Horticulture Steward

Summary of Position: The Horticulture Steward is a member of the team responsible for the year-round upkeep and maintenance of five properties located in Ipswich. The Horticulture Steward is responsible for identifying and executing property specific horticultural and stewardship needs as directed by Stewardship Manager and the Horticulturist. The Horticulture Steward provides leadership to seasonal staff and volunteers as needed. This position is primarily field based with mínimal administrative tasks. This role reports to the Stewardship Manager, and works in collaboration with the Horticulturist, and one other Steward, horticulture volunteers and other Crane based staff across this group of properties as well as with regional and statewide staff.

Pay Range: $22/hr - $26.5/hr

Essential Functions:

- Perform property maintenance and horticultural tasks including but not limited to field mowing, lawn mowing, string trimming, trash pickup, raking, tree care, installation and maintenance of permanent and seasonal plantings, weeding, staking, deadheading, mulching. Prunes hedges, the Grand Allee and shrub borders under Horticulturist supervision. Maintain proper wayfinding and clean and functioning facilities
- Safely and efficiently operates and maintains compact construction equipment including small tractors, excavators, skid steers, UTVs, ATVs, and boats as well as trucks as large as F350 dump trucks and trailers as long as 22ft.
- Operates and maintains vehicles, machinery, tools and equipment to the highest standards.
- Provide cheerful and positive oversight and recognition of volunteer, intern, and seasonal employee efforts in the field.
- Participate in weekly meetings to cooperatively plan work with other members of the Crane team.
- Support goals of Annual Stewardship Plan including routine property maintenance and targeted completion of deferred maintenance projects in pursuit of Key Performance Indicator goals.
- Support the long-range strategy for the public gardens including implementing industry best practices for horticultural stewardship and living collections management.
- As a primary public-facing presence on these properties, ensure positive visitor experience and safety.
- Maintain positive and productive relationships with our neighbors, visitors, and Trustees staff from other divisions and regions.
- Work with the Stewardship Manager and Horticulturist to identify meaningful volunteer and internship opportunities.
- Assist with projects on other Trustees properties as required and perform additional duties as assigned by the Stewardship Manager and Horticulturist.
- Other duties as assigned.

**Requirements**:
Education and Experience:
1-3 years of professional experience in property maintenance, public garden horticulture, landscape management, trail work, facilities management, or other experience that is relevant to this position.

Associate degree in Horticulture, Park Management, Forestry, ecology, or another natural resource field.

Skills/Qualifications:

- Experience in landscape maintenance with an eye for quality outcomes and attention to detail.
- Knowledge or experience in the following areas: arboriculture, ornamental pruning, herbaceous ornamental plants, plant propagation and greenhouse management, care of tools and equipment and other technical horticultural skills.
- Experience using hand and power tools including hand pruners and saws, string trimmers, brush saws, chainsaws, blowers, ladders and more. The ability to repair and maintain equipment.
- Basic carpentry and painting skiIls, experience in formal landscape management and horticulture, trails maintenance, and related experience preferred. Experience managing cultural/historic landscapes and maintaining structures and building systems also a plus.
- The ability to work independently and unsupervised as well as work cooperatively and demonstrate leadership in groups. Ability to work with a diverse group of people, have excellent interpersonal skills, and be comfortable and competent speaking to the public.
- Ability to complete assigned tasks and projects, meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks.
- Basic computer skills and ability to keep good records, familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
- A positive attitude, willingness to be flexible, and a commitment to achieving the goals of The Trustees. Strong commitment to the mission of The Trustees.
- This position performs tasks across a broad range of disciplines, so a willingness to learn new skills and flexibility to meet the day-to-day demands of the job is a must.

Other:

- A valid driver's license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees' driving policy.
- A satisfactory criminal background check (CORI).
- Massachusetts Hoisting License - 2A (preferred) or willingness and ability to obtain
- Massachusetts Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (preferred) or willingness and ability to obtain
- OSHA 10 Hour General Industr