What are the responsibilities and job description for the Conservation Steward position at The Trustees of Reservations?
Job Description:
The Horticulture Steward is a key member of the Western Hills and Southern Berkshires Team, responsible for the year-round upkeep and maintenance of Naumkeag. This full-time position reports directly to the Horticulturist and involves identifying and executing property-specific horticulture and stewardship needs.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Perform horticultural tasks and property maintenance, including greenhouse cultivation, plant installation, weeding, staking, deadheading, mulching, pest management, pruning, lawn mowing, string trimming, trash pickup, raking, tree care, and equipment operation and maintenance.
• Provide leadership to seasonal staff and volunteers as needed, ensuring positive visitor experiences and safety.
• Collaborate with the Horticulturist, Facilities Specialist, and Property Manager to achieve Key Performance Indicator goals and support the long-range strategy for public gardens.
• Participate in weekly meetings to plan work with other team members and engage in meaningful volunteer and internship opportunities.
• Develop creative ideas, solutions, and enthusiasm for daily work and team contributions.
Requirements and Qualifications:
• 1-3 years of professional experience in property maintenance, public horticulture, fine gardening, or native plant horticulture.
• Associate degree in Horticulture, Park Management, Forestry, Ecology, or another natural resource field preferred but not required.
• Strong knowledge and experience in horticultural science, plant physiology, integrated pest management, native plant horticulture, arboriculture, ornamental pruning, herbaceous ornamental plants, plant propagation, greenhouse management, tool care, and equipment maintenance.
• Ability to work independently and unsupervised as well as collaboratively and demonstrate leadership in groups.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and comfort speaking to the public.
• Basic computer skills and ability to keep good records, familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record, Massachusetts Hoisting License (2A) and Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (preferred).
The Horticulture Steward is a key member of the Western Hills and Southern Berkshires Team, responsible for the year-round upkeep and maintenance of Naumkeag. This full-time position reports directly to the Horticulturist and involves identifying and executing property-specific horticulture and stewardship needs.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Perform horticultural tasks and property maintenance, including greenhouse cultivation, plant installation, weeding, staking, deadheading, mulching, pest management, pruning, lawn mowing, string trimming, trash pickup, raking, tree care, and equipment operation and maintenance.
• Provide leadership to seasonal staff and volunteers as needed, ensuring positive visitor experiences and safety.
• Collaborate with the Horticulturist, Facilities Specialist, and Property Manager to achieve Key Performance Indicator goals and support the long-range strategy for public gardens.
• Participate in weekly meetings to plan work with other team members and engage in meaningful volunteer and internship opportunities.
• Develop creative ideas, solutions, and enthusiasm for daily work and team contributions.
Requirements and Qualifications:
• 1-3 years of professional experience in property maintenance, public horticulture, fine gardening, or native plant horticulture.
• Associate degree in Horticulture, Park Management, Forestry, Ecology, or another natural resource field preferred but not required.
• Strong knowledge and experience in horticultural science, plant physiology, integrated pest management, native plant horticulture, arboriculture, ornamental pruning, herbaceous ornamental plants, plant propagation, greenhouse management, tool care, and equipment maintenance.
• Ability to work independently and unsupervised as well as collaboratively and demonstrate leadership in groups.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and comfort speaking to the public.
• Basic computer skills and ability to keep good records, familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record, Massachusetts Hoisting License (2A) and Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (preferred).
