Thomas Hill Garden Design is looking for an experienced gardener or horticulturist to join our small fine-gardening team caring for high-quality residential gardens throughout the greater Portland and coastal southern Maine area. This is not a mowing or general landscape maintenance position. Our work is focused on the thoughtful care and development of established gardens, including perennial and shrub borders, native and naturalistic plantings, ornamental pruning, containers, seasonal garden care, and planting and enhancement projects. We are a small, collaborative crew and take a horticulturally focused approach to our work. We're looking for someone who genuinely enjoys plants, notices details, works efficiently, and takes pride in leaving a garden better than they found it. What You'll Do Fine garden maintenance and seasonal garden care Weeding, edging and detailed garden cleanup Perennial care, including deadheading, cutting back, dividing and editing Ornamental shrub pruning Planting and transplanting perennials, shrubs and small trees Mulching, soil amendment and fertilization Container planting and care Identifying plant health concerns and communicating observations Working independently and collaboratively to maintain a high standard across established residential gardens Assisting with occasional garden installation and enhancement projects For the right person, there is also an opportunity to take on greater responsibility for individual properties and potentially grow into a crew-lead role. Who We're Looking For Previous professional gardening, horticulture, nursery, farming, estate gardening or related experience is strongly preferred.

A strong candidate will:

Have good plant knowledge and an interest in continuing to learn Understand—or be excited to learn—the difference between fine gardening and general landscape maintenance Be comfortable working thoughtfully in established gardens Have strong attention to detail Be reliable, organized and communicative Work efficiently without sacrificing quality Enjoy working as part of a small team Be comfortable working outdoors in changing Maine weather Be capable of the physical demands of gardening, including kneeling, bending, lifting, carrying and being on your feet throughout the workday Have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation Schedule Our regular gardening schedule is Monday through Thursday. Full-time availability is preferred, but we are also open to an experienced candidate seeking a consistent 2-3 day per week schedule if they are an excellent fit for the team. This position is seasonal, generally running from spring through late fall. Winter employment is not expected to be available for this position for the upcoming winter season, with the opportunity to return for the following gardening season for the right candidate. The position can begin this fall, or we're happy to speak with an exceptional candidate whose availability begins with the 2027 season. Compensation Competitive hourly pay based on horticultural knowledge, professional experience and ability. About the Position We're intentionally building a small, skilled gardening team, rather than a large landscape maintenance operation. Our gardeners return to the same properties throughout the season. You'll get to know the gardens, understand how they change over time, develop relationships with the properties, and have input into how they're cared for. We value horticultural knowledge, curiosity, attention to detail, good judgment and teamwork. For someone who wants to make gardening a career, there is room to deepen plant and pruning knowledge, take ownership of properties, and grow within the company. To Apply Please send a resume or brief summary of your relevant gardening, horticultural, farming, nursery or landscape experience. Along with your experience, we'd love to hear a little about what type of garden work you most enjoy and what you're looking for in your next position.

Pay:

$23.00 - $30.00 per hour Expected hours: 20.0 - 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Flexible schedule

Work Location:

In person