Estate Gardener

This family estate includes over 20 acres of woodland and formal gardens surrounding a historic estate located on a picturesque hilltop in Concord, MA. This is a special spot, a favorite haunt of Mr. Henry David Thoreau himself, and a unique opportunity for the ecologically minded gardener. Our goal is to become an inspirational model for sustainable, productive landscapes on the home scale. More personally, we would like to provide a beautiful, educational environment for our friends, visitors, and family, especially our young children and their peers.

We are looking for a gardener to help with the upkeep of our family property. The gardener will work under the direction of the Land Steward primarily to maintain the ornamental gardens. However, they may also be asked to help with the vegetable and fruit gardens, preserve the harvest, and other property upkeep tasks.

Daily tasks include a wide variety of outdoor upkeep, including pruning, weeding, mowing, mulching, harvesting vegetables and fruit, invasive species management, pest and disease management, irrigation repairs, and maintaining the tennis court. Though this job's focus will be on the ornamental gardens, there are many other projects and household tasks. Applicants should be flexible and willing to pitch in on all kinds of work.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop skills across a wide range of horticultural and property management projects. We encourage professional development and continue learning through this role.

General duties will include but are not limited to:

• Maintain ornamental gardens (weeding, mulching, staking, pruning, deadheading, etc)
• Maintain greenhouse and indoor plants
• Assist with edible gardens (planting, weeding, harvesting, composting beds, etc)
• Assist with preserving food
• Assist with invasive species management
• Help with various projects and installations (new gardens, brush and trail clearing, filling gravel road, etc)

Basic Qualifications:

• 1 growing seasons experience
• Work outdoors in all weather
• Pass a background check to work with children
• Able to lift 50 lbs. regularly without injury
• Arrive on time every day and maintain a regular schedule
• Live within daily commuting distance of Concord, MA

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ornamental and edible pruning knowledge and experience
• Cut flower harvest and arrangement
• Handy skills (carpentry, plumbing, electrical, machinery maintenance and repair, etc)

The ideal candidate will have a keen interest in organic and regenerative gardening techniques, maintain a positive professional attitude, and enjoy working with the family, including small children.

This is a full-time seasonal position. 40 hrs/week April through November. Typical schedule is 7:00am-3:30pm, Monday-Friday

Compensation:

• $18.00 to $24.00 dollars per hour dependent on experience.
• Health stipend $95/ month
• 5 days of Paid Time Off, plus three paid holidays (Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day).
• Some fresh fruit and vegetables from the property
• Professional development stipend ($250.00 per year)
• Worker's Compensation coverage.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Why are you interested in this job?

Experience:

• Gardening: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: One location