Job Description
Job DescriptionDescription:
About Hildene:
Located in southwestern Vermont, Hildene was the seasonal residence of Robert Lincoln and his wife Mary. Mr. Lincoln was the only child of President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive to adulthood. Between 1905 and the death of their granddaughter Mary Lincoln Beckwith in 1975, more Lincolns (three successive generations) lived at Hildene than at any other place in the world. In 1978, the non-profit Friends of Hildene purchased and preserved the estate which is open to the public year-round.
Hildene is among Vermont’s top cultural heritage sites and tourist destinations. The rich tapestry of the Lincoln family legacy, and the enduring greatness of Abraham Lincoln are woven into the fabric of contemporary life at Hildene. Our nonprofit attraction is comprised of the Lincoln’s 1905 Georgian Revival home, formal and working gardens, restored Pullman railcar Sunbeam, agricultural operations, twelve miles of trails, and year-round educational and cultural heritage opportunities at Lincoln Hall, Hildene's new programs and celebrations center, all on 412 acres in beautiful Manchester, Vermont. Learn more at: hildene.org.
Position Overview:
Reporting to the Horticulture Manager and working closely with team members, this position takes part in all aspects of Hildene’s ecological approach to land management.
As part of Hildene’s Horticulture team, the Horticulturist helps cultivate and maintain over 20 acres of landscaped spaces, gardens, and natural areas throughout our 412-acre historic property. In addition to regular garden duties, this position is responsible for implementing our native perennial sales, building a native woody plant sales program, working with volunteers in Hildene’s Giving Garden, executing seasonal growing plans in our 3600 sq ft teaching greenhouse, and working with our Grounds crew on invasive plant management.
Education is at the core of Hildene’s mission; our Horticulture team is deeply involved in creating and fostering spaces for learning and connecting people with the natural world. The candidate should be comfortable talking with visitors to the garden to help provide an exceptional guest experience.
Our ideal candidate is a public garden professional, passionate about ecological stewardship and knowledgeable about implementing those practices in conjunction with the highest standards of garden management. High energy for physical labor, eagerness to learn new skills, the ability to adjust quickly to changing circumstances, and interest in the potential for growth are desirable qualifications.
(Year-round, full-time, 40 hours per week. This position is classified as essential personnel, which may require attendance at work during inclement weather.)
Responsibilities:
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
· Garden duties, including planting, staking, hand-weeding, watering, deadheading, pest ID and IPM practices, dividing, mulching, seed-saving.
· Greenhouse propagation work and plant care.
· Implementation of plant sales programs and create relationships with area conservation groups.
· Invasive plant control (non-chemical).
· Lead garden tours and interact with guests.
· Support unique collaborative high school farm program.
· Supervise and work in coordination with volunteers and seasonal staff.
· Record-keeping.
· Assist Grounds Department, when necessary, with tasks such as weed whacking, parking lot management, and snow shoveling and aid other departments as needed.
Required Skills
· Demonstrated plant knowledge, weed & pest identification, and general horticultural practices.
· Knowledge of and experience with ecological/regenerative gardening techniques, including an understanding of managing beneficial insects (including pollinators), invasive plants, and non-chemical pest & weed management.
· Effective communications skills.
· Valid Driver's License.
· Ability to work independently and with a team.
· Observant, self-motivated with proven critical thinking skills.
Physical Requirements
· Consistently works in a variety of weather conditions.
· Move objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
· Traverse uneven terrain from one job location to another.
· Consistent use of hand tools to care for gardens and landscape.
· Constantly position and re-position self to care for and maintain gardens and landscape.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in plant science or related field preferred.
Minimum of 4 years' experience, preferably in a public garden setting.
Alternatively, combination of experience and education.
SCHEDULE
Year-round, Full-time, Tues. - Sat., 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Compensation:
$23/hour
Benefits include dental and vision; life and AD&D insurance; paid time off; holidays; Simple IRA (Individual Retirement Account) account with employer 2% contribution.
TO APPLY:
Please visit our website, hildene.org, and apply via our online process: HORTICULTURIST, Full time, year-round.
Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome candidates who contribute to our diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.
Requirements: