Seasonal Gardener

Works as part of a crew to maintain ornamental horticulture areas at Mount Auburn Cemetery as assigned by the Director of Ornamental Horticulture, including but not limited to weeding, mulching, watering, pruning, bed preparation, planting, edging, fertilizing, picking up branches, and removing snow.

About this Role:

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Assist in general landscape gardening work, as described above, under the direction of a Horticulturist or Director of Ornamental Horticulture
  • Perform daily grounds sweeps as assigned to address any horticulture issues that arise and that impact the overall guest safety and experience
  • Perform other general grounds maintenance tasks which may include, but are not limited to, grass trimming, leaf mulching/pick up, removal of floral tributes, and picking up litter
  • Attentiveness to punctuality, accountability and efficiency
  • Competency to manage time and attendance with mobile time clock system
  • Ability to use all vehicles and equipment safely, responsibly, and properly
  • Follow all Cemetery safety policies and procedures related to assigned tasks, including wearing personal protective equipment (eye and hearing protecting, gloves, etc.), proper handling of chemicals, ladder safety, and lifting and moving heavy objects.  Bring unsafe conditions to the attention of the Director of Ornamental Horticulture
  • Represent Mount Auburn appropriately at all times when at work; in demeanor, attitude, uniform, and written & verbal communication
  • May perform any variety of duties as requested by Director of Ornamental Horticulture to maintain or improve the Cemetery
  • As with all Cemetery staff, assist with any cemetery business including special meetings, conferences, Friends events and public programs as needed
  • Demonstrate responsible stewardship for the environment when planning and implementing all duties incorporated in job description

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Driver’s license required
  • At least one year experience with maintenance of annuals, perennials, shrubs and/or ground covers required
  • Ability to work alone or as part of a team
  • Ability to read a map of Cemetery grounds
  • Ability to communicate successfully with staff, and visitors
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

REQUIRED PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

  • Ability to shovel soil and mulch, and to lift up to 50 pounds without assistance
  • Ability to use and operate a variety of hand tools and power equipment such as hand pruners, handsaws, pole saw, pole pruners, power pruners, string trimmers, leaf blowers, etc.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

  • Works outdoors in all weather conditions 
  • Monday - Friday 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM

About our Organization:

Mount Auburn Cemetery comprises 175 acres and is situated in Watertown and Cambridge near Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1831, and now visited by over 200,000 people each year, Mount Auburn is a National Historic Landmark, recognized as the first “rural cemetery” and the inspiration for the American Parks Movement during the 19th century. As an active cemetery, Mount Auburn inspires all who visit, comforts the bereaved, and commemorates the dead in a landscape of exceptional beauty. As an accredited arboretum, Mount Auburn features 5,000 trees and more than 20,000 plants overall. 

Full time employees are offered a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health insurance, and 401K options.

All employees of Mount Auburn Cemetery are “at will’ employees and must adhere to Mount Auburn’s “Business Ethics and Conduct.”

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume (Microsoft Word document or PDF) and include “Seasonal Gardener” in the subject area, to: jobs@mountauburn.org.  

Mount Auburn Cemetery is an equal-opportunity employer. It does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, national origin, age, pregnancy, citizenship status, physical or mental ability, military status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.