasonal conditions.
• Ability to bend, squat, kneel, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Willingness to work evenings for events and snow removal as needed.
• Experience with horticulture, native plants, or landscape maintenance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prune, fertilize, water, and maintain garden displays and plantings.
• Support irrigation and hardscape maintenance and repairs.
• Assist with seasonal displays, weeding, and pest/disease scouting and control.
• Collaborate with volunteers and staff during events and daily garden care.

Skills

Physical stamina

Team collaboration

Safety procedures

Public communication

Tools

Massachusetts pesticide applicator license

Massachusetts hoisting engineer license

Driver's license

Job description

The Outdoor Gardener at New England Botanic Garden is a year‑round, hands‑on role focused on maintaining the Garden's naturalistic outdoor spaces. You will care for diverse plantings, follow horticultural best practices, and support exhibitions and events while ensuring accessibility and visitor safety.

You will work with the Naturalistic Gardens team under the Director of Horticulture, performing seasonal pruning, planting, irrigation support, weed control, and pest scouting.