Gardener

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is hiring Gardeners!

Are you a skilled gardener who is passionate about plants and the environment, loves working with people, excited about inspiring meaningful connections among people and nature in one of the most beautiful settings in Maine, and committed to supporting the Gardens’ Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility goals? 

Utilizing best horticultural practices, the Gardener works closely with horticulturists to maintain our many inspirational gardens and horticultural collections to the highest standards.

This is a Seasonal, Full-time (40 hours per week) position and includes some weekend scheduling. We are hiring for April through December, with the opportunity to work for our dazzling light show, Gardens Aglow.  

$18.75 - 21.00 Hourly, Non-exempt

Seasonal employees receive personal and sick paid time off, paid holidays, discounts in our culinary programs and Gardenshop, and a Gardens membership.    

Primary Functions:

• Assist in the planting of annual displays, herbaceous perennials, and woody plants following proper soil preparation.  
• Provide daily care of gardens and grounds. This includes watering (especially during plant establishment), mulching, weeding, and general gardening practices.   
• Help maintain well-groomed, accessible walkways.  
• Participate in providing a fun and engaging experience for all visitors by treating everyone in a positive and courteous manner and stopping work to answer visitor questions or offer assistance.  
• Maintain equipment and tools needed to perform daily tasks as instructed by supervisor.   
• Attend and participate in department and other relevant meetings.  
• Participate in annual ladder and lift safety training.  
• Participate in Gardens-wide initiatives as needed (e.g., Gardens Aglow assignments, special events, etc.). 

Physical and environmental factors:

Approximate percentages of time tasks are performed in carrying out the essential functions of this position:

• 90% of time bending/stooping, squatting, reaching above shoulder level, kneeling, hand/fingers used for repetitive motion, hands/fingers used for fine manipulation, hands/fingers used for firm grasping, head/neck in rotational movements, head/neck in extension movements, head/neck in flexing movements.
• 10% of time in sitting position.
• Maximum load employee will be required to lift/carry is up to 50 lbs.

• Enthusiasm for creating beautiful gardens and possession of a strong work ethic to execute the Gardens’ strategic plans.  
• A positive outlook, team spirit, and a strong work ethic to advance our team’s goals.   
• Knowledge of plants common in the horticultural trade and an interest in ecological horticulture practices.  
• Experience using basic hand tools and simple horticultural machinery a plus; confidence on ladders necessary, boom lift experience a plus.  
• Comfortable engaging with guests interested in learning more about the Gardens and plants.  
• Ability to work collaboratively and with positivity with a diverse group of colleagues.  
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently.   
• Flexibility in a high productivity work environment where, on occasion, schedules and duties may change according to shifting needs.