Lead Gardener

Do you love historic gardens, heirloom plants, and sharing knowledge with others? Storrowton Village Museum, a department of Eastern States Exposition is seeking a part time, seasonal (January-October) Lead Gardener to bring our 19th-century gardens to life at the historic Gilbert Farmhouse.

This is more than a gardening job—it’s an opportunity to steward living history, work outdoors in a beautiful museum setting, and engage the public in the stories of the past through plants, cultivation, and interpretation.

About the Role
As Lead Gardener, you’ll be the primary caretaker of our historic gardens, guiding them through the growing season while balancing historical accuracy with modern preservation practices. You’ll dig, plant, weed, plan, problem-solve, and teach—sometimes all in the same day.

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Thrives outdoors and enjoys hands-on work
• Is organized and tuned into seasonal rhythms 
• Loves sharing knowledge with volunteers and visitors 
• Enjoys creative problem-solving and collaborative work 
• Doesn’t mind wearing 19th-century attire from time to time

In general, the Lead Gardener will work 12-15 hours per week in April – October while January-March will be limited hours for planning and seed starting. The schedule is flexible as long as the needs of the gardens are met and a regular, weekly check-in time occurs during business hours. There is potential for this role to expand into a year-round, part-time position for the right candidate.

 What You’ll Do

• Plan, plant, cultivate, and maintain historic gardens throughout the season
• Support and participate in garden-based educational programs and demonstrations
• Lead spring and fall clean-ups, including cutting back plants, bed preparation, and weeding
• Prepare soil and planting areas for a variety of plants, herbs, and flowers 
• Source heirloom seeds and coordinate with local farms and suppliers 
• Train and guide volunteers, building skills while ensuring high-quality work
• Collaborate with the Village’s landscape crew and museum staff 
• Assist with costumed garden interpretation during The Big E

What We’re Looking For 

• High school diploma or equivalent (some college or professional training preferred)
• Experience with gardening, herbs, horticulture, or related skills 
• Strong communication skills and comfort interacting with the public 
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to work independently 
• Comfortable using email and text messaging for communication 
• Willingness to wear 19th-century period costume when required 
• Ability to perform physical outdoor work in varied weather conditions 
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs and work on stepladders 
• Flexibility, humility, and a sense of humor—essential!

To Apply
Please submit a resume and a cover letter explaining your interest and enthusiasm for this role. No additional materials are required, however photos of previous gardens, layout plans, etc. are welcome!