Horticulturist II -Formal Gardens

Job Description

The Horticulturist II is an outdoor hands-on supervisory position tasked with the care and maintenance of New England Botanic Garden’s formal garden spaces. The Horticulturist II works collaboratively across departments to execute exhibitions and programs in the formal gardens while maintaining excellent horticultural standards and ensuring safe and enjoyable experiences for visitors.
The Horticulturist II position is 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. Occasional shifts in schedule will occur for the following events: o Evening hours around the Night Lights event in November, December and beginning of January. Three nights minimum are expected for this event. o As part of the essential staff, there is the expectation of snow removal assistance as part of a larger team effort. The Horticulturist II will be expected to report to assist with snow removal efforts on a rotational scheduled weekend coverage roster.

About Us

Founded in 1842, the Worcester County Horticultural Society owns and operates the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, a 200-acre botanic garden outside of Worcester, MA. The Garden features a four-season display of the finest plants for cultivation in New England. Carefully planned gardens and collections of ornamental, edible, and native plants, outdoors, tropical and citrus in the conservatories, plus trails that enhance the natural features of this beautiful property and a robust program and event schedule make the New England Botanic Garden a must-see destination.

Duties & Responsibilities

Work within the Formal Gardens team, under the direction of the Formal Gardens Manager, to maintain assigned garden areas to high standards established by the Director of Horticulture with an emphasis on sustainability and aesthetics. • The position leads maintenance of the following spaces: Entry Garden, Lawn Garden, Secret Garden. • Supervise one full-time year-round Gardener, temporary gardeners, seasonal interns, and volunteers. • Participate in hiring and performance reviews for direct reports. • Design and install seasonal plantings and light displays in assigned garden areas directed by the Formal Gardens Manager. • Perform and directs others to complete horticultural tasks including but not limited to weeding, planting, mulching, pruning, deadheading, fertilizing, watering, pest and disease scouting and control and daily general garden maintenance tasks, such as blowing off paths and sweeping. • Operate and maintains power tools, vehicles, and other landscape equipment. • Lead volunteers to carry out regular garden maintenance. • Support exhibitions and special events as directed. • Support snow removal operations; with training, safely operate snowblowers, salt spreaders, and other snow removal tools and equipment as directed. Weekend and holiday work is required on a rotational on-call basis. • Be welcoming to all staff and the public • Be respectful of staff differences and preferences. Work with an awareness of surroundings in accordance with NEBG safety policies. • Comply with provisions of the current Employee Handbook, all published personnel policies, and the requirements of the job description. • Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

A degree in horticulture, plant science, or closely related field or equivalent relevant experience is preferred. • Experience and comfort with supervising staff and volunteers is required. • Must have or be able to obtain a Massachusetts pesticide applicator (core) license. • Must have or be able to obtain a Massachusetts hoisting license (class 1C/ 2A). • Must be able to effectively use standard office technology including telephones, radios, computers, printers, copiers, and Microsoft Office software including Outlook, Word, and Teams. • Must be able to safely work with appropriate hand and power tools (leaf blowers, string trimmers, snowblowers, utility carts, etc.). • Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check is required. • Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a pickup truck is required. Revised 3.2026

Additional Information

Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly and work outdoors in all seasonal extremes (Rain, snow, heat, cold). • Effective communication skills and willingness to interact with the public. • 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 effectively use standard office technology and software. • Must be able to safely work with appropriate hand and power tools. (Handheld blowers, string trimmers, snowblowers, utility carts). Note: Duties described above, other duties and physical demands have been identified as essential functions as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Application Instructions

Please submit Letter of Interest and Cover Letter through our portal:
https://bit.ly/nebg-jobs

Hourly $25-26.00 per hour