Horticulturist I

Department: Horticulture

Reports to: Stanley P. Kozak Director of Horticulture

Classification: Full-time, hourly/non-exempt, benefits-eligible

Locations: Hingham, MA and Boston, MA

Schedule: Full-time and must include one weekend day and some holidays

Pay Rate: $21.50 - $24.00 per hour

This is an onsite position, with a primary base of operations at our greenhouses in Hingham, MA. Some work will also be required at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, MA.

Local candidates strongly preferred. No agencies, please.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Core Values

Isabella Stewart Gardner so deeply believed that art had the power to change lives that she built a beautiful, personal, and immersive Museum “for the education and enjoyment of the public forever.” Today the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (ISGM) is a living embodiment of her bold vision; it’s a dynamic place where ideas and creativity in all its forms inspire visitors. We strive to tell new stories and challenge assumptions through exhibitions, music, programs, and performances and by engaging the perspectives and collaboration of our communities.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum seeks to connect past with present, develop and sustain mutually beneficial partnerships with local communities and artists, broaden our audiences, and generate opportunities for creativity. We are firmly committed to a welcoming work culture and visitor experience. Our five-year strategic plan outlines the Museum’s core values, goals, and initiatives that serve as a renewal of Isabella’s promise to serve the public and be a resource for the city.

Summary of Position

We are seeking a passionate, detail-oriented horticulturist to join our team. Our horticulture team grows a wide range of plant material from tropicals and orchids to perennials and biennials for seasonal installations at the center of the Gardner Museum’s historic palace. This is a rare opportunity to grow and maintain year-round plant installations and to contribute to all stages of our work from propagation to managing mature specimens. You’ll have the opportunity to hone key skills in pruning, potting, fertilization, and watering, all tasks which are essential to the health of our plant collection. Over time, there are opportunities to build off of these fundamental skills and layer in more advanced responsibilities.

Horticulturists are responsible for greenhouse, nursery and courtyard activities as directed by the Director of Horticulture. Primary work location will be the greenhouses in Hingham, MA with some travel to Boston for onsite work at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

Essential Functions and Primary Responsibilities

• General maintenance of the Museum's living collection including pruning, watering and fertilizing.
• Transporting plants between the Museum Courtyard and Hingham greenhouses.
• Museum Courtyard maintenance to include pruning, watering, fertilizing, and removing plants.
• Upkeep and maintenance of the greenhouses and greenhouse work areas.
• Application of OMRI-listed pesticides and fungicides, in addition to releases of beneficial insects.
• Recording greenhouse activities and IPM records.
• May be called upon to assist with educational groups and/or tours.
• General research on horticultural techniques.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required

• 2+ years’ experience in horticulture in greenhouses, farms, and/or gardens.
• Curiosity, willingness to ask questions and eagerness to learn.
• Ability to communicate clearly with colleagues to share observations.
• Ability to work independently within a small team and take initiative towards shared priorities.
• Ability to use judgment in interpreting and following written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds or to assist another person in moving plants and supplies up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to handle physical requirements that include moving hoses, standing for long periods, bending, reaching, climbing ladders, and working in hot conditions.
• Commitment to advancing the ISGM’s strategic initiatives.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Satisfactory background check.

Desirable

• Museum and/or non-profit experience.
• Familiarity with greenhouse operations and use of organic pesticides.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record; comfortable driving a box truck.

Competencies

• Problem Solving
• Managing Interpersonal Conflicts and Interactions
• Integrity and Respect
• Ability to Follow Protocols

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Museum is committed to affording equal opportunity to qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age (40 or older), disability, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, ancestry, or status as a veteran. Consistent with our core values and our founder's legacy, the Museum is dedicated to building a work community that fosters collaboration, excellence, belonging, and a diversity of perspectives and experience.

Request an Accommodation

Applicants with disabilities who are unable to fully access ISGM's online application system may contact us at hr@isgm.org for assistance with a reasonable accommodation.

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