Urban Grower - Boston Community Gardens

Position Summary

Boston Community Gardens is growing! The Urban Grower is a new, full-time, year-round position with a generous benefits package. The primary focus of the Urban Grower will be to manage the day-to-day operations of City Natives Nursery (CN) and the perennial borders, trees, and orchards found within Trustee’s network of 56 community gardens spread across 8 Boston neighborhoods. The Urban Grower will develop and execute a vision for CN to increase production, sales, and brand recognition. Under the direction of the Stewardship Manager the Urban Grower will work with a team of Stewards to maintain, revitalize, and grow the garden network performing routine maintenance of lawns, perennial borders, trees, orchards, composters, and individual plot management. Working in conjunction with the Engagement team, the Urban Grower will lead horticultural programming and tours at City Natives, in the gardens, and with partner institutions developing and leading classes, workshops, webinars, and tours. The Urban Grower should enjoy both plants and people, feel comfortable working alone as well as with colleagues and volunteers, and enjoy sharing their love of gardening with all Boston residents.

Compensation: $40,000 - $50,000

Essential Functions:

City Natives Nursery

• Under the direction of the Stewardship Manager develop a vision for City Natives Nursery that increases production, improves brand recognition, and develops the nursery into a destination native plant horticultural learning center for Greater Boston

• Develop process improvements within operations for nursery management

• Lead production for 200 species of native plants including trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, and perennials as well as comprehensive selection of veggie starts

• Manage plant sales throughout the growing season on the web platform Shopify

• Recruit, train, and manage individual and corporate volunteers at the nursery and in the gardens

• Act as property liaison leading tours, hosting webinars, and other programming

Community Garden Maintenance

• Lead the design, maintenance, and rejuvenation of perennial borders across the garden network with an emphasis on resilient, 4-season interest native plantings that promote native plant conservation, pollinator habitat, edible landscapes, and stormwater management

• Work alongside the Stewardship team in the routine maintenance of garden properties including mowing, string trimming, edging, mulching, weeding, pruning leaf removal, compost management, painting, and snow & trash removal

• Work along Stewardship team to achieve annual KPI improvements in line with state and regional standards

• Perform light carpentry and water system repair

Events & Programming

• Support signature events including but not limited to: South End Garden Tour, Milton Music Festival, Gardener’s Gathering, Green New Dance Party, and Juneteenth

• Host spring and fall garden meetings with individual gardens and lead community work days as well as corporate volunteer groups

• Lead horticultural programming - planning both classes and workshops at CN, in the gardens, and with local partner institutions

Qualifications:

1-3 years of professional experience in nursery or greenhouse production, farming, landscaping, facilities or retail management, or other experience that is relevant to this position. Or an Associates degree in Horticulture, Park Management, Forestry, Ecology, or another natural resource field.

• Experience with native plants, vegetable crops, greenhouse production scheduling, and orchard care

• Retail experience with strong customer service skills

• The ability to work independently and unsupervised as well as work cooperatively and demonstrate leadership in groups. Ability to work with a diverse group of people, have excellent interpersonal skills, and be comfortable and competent speaking to the public.

• Familiarity with basic power tools, lawn mower & string trimmer use, and water system repairs

• Ability to complete assigned tasks and projects, meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks.

• Experience working with diverse communities preferable

• Basic computer skills and ability to keep good records, familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.

Other Requirements:

• A valid driver's license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees' driving policy.

• A satisfactory criminal background check (CORI).

Working Conditions:

• Ability to handle the physical demands of the job, which will include routinely lifting 50 pounds and working in all weather conditions sometimes including inclement weather

• Some weekend and evening work required

• BIPOC and multi-lingual candidates highly encouraged

• Familiarity with Boston neighborhoods is a plus.

• Occasional travel across the state will be required.

About The Trustees:

The Trustees places are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in what we do. Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, we preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity. We have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000 acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. We are a non-profit conservation organization funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households.

Our seasonal staff plays an integral role in ensuring that our visitors enjoy our extraordinary places. Every season brings an influx of visitors of all ages and backgrounds who want to explore and be inspired by our properties. Sandy beaches, wooded trails, cultural gardens, historic homes, community supported agriculture—there are many ways for visitors to discover and explore The Trustees, and just as many opportunities for seasonal employees to make each visitor’s experience special.

The Trustees offers competitive compensation, as well as the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team across the Commonwealth who love the outdoors and the distinctive charms of New England, and who believe in celebrating and protecting our special places, for everyone, forever.

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.

Our commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here: Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity