As one of the great gardens of the world located just 30 miles outside of Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens is rooted in a steadfast mission of bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Across our many departments, each and every staff member creates the magic that makes our Gardens distinctive. Our team of dynamic professionals is what sets us apart, and our spirit of legacy, innovation, and opportunity is what guides us. While beauty is our heart, our people are our soul.

The Seasonal Land Stewardship & Ecology Technician at Granogue will assist with implementing ecological science and land stewardship initiatives at Longwood at Granogue, a 505-acre cultural landscape in Wilmington, Delaware that Longwood Gardens acquired in 2024 for conservation. Stewardship planning and implementation are just beginning at Granogue, and this seasonal position will play an important role in supporting foundational ecological assessment and planning efforts.

In summer 2026, Longwood Gardens will conduct a baseline ecological assessment of the property, including a detailed plant community mapping effort. This seasonal position will work alongside hired botanical contractors to survey and map plant communities across the property in order to document ecological conditions, identify conservation challenges and opportunities, and inform long-term stewardship planning. The technician may also assist with intensive plot-level botanical surveys and, depending on program needs, contribute to a variety of stewardship tasks across the property, including but not limited to, helping with the establishment of a deer monitoring and management program.

This work is technical in nature and requires an understanding of ecological principles, the ability to perform extensive field work and operate electronic data collection equipment, familiarity with Northern Delaware and Mid-Atlantic plant communities (including both native and invasive species), the ability to implement scientific research protocols and stewardship activities, and the ability to be largely self-directed following initial training. Responsibilities include:

• Recording botanical and spatial data in the field using tablets or other electronic data-collection tools.
• Assisting with the delineation and mapping of plant communities and documenting notable species and ecological conditions encountered during surveys.
• Transferring, organizing, and curating field data using computer-based tools, including GIS platforms, as directed.
• Assisting with botanical plot surveys and other ecological monitoring activities.
• Carrying out stewardship tasks in varied terrain and weather conditions, including invasive species management using manual or mechanical techniques, trail maintenance, ecological restoration activities, and other duties as assigned.
• Adhering to all Horticulture Department policies and procedures.
• Creating an extraordinary experience for internal and external partners through professional actions and interactions.
• Ensuring that all aspects of work are conducted with the highest standards of safety.

This position will be Monday through Friday with a start time of 6:00 AM. The duration of the seasonal work will run from May 11th through mid to late August.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Active pursuit of a 2–4-year degree in Ecology or a related field, or completion of a 2–4-year degree in Ecology, Wildlife and Natural Resources Management, Horticulture, Biology, Geography, or a related discipline. Alternatively, two or more years of employment in natural resources management, ecology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated interest or experience in botany, ecology, or GIS, and the ability to work collaboratively with external partners and contractors.
• Demonstrated experience with detail-oriented data collection and management.
• Strong organizational and computer skills, including familiarity with tools for mapping and data management.
• The ability to identify native and non-native plant species of the region.
• The ability to work on a variety of tasks and be largely self-directed (after receiving initial training).
• The ability to lift, move, and transport up to 50 pounds and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• The ability to work weekends, holidays, and evening hours as required.

Longwood Gardens is committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment that celebrates the complexities and differences of all living things. We welcome and respect diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. Diversity creates a more beautiful world, sparks innovation, and unites us.