Landscape Horticulturist

About Strawbery Banke Museum:

Strawbery Banke Museum is a living history museum located in the heart of historic Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich history of the Puddle Dock neighborhood, the museum features a remarkable collection of restored buildings, exhibits, and landscapes that span over four centuries. As one of the oldest continuously occupied neighborhoods in the United States, Strawbery Banke is widely recognized as one of the nation's premier open-air history museums.

Job Summary:

Strawbery Banke Museum is seeking a skilled and dedicated Landscape Horticulturist to oversee the care and maintenance of the museum’s historic and ornamental gardens, walkways, museum roads, garden structures, and parking areas. This role is responsible for preserving the beauty and integrity of the museum’s outdoor spaces.

In addition to horticultural duties, this position will serve as a key member of the Facilities Department, supporting museum events and assisting with general buildings and grounds maintenance during the winter months.

On-call emergency coverage 3-4 times per week after museum business hours is a requirement for this position. 

Pay: $18/hour plus free on-site housing. (Average rent for Portsmouth, NH is between $1850-$2200  per month).  If on-site housing is not accepted, the hourly rate of pay may be negotiated. Full-time (5 days/week, 37.5 hours/week), year-round. Nonexempt, hourly.

Benefits Include:

Strawbery Banke values work-life balance and this position will be provided with 240 hours of paid time off per fiscal year (prorated from date of hire) and 11 paid holidays. This position is also eligible for health and dental insurance plans paid 80% by the Museum, Life, Long-Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability insurances paid 100% by the Museum, a flexible spending account for medical related expenses, and participation in the organization’s 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 3% match. This position may also opt-in to the employee-paid vision plan. 

Position Responsibilities:

While this position is year-round, landscape horticulture varies seasonally. Therefore, a diverse set of tasks will be performed throughout the year. The primary focus of the Landscape Horticulturist is to care for the gardens and landscape, including:

• Cultivation, management, and study of plants and plant health
• Mowing and string-trimming lawns and fence lines;
• Planting, pruning, and weeding gardens;
• Maintaining walks and paths; and
• Keeping the museum grounds clean and free of trash.

This position also maintains architectural elements within the landscape, including:

• Arbors;
• Wood and iron benches; and
• Greenhouse

While on-call, this position is expected to:

• Facilitate security calls;
• Perform snow removal on walkways; and
• Complete emergency maintenance.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong knowledge of plant health and gardening techniques.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience of/with pruning a diverse range of species.
• Experience with maintenance of mechanical yard equipment (oil change, winterizing, and changing blades).
• Experience using ride-on mowers and string trimmers.
• Eager to learn new skills.
• Positive, collegial attitude and ability to work cooperatively with others at all levels of the organization, including direct reports, colleagues, supervisor, volunteers, and visitors of all ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds.

Physical Requirements:

This position entails moving around the 10-acre site for extended periods of time in all weather conditions. Thus, the candidate must be able to…

• Bend, stoop, and kneel;
• Shovel snow; and
• Lift up to 50 lbs. throughout the day.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Associate’s Degree in Horticulture, Plant Biology, Agriculture, or other related field preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 3 years’ experience in landscaping, gardening, farming, or other related fields.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Strawbery Banke Museum is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, marital status, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), crime victim status, veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. SBM is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.