Fine gardening landscape maintenance

Thorn & Thistle is a small woman owned and run business, providing an ecologically sound approach to creating healthy gardens in the greater boston area. We specialize in pollinator gardens and repairing the health of each property we work on.

This company is the very opposite of the large corporate models for landscaping, allowing a much more personal experience where we spend a good deal of time interacting closely with each other and clients.

We are motivated and we need you to be as well. There is lifting, digging, planting and all the other varied and sometimes demanding things that come with planting and maintaining gardens. It is fast paced and we have a lot to get done each day, so we are looking for someone who is able to focus and get things done.

Applicants must have a good attitude, and come to us understanding that fine gardening is a rewarding but physically demanding job. You must know you both enjoy and are capable of doing a physically demanding job, and be ready and able to learn the trade with a positive attitude. The days can run long since we only work 9 months out of the year, and it’s a lot like doing a paid, intensive cross fit camp. Like boot camp, but with shovels and flowers.

It is expected that anyone accepting this position will be willing to learn the craft. There is a lot of knowledge of plants and cultural practices required. This is not a job you learn in a couple of weeks. It takes years, and a dedication and desire to learn it. You never stop learning, but this knowledge will serve you well in the area of helping to save pollinators, and food security planting. You can take this anywhere and it will always be needed. This is job security. And you get to learn it and practice it in some of the most beautiful properties around Boston.

The ideal candidate is someone who is motivated and knows plants and plant care practices, and who already knows this is something they like doing. I can teach anything but a work ethic, and you will get stronger physically doing this job but you should be in good shape for it because it is demanding. We move non-stop all day, lifting, carrying, digging, hauling and constant bending up and down. Please read this and know when I say boot camp, I mean just like boot camp. It is a challenge.

Sometimes it’s hot, and sometimes cold, and occasionally rainy or snowy. We sit out the worst of it, but work in the rest of it. Some days will test you, but if you enjoy the outdoors and working in nature, it can be quite enjoyable. And knowing that come early December you get to have 12 weeks of rest makes it a job that comes with a reward. Teachers get 8 weeks in summer. We get 12 weeks in winter. And you will come to know every plant in the landscape, medicinal, edible, ornamental, and pollinator friendly. The satisfaction of this knowledge is what drives us.

We work M-F from 7:00-5pm and Saturdays from 9-3pm. Our usual work week is roughly 40-50 hours/wk, but hours will vary. I am willing to consider a flexible part-time schedule for someone who fits in well with us.

MUST BE ABLE TO LIFT UP TO 50 LBS. That is in all caps because so many people come to us who cannot do this. It is essential. If you are not sure, figure it out before applying.

Paid holidays (Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Indigenous people’s Day (formerly known as Columbus day) and Thanksgiving. We generally are finished in the first week of December.

Work season runs from March 15-Dec 10 (then layoffs for 12 weeks in winter). Paid vacation/sick time after one full year of employment.

Signing on bonus of extra $150/mo to be paid only at the end of the season.
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $30,000.00 -$40,000/year (based on 9 months work season). Pay negotiable for experienced candidate.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $24.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Overtime

Application Question(s):

• Could you describe for me what the definition Fine Gardening is?
• What is your experience with Fine Gardening. Please describe your qualifications.

Experience:

• Fine gardening: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Location:

• Medfield, MA 02052 (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Medfield, MA 02052 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Medfield, MA 02052: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person