Plant Curatorial Fellowship

Job Description

Job Description

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library encompasses an unrivaled museum of American decorative arts in its mansion and galleries and a magnificent 60-acre naturalistic garden—all set on 1,000 gorgeous acres.

Winterthur employs a wide array of positions in the areas of curatorial, horticulture, education, conservation, library, maintenance, marketing, development, technology, and administration.

Winterthur offers a unique and rewarding experience that is rich in culture and natural beauty. Winterthur considers its employees and volunteers to be among its greatest assets and welcomes applications from candidates who will contribute their specific skills to its mission “to inspire, enlighten, and delight all of its visitors while preserving and enhancing [Winterthur]” and also uphold its core values of agility, excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusion, and transparency.

JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Plant Curatorial Fellowship supports an emerging professional in garden curation, collection management, or historic landscape interpretation, offering an opportunity to help steward Winterthur’s historic garden. Widely recognized as one of the nation’s most important examples of the twentieth century “wild garden” style, the Winterthur Garden is defined by its historic living collections and their artful integration within the natural landscape.
The Curatorial Fellow will assist with the documentation and assessment of Winterthur’s living collections, with an emphasis on key groupings such as the peony collections. The Fellow will participate in essential daily curatorial work, tracking plant condition, maintaining records, and supporting collections management to ensure the long-term health and continuity of the collections.

The Fellow will also devote substantial time to archival research within Winterthur’s world-class library. Drawing on historical records and institutional resources, the Fellow may collaborate across departments to develop compelling interpretive narratives, exhibits, and outreach initiatives that connect the living collections to their history, design, and horticultural significance. The Fellowship will include travel to other gardens and sites of related interest. This work deepens public appreciation of the garden and its collections and as a resource for education, scholarship, and inspiration.

The curatorial Fellow will undertake an independent curatorial or research project focused on a significant plant grouping. This Fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity for a recent graduate pursuing a career in historic garden curation.

***This is a temporary position with a one year term, with the opportunity to apply for an extension for a second year. Preferred start date is January 5, 2027. Please apply prior to December 1, 2026.***

Compensation: $19.00/hour

Benefits:   Including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous paid time off plan including 10 holidays, vacation, personal, and sick time; 403b with employer match for eligible employees; discounts in the museum store and cafe; free general admission for you and your immediate family

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 2:30 pm (35 hours/week plus optional 5 extra hours)

Responsibilities:

1. Assist with documenting the living collection using Winterthur’s plant records database and ArcGIS Online tools, ensuring accurate, up-to-date records. 
2. Inventory garden areas and assist with documenting the health and condition of key   collections, contributing to long-term collections management and care. 
3. Research selected garden collections, such as the Peony collection using documents in the archives, including historic maps, oral histories, and photos to develop compelling and educational narratives
4. Design engaging narratives using ArcGIS Story Maps and/or other digital platforms to effectively share the story of the collection.
5. Expand educational and public engagement opportunities through presentations, talks, and outreach initiatives, strengthening the garden’s interpretation and outreach efforts.
6. Peruse publication opportunities for research discoveries and interpretive advancements
7. Assist with photographic documentation of the living collection for records, storytelling, and outreach purposes. 
8. Aesthetic & Environmental Stewardship: Acquire an understanding of the history and design intent of the Winterthur Garden and Estate.
9. Garden Programming: Become familiar with weekly garden lecture series, special garden events, and attend other programs as appropriate.
10. Travel to other gardens and places of interest related to research topics and curation.

Minimum Experience:  Graduate of an accredited college or university in Natural Science or Humanities with one year of experience in a garden or museum setting, including work related to collections management, documentation, or interpretation.

Knowledge/Skills:

1. Ability to execute oral and written directions.
2. Basic knowledge of ornamental plants and plant collections.
3. Ability to express ideas clearly, orally and in writing.
4. Basic knowledge of Horticulture and Plant Science including identification and basic assessment of plant health.
5. Experience applying research methods and documentation practices.
6. Familiarity with GIS and database programs.

Essential Functions:

1. Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
2. Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
3. Occasional exposure to garden elements including insects and pesticides
4. Ability to work at a computer for up to 8 hours a day

Thank you for considering Winterthur Museum job opportunities.

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