Part-Time Gardener
(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities
Start Date: 2/16/2026 Compensation: $18-$22/hour
Van Vleck House & Gardens, a public garden in Montclair, New Jersey, is seeking a Part-Time Gardener to join our dedicated team. This hands-on, outdoor role involves the care and maintenance of our vibrant and historic landscape. Work takes place in all weather conditions and requires a passion for horticulture, attention to detail, and a commitment to sustainability.
Schedule:
- Must be available to start Mid-February: 25 hours/week year-round
- Three full days per week starting at 7:30am (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday). Occasional flexibility subject to prior approval.
- A few specific additional days are required each year for major fundraisers regardless of your usual schedule. In 2026, these will include the following: April 24, 27, 28, 29, May 2, 3, June 5, 8, and November 19, 20, 23.
Compensation: $18.00-$22/hour depending on experience
Responsibilities/Duties
This is a physically demanding position that offers a deep immersion in both the science and art of horticulture. You will:
- Report to the Director of Horticulture for your work assignments performing tasks as assigned using the best sustainable horticultural practices to maintain and beautify the landscape
- Inspect young trees and prune to address structural issues and rejuvenate shrubs.
- Support winter clean-up and snow removal efforts
- Perform routine garden maintenance such as weeding, pruning, mulching, watering, raking, and composting
- Assist in the installation of new plantings or expansion of planted areas.
- Lawn renovation using core aerator
- Identify and report safety or plant health concerns to the Director of Horticulture.
- Supervise garden volunteers and interns
- Support Montclair Foundation events and fundraisers as needed, with a few mandatory days on the annual calendar
Qualifications/Requirements
What You’ll Bring
- Reliability and punctuality with the ability to maintain a consistent schedule
- Strong communication and listening skills with ability to follow verbal instructions
- Hands-on gardening experience, including plant identification and proper pruning techniques
- A high standard for workplace safety
- A keen eye for detail and aesthetics and the ability to visualize the outcome of your task
- Ability to take direction and openness to feedback with a growth mindset
- Safe operation of garden tools and equipment
- Professionalism and integrity in all interactions, including with the public
Qualifications and Physical Requirements
- Work outdoors in all types of weather, exposed to a wide assortment of plant materials, pollen, and dust
- Capacity to perform repetitive movements such as digging, shoveling, and pruning
- Push, pull, and lift 50 pounds consistently
- Ability to push up to 200 pounds in a wheelbarrow (for example, 4 bags of ice-melt salt or grass seed)
- Comfort with kneeling, squatting, bending, reaching, and standing for long periods
- Valid driver’s license
- Must be 18 years or older
Additional Information
To Apply:
Please email your resume and cover letter to laura@montclairfoundation.org
Contact Information
Van Vleck House & Gardens/ The Montclair Foundation
Contact Name: Laura Roberts
Email: laura@montclairfoundation.org