Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy

Title: Horticulturist

Type of Position: Full-time, year-round, non-exempt
Reports to: Ecology and Horticulture Supervisor

Department: Horticulture

Salary Range: $52,000 - $56,375 per year

Application Deadline: Applications are considered on a rolling basis. For priority consideration, apply by January 16, 2026.

Description

The Greenway Conservancy, the non-profit responsible for the management and care of The Rose Kennedy Greenway, is seeking a highly motivated individual for a full-time position as Horticulturist to join our team. The Conservancy’s team of horticulture professionals care for nearly 17 acres of vibrant green space and extensive gardens, including formal gardens, meadows, and native plantings, in the heart of downtown Boston using ecological and organic practices. The Conservancy has been a pioneer in ecological horticulture; among the first in the nation to care for a public park completely organically.

The Greenway Conservancy is committed to providing a park environment that is welcoming to racially, culturally, and economically diverse residents and visitors. You can read more about our mission, vision, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion on our website.

Responsibilities 

The Horticulturist uses best organic and ecological practices to maintain and manage the gardens and landscapes of The Greenway.  The Horticulturist works with the other members of the Horticulture team; reports to the Horticulture Operations Supervisor; and supports the Director of Horticulture’s vision for The Greenway. The primary duties of the Horticulturist are to work on-site and care for the plants in the park.

• Performs general horticultural tasks, such as: planting, pruning, weeding, watering, and mulching; maintains the irrigation system and makes repairs; planting design opportunities and development are available.
• Diagnoses and manages plant diseases, pests and cultural issues in the landscape.
• Leads, trains and oversees Gardeners, Interns and Volunteers; plans volunteer projects.
• Develops work plans; encouraged to adapt and enhance plans where appropriate. 
• Supports and maintains accurate plant records and mapping.
• Maintains tools and equipment in good working order; reports damage, makes repairs.
• Helps to maintain the nursery area; receives plant orders for projects.
• Maintains clean and organized work spaces and vehicles.
• Follows safety policies and promotes an overall culture of well-being and good health.
• Assists with maintaining plant records and supports the Living Collections Policy.
• Engages with visitors and supports a positive experience on The Greenway.
• Communicates effectively with others.
• Collaborates with and supports other departments.
• Additional tasks as requested to help maintain the park and landscape.

Skills and Qualifications

• Horticulture degree or a related field, completion of a certificate program, and relevant experiences are all considered during the review and selection of candidates.
• A good candidate will have a combination of formal education and three (3) years of practical experience performing general horticulture maintenance; working at a public garden or park is favorable.
• High level of plant knowledge, including identification and nomenclature, and landscape design is significant and relevant to this position.
• Knowledge of plant disease and pest problems are valuable skills for this role.
• Horticulture accreditations are helpful; development opportunities are available. 
• Experience leading others and managing projects is preferred.
• Effective communication skills. 
• Experience working with volunteers and effectively engaging and supporting diverse audiences and/or workplaces is a plus.
• Computer proficiency, especially in Google for Work (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail) and Microsoft (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) is preferred. Training is available. 
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive Conservancy vehicles in downtown Boston to move event supplies. Vehicle training will be provided.
• The accepted candidate will be required to have a successful completion of a CORI and motor vehicle background check.
• We strongly encourage all incoming employees to be COVID-19 vaccinated.

Logistics

• Full-time, on-site position. Work week is Monday through Friday, 7:30 am - 3:30 pm; with paid 15-minute morning and 45-minute lunch breaks.
• Must be able to work outside in all types of weather; rain and winter outfitting is provided.
• A candidate will be expected to obtain the following licenses. The Conservancy will financially support the successful candidate in obtaining any of these not already held.
• Massachusetts Pesticide Applicators license within their first year of employment; The Greenway supports Continuing Education Units (CEU) opportunities to maintain license.
• Massachusetts 2B HE Hoisting License within the first year of employment.
• Must be able to safely lift up to 50 lbs.
• May be stationary and experience changes in position for periods of time.
• Safely ascending to various heights is part of the work experience.
• Recording observations is included in daily operations.

Compensation and benefits

Salary Range: $50,000-$56,375 annually. 

The Greenway Conservancy offers competitive benefits including: 

• Commuter stipend of $50 per week for employees who commute to the office five days per week and do not have hybrid work flexibility. Currently, this benefit is provided to our Horticulture, Maintenance, and Ranger staff.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance: 80% of medical and dental premiums and 100% of the medical deductible are covered by the Conservancy. 
• Short- and long-term disability, life, and AD&D insurance: 100% of premiums covered by the Conservancy.
• Paid time off: 16 vacation days, 14.5 holidays, and 7 sick days annually.
• Retirement Savings: Simple IRA with 4% employer match after 2 years of employment.
• Commuter Benefits: Pre-tax commuter program for public transit and rail parking, plus free onsite office parking.
• Branded workwear is provided, including short and long-sleeved shirts, hats, sweatshirts, winter jacket, and rain gear.
• Professional development: Role-specific training and growth opportunities encouraged and supported.
• Additional Perks: Free/discounted admission to 50+ cultural organizations in New England; eligibility as a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.