Benefits:
401(k)
Dental insurance
Free uniforms
Health insurance
Paid time off
Training & development
DEPARTMENT: Park Operations
REPORTS TO: Director of Park Operations
POSITION STATUS: Full-time, Seasonal, May through October, non-exempt
Position Overview: The Esplanade Association (EA) is seeking an experienced Horticulturist to provide direct support to EA’s in-park year-round Horticulture Program in the Charles River Esplanade state park. The 64 acres that require ongoing care and maintenance welcome 4 million annual visitors and include over a dozen gardens, across 3.3 miles of riverfront with irrigated lawns and athletic fields, a canopy of approximately 1900 trees, three playgrounds, over 260 benches and numerous landmarked architectural features, monuments and more. Working under the general supervision of the Director or Park Operations, this position will collaborate on a team with another horticulturalist, as well as Program staff, volunteer groups, and community partners to perform their duties. Essential to this role is the ability to recognize and adhere to best horticultural practices in a public urban park setting, including but not limited to knowledge of and ability to successfully execute on plant identification, soil health assessments, organic landscape protocols, effective pruning, cultivation techniques, general maintenance of outdoor tools and equipment, and capacity to operate EA vehicles. In addition to these responsibilities, the position requires strong communication and collaboration skills to interact with the general public, staff across EA departments for all-team initiatives, and with staff from EA’s state park partner agency, Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
About the Esplanade Association (www.esplanade.org):
Founded in 2001, the Esplanade Association (EA) is the community-supported non-profit dedicated to expanding the care of and for the historic Charles River Esplanade through projects, plantings and free programs that amplify the park experience. EA’s contributions include funding and implementing the following enhancements, revitalizations and activations: over 100 free educational, recreational and cultural programs offered annually; 190 new trees planted through the Lasting Esplanade Arbor Fund (L.E.A.F.); repair or reconstruction of beloved amenities including Lotta Fountain and the Community Boating docks; both temporary and long-term public art commissions; playground maintenance and accessible design, including the Gronk Playground open in 2025; a new building and two-acre landscape at Charlesbank that will equitably welcome many neighborhoods to a year-round destination in the park; and much more. It's an exciting time to join a growing, impactful, and community-engaged non-profit.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide general landscape care and maintenance for all plants and their surrounding landscapes, hardscapes, playgrounds, architectural features, and perimeter according to an established schedule and organizational standards.
Perform horticultural tasks such as mowing, string trimming, irrigation, basic irrigation system maintenance, weeding, mulching, raking, sweeping, pruning, planting and other related duties.
Maintain lawns using appropriate lawn care procedures.
Identify and document native beneficial insects and native plant species.
Identify, document, and mitigate plant pests/diseases, volunteer species, and invasive species.
Remove litter, debris, and graffiti from landscapes, paths, perimeter and gardens and perform other park maintenance duties as assigned.
Support volunteer groups by providing instructions, safety protocol, and oversight on horticulture and general maintenance projects.
Participate in staff meetings designed to establish goals and priorities.
Assist in the preparation and attend special events as needed.
Operate various types of equipment including utility vehicles, trailers, light or medium weight trucks, lawnmowers, trimmer, chipper, hand tools, etc.
Maintain tools and equipment in good working order and report items that require repair.
Participate in training sessions.
Submit daily reports (verbally and in writing) documenting work performed, plant identification, malfunctioning infrastructure, safety hazards, etc.
Qualifications:
Associate or bachelor’s degree in relevant field is a plus.
Demonstrated experience in landscaping, park maintenance, turf maintenance or horticulture.
Demonstrated capacity to effectively collaborate with internal and external staff and vendors, direct volunteers, and interact with the public courteously and professionally, with a commitment to a positive public experience.
Ability to safely operate and/or drive a variety of light and heavy equipment.
Ability to effectively communicate in English, reading/writing and verbally
Computer proficiency and excellent written, verbal, and organizational skills to track and share information.
Strong attention to detail and able to think critically, troubleshoot issues as they arise.
A willingness to learn and advance one’s skill sets.
Interact with colleagues and Park patrons in a courteous and professional manner with a commitment to a positive public experience.
Ability to work both independently and within groups, with a proactive problem-solving approach.
Valid Massachusetts driver’s license in good standing at time of appointment and for duration of employment.
Must be able to work outside in all types of weather and bend, stoop, reach, carry up to 50 lbs., crawl, climb, and lift as necessary to carry out duties.
A love for public parks and appreciation for the management of dynamic use of a historic landmarked site.
Logistics:
This is a full-time (5 days/37.5 hours/week), seasonal position from May through October.
Hourly pay will be $20.
Work hours are Monday through Friday, 7am to 3pm, and occasional weekend days are required.
Flexibility is required to accommodate evening and weekend events and an occasional holiday.
Participate in signature organizational events and meetings, which may include but not be limited to staff, Board, volunteer, fundraising, and programming activities as assigned
Employees who perform exemplary work will be provided an offer to return for the following season.
Applicants are subject to Criminal Offender Record Information (C.O.R.I) check, however, we believe in rehabilitation and will provide any applicant with the opportunity to address past work and life experiences
Application Process:
Follow this link to apply https://esplanade-association.careerplug.com/jobs/3298469
Please include a resume, cover letter and 3 references from roles withing the past 3 years.
The Esplanade Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and greatly encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diversity of opinions, experiences, and backgrounds is a key and valued component of our work to promote a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive experience on the Esplanade through an organization that is itself diverse and inclusive.
Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet, women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you’re new to non-profit administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or take the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest and what you hope to bring to this role.