Seasonal Gardener

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

Start Date: 4/1/25  Compensation: $15-$20/ hour

Look no further than Van Vleck House & Gardens (montclairfoundation.org), a public garden located in Montclair, New Jersey. We are seeking a Seasonal Garden Assistant to work 15 hours per week.   Hours and days are somewhat flexible but will need to be completed Monday through Friday between 7am and 3pm.  Familiarity with basic gardening techniques is preferred, but motivated individuals ready to learn should not be discouraged from applying. 

Responsibilities/Duties

If you enjoy being in nature, working with your hands in a beautiful garden environment, this is a great role for you. It is literally hands-on work. It is outside, rain or shine. It is in the soil, touching and working with our plants. You will do the physical work of gardening. This job will become part of your workout regimen. At the same time, you will learn the art of creating and maintaining a garden and gain familiarity with a wide range of plants.

Here’s what it takes to be successful and be able to perform this role. 

  • The ability to maintain an agreed-upon schedule with a defined start time. There is some flexibility, but timeliness and reliability are expected.
  • The work will be determined, sometimes on a daily basis, by what the Director of Horticulture prioritizes based on the needs of the garden. These will mostly be given orally vs. in writing. 
  • The ability to communicate clearly with others is essential.
  • We are looking for someone with a strong desire to learn about gardening and horticulture and who understands that receiving feedback and making adjustments is a key part of the learning process. 
  • In addition to the physical work and science of horticulture, it is also an art, so you will need to have the ability to visualize the outcome of your task, especially with regard to pruning and planting.
  • We have a culture of integrity and quality, and that means we expect each other to be trustworthy and respectful and act as collaborative members of our team. 

Qualifications/Requirements

  • The physical ability to consistently dig, shovel, carry up to 50 lbs. and push up to 200 lbs. with a wheelbarrow.
  • The physical flexibility and comfort with getting up and down and onto your knees to engage at the level of our friends, the plants.
  • Valid driver's license
  • The ability to safely operate hand tools and power equipment.
  • Must be 18 or older

Additional Information

Please email your resume to laura@montclairfoundation.org

Contact Information

The Montclair Foundation/ Van Vleck House & Gardens
Contact Name: Laura Roberts
Email: laura@montclairfoundation.org