Temporary Gardener

Paycom - ATS; Boylston (MA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston, MA is seeking a Temporary Gardener to maintain outdoor spaces and conservatories under horticultural staff direction. This full-time temporary role supports special exhibitions and events while ensuring visitors’ safety and enjoyment.

The position is temporary (up to six months), paid hourly, with standard benefits and adherence to the employee handbook, including IDEA training and safety policies.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license required.
• Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check.
• Interest in horticulture, landscaping or related fields preferred.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to interact with the public.

Responsibilities

• Work under the direction of horticulture staff to maintain garden areas to high standards.
• Support maintenance of garden infrastructure and equipment.
• Be welcoming to all staff and the public and respectful of staff differences and pronouns.
• Attend IDEA workshops and training sessions.
• Follow NEBG safety policy and workplace guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned for gardens and programming.

Skills

Valid driver's license

Background check clearance

Horticulture interest

Communication skills

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill - Boylston, MA, Position Type: Seasonal, Salary Range: $18.50 - $18.50Hourly, Position Overview

The Temporary Gardener is a temporary, hands-on gardening position focused on maintaining New England Botanic Garden’s outdoor garden spaces and conservatories. Under the direction of permanent horticultural staff, this role involves caring for a diverse collection of garden areas using horticultural best practices and supporting special exhibitions and events, while ensuring the safety and enjoyment of visitors.

This is a temporary position, as described in the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill Employee Handbook. Temporary employees are hired for a limited duration (typically not longer than a six-month period) to supplement the work force or to assist in completion of a specific project. Temporary employees are on WCHS’ payroll and receive legally mandated benefits (such as Social Security, workers’ compensation insurance and paid sick time).

Responsibilities

• Work under the direction of the Director of Horticulture, Formal Gardens Manager, and other full-time horticulture staff to maintain garden areas to high standards.
• Support the maintenance of garden infrastructure and equipment.
• Be welcoming to all staff and the public and respectful of staff differences and preferences.
• Use gender-neutral communication styles and respect everyone’s pronouns.
• Attend Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) workshops and training sessions.
• Work with an awareness of surroundings in accordance with NEBG safety policy.
• Comply with the provisions of the current Employee Handbook, all published personnel policies, and the requirements of the job description.
• Perform other duties as assigned for the success of the gardens and programming.

Schedule

The Temporary Gardener position is full-time temporary and non-exempt. The standard work schedule for this position is five days per week, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 am – 3:30 pm with an unpaid 30-minute lunch. The schedule may be flexible to accommodate the organization's needs and may involve agreed upon weekend or evening hours.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly.
• Must be able to work indoors in conservatory conditions and outdoors in all seasonal extremes.
• Must be able to bend, squat, kneel, stand, and walk for extended periods of time and to navigate uneven grounds and stairs evenly.
• Poison ivy, ticks, mosquitoes, bees, and other stinging insects will be encountered on the property. Training and personal protective equipment will be provided.
• Must be able to comfortably and safely work at heights on ladders with training.
• Must be able to work with appropriate tools and machinery.
• Must be able to work with standard communications equipment and office technology and software.

Note: Duties described above, other duties and physical demands have been identified as essential functions as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license.
• Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check.
• Knowledge of or interest in horticulture, landscaping or related fields preferred.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to interact with the public.