Seasonal Gardener

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

Start Date: March 31 2025  Compensation: $16-18/hour

Reeves-Reed Arboretum, a public arboretum and historic former estate located in Summit, New Jersey, with landscapes designed by Calvert Vaux, Ellen Biddle Shipman, and Carl Pilat, seeks an experienced gardener to work approximately 24 hours per week.  Duration of position extends from March through November. Duties include planting, mulching, watering, deadheading, cleanup, and routine maintenance in the beds, and other planted areas. Interaction with visitors is a component of being a team-member of the Arboretum, and candidates who can effectively answer inquiries and represent the Arboretum in a friendly and engaging manner will be given special consideration. Candidates should have experience with ornamental plants used in Northeast gardens, should be familiar with basic gardening techniques, and will be expected to work outside in all weather conditions. Apply now to add this prestigious arboretum experience to your resume!

Responsibilities/Duties

  • Watering of new plantings and nursery stock
  • Planting seasonal bulbs and annuals
  • Invasive plant removal
  • Planting display beds and native ecosystem restoration
  • Weeding, edging, and mulching of flower beds
  • Trail maintenance and rebuilding
  • Propagation and planting of historic tree specimens
  • Water feature maintenance
  • Ambassador of the arboretum in a public setting
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications/Requirements

  • Interest in learning more about horticulture. 
  • Some gardening knowledge
  • Ability to perform heavy, physical labor (lift 50 lbs.) in all weather conditions.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to work with volunteers and interact with the public.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Must be 18 or older.

ADVANCED REQUIREMENTS:

  • Knowledge of plant material and horticulture techniques. 
    • Horticultural or Environmental education or certification will help demonstrate this basic knowledge, OR
    • Current enrollment in classes related to these fields
  • The ability to safely operate hand tools and power equipment, including line trimmers and backpack blowers.

Contact Information

Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Contact Name: John Beirne
Email: j.beirne@reeves-reedarboretum.org
Phone: 908-273-8787 ext. 1818
Website: Apply Online