Grounds Technician
Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary: $20-25
Grounds Technician
Why This Role Matters
Massachusetts Horticultural Society cares for a historic 36-acre garden that serves as both a destination and a living classroom. At Elm Bank, the quality of our grounds reflects our values: care, professionalism, curiosity, and public impact.
We are building toward world-class horticulture, and we are doing so by investing in people who take pride in their craft.
This role is for someone who wants their daily work to show, to matter, and to improve a place that thousands of guests experience every year.
Compensation and Benefits
- Starting pay begins at $20/hour and may increase depending on relevant experience. In modelling MHSs commitment to openness and transparency, starting salaries typically at/near the top of this range. This is to create opportunities for team members to earn performance-based raises throughout their tenure in the role.
- Full-time, year-round employment
- 85% Employer-paid health and dental coverage, 3% 403b plan match
- Three weeks vacation, 40 hours sick time, and eight holidays
- Garden membership
- Annual work-gear stipend
- Paid training and support for certifications
- Exposure to diverse plant collections, public-facing landscapes, and large-scale grounds operations
What Success Looks Like
- Grounds that are consistently safe, well-kept, and thoughtfully maintained
- Equipment that is used responsibly and maintained with care
- Projects completed with attention to detail and follow-through
- Guests experiencing the garden as welcoming, professional, and beautiful
- A teammate who can work independently and collaboratively
- A colleague who is curious, coachable, and proud of their work
What Youll Be Doing
- Youll work closely with the Grounds Supervisor and cross-departmental teams on tasks including:
- Mowing, string trimming, leaf clearing, and path grooming
- Seasonal planting, weeding, and landscape projects
- Assisting with landscape construction and site improvements
- Operating and maintaining commercial-grade equipment for grounds care, transport, and snow removal
- Performing light to semi-skilled facilities maintenance (painting, basic carpentry, repairs)
- Preparing the site for public and private events
- Supporting interns, trainees, and volunteers when needed
- Participating in winter snow and ice management
- Work takes place indoors and outdoors, year-round, in all weather conditions.
Who This Role Is For
This role is a good fit for candidates who bring the following experience and qualities:
- Experience in groundskeeping, landscape maintenance, or horticulture
- Comfort using commercial tools and machinery (or strong aptitude to learn safely)
- A high standard for safety, organization, and quality
- The ability to stay focused, manage priorities, and work independently
- Clear, respectful communication and professionalism
- Pride in your work without ego
Requirements & Availability
- Valid Massachusetts drivers license
- Personal auto insurance and reliable transportation
- Hoisting License and Pesticide Applicator License, or the ability to obtain required licenses within six months of hire
- Availability to work weekends and occasional evenings, scheduled in advance
- Lift, push, and pull up to 50 lbs
- Bend, kneel, climb stairs and ladders
- Walk the garden campus for extended periods in all weather conditions
How We Hire
MHS cares about outcomes, not just resumes. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to:
- Share examples of work theyve been responsible for
- Discuss their role in completed projects
- Provide professional references
- We value many paths into horticulture. If you can demonstrate results, learning, and pride in your work, we want to hear from you.
Please submit:
- A resume
- A one-page letter outlining your practical experience and examples of your work
Applications will be accepted through February 15, 2026; after this date, we will begin review of all applications. Our anticipated onboarding date for this position is March 3, 2026.