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Include a resume that outlines your qualifications for this role. A cover letter detailing your interest in working at Storrowton Village is helpful to our selection process, but not required. Questions regarding the application process can be addressed to employment@TheBigE.com. Positions are open until filled.
Position Summary:
Storrowton Village Museum, a department of the Eastern States Exposition is looking to hire a Lead Gardener to be the primary caretaker and cultivator of our historic gardens at the Gilbert Farmhouse. The person in this role is exceptionally organized and is attuned with seasonal gardening needs while balancing historic education with 21st century preservation. The person best suited for this role thrives in a creative environment and is comfortable being a problem solver. This person both values getting their hands dirty digging in the garden and being a public educator. Responsibilities include maintaining our gardens, supporting programming that includes the gardens and building relationships with our landscape crew. All Village staff must be available during the Big E for costumed shifts in addition to regular responsibilities. Some evening and weekend hours may be required for special events. Weekly schedule is flexible so long as the needs of the gardens are met. Opportunity for this position to expand to a year-round, part time role for the right candidate who may be interested in other aspects of museum work.
Learn about our gardens here: https://www.storrowtonvillage.com/p/visit/garden
Responsibilities:
- Plan the garden layouts, plant and cultivate throughout the garden season, and support garden related programming.
- Facilitate spring and fall clean-ups. Remove leaves and dead or dying plants. Trim annuals and perennials to the ground in the spring and fall. Weed plant beds.
- Assign tasks to volunteers and work with them to grow their knowledge base while also ensuring the work is done in a timely and quality manner.
- Prepare soil for planting of various plants.
- Source heirloom seeds and works with local farms to purchase starter plants.
- During the Big E, assist with costumed interpretation.
- Other duties as assigned to support the Education & Human Resources Department.
Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent, some college or professional training preferred.
- Experience with gardens, herbs, or other similar skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Detail oriented, organized, and process-driven.
- Comfortable with e-mail and text message communication.
- Able to communicate with professionalism with the public and with all levels of staff.
- Reliable transportation.
- Comfortable wearing a 19th century costume when needed.
- Must have the ability to perform physical work outside in cold, snow or light rain and must be able to continuously walk, stand, bend and/or stoop. Some work on stepladders is required.
- Must have the ability to push, pull and/or lift items of 50 lbs.
- Flexibility, humility, and a sense of humor a must!
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour
Expected hours: 12 – 15 per week
Benefits:
Schedule:
- 4 hour shift
- Choose your own hours
- Day shift
- Weekends as needed
Experience:
- Gardening: 1 year (Required)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- West Springfield, MA 01089 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- West Springfield, MA 01089: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person