Land Steward

Position Overview

The Land Steward plays a key role in maintaining and enhancing the grounds and natural areas of the New England Botanic Garden. Working under the direction of the Land Steward Supervisor, this outdoor year-round position implements high standards of sustainability and aesthetics across turfgrass, meadows, woodlands, wetlands, and trails. The position supports operations and programming garden-wide while ensuring safety and enjoyment for visitors. New England Botanic Garden is committed to connecting people with plants, fostering environmental stewardship, and creating meaningful experiences that inspire our community through horticulture, education, and nature.

Why you should apply

• Be part of an exceptional, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture that values both high performance and work-life balance.
• Enjoy comprehensive benefits, retirement savings options, generous paid time off, and holidays.
• Work for an organization deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (IDEA).
• Explore opportunities to attend IDEA workshops and initiatives that foster a culture of belonging across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Maintain turfgrass and grounds to high standards with an emphasis on sustainability and aesthetics under direction of the Land Steward Supervisor.
• After training, safely operating and maintaining power tools, vehicles, and other landscape equipment.
• Support snow removal operations; with training, safely operating snow throwers, salt spreaders, and other snow removal tools and equipment.
• Support land stewardship activities in natural areas across the property, including mapping plant populations, invasive species management, trail maintenance, and other practices.
• Support irrigation and hardscape maintenance and repairs.
• Support general garden maintenance under the direction of supervisor and other horticulture staff
• Support installation, fabrication, and maintenance of winter lights event and other exhibitions and programs as needed.
• Be welcoming to all staff and the public and respectful of staff differences and preferences.
• Work with an awareness of surroundings in accordance with NEBG safety policy. 
• Comply with the provisions of the current Employee Handbook, all published personnel policies, and the requirements of the job description.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Schedule

The Land Steward position is non-exempt. The standard work schedule for this position is Monday- Friday; however, the schedule may be flexible to suit the needs of the organization and may at times involve weekend or evening hours. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors, and the Land Steward will be asked to assist with event management in both indoor and outdoor roles.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly and work outdoors in all seasonal extremes.
• Must be able to bend, squat, kneel, stand, and walk for extended periods of time and to navigate uneven grounds and stairs evenly.
• Must be able to comfortably and safely work at heights on ladders with training.
• Must be able to work with appropriate computer and communications equipment.
• Must be able to work with appropriate hand and power tools.

Note: Duties described above, other duties and physical demands have been identified as essential functions as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

• Valid driver’s license, excellent driving record, and ability to drive a pickup truck.
• Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check.
• Knowledge or interest in horticulture, landscape design, urban ecology, forestry, or urban planning preferred.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to interact with the public.
• Must have or be able to obtain a Massachusetts pesticide applicator (core) license.
• Must have or be able to obtain a Massachusetts hoisting license (class 1C/ 2A).

Salary : $20 - $21