Careers & Opportunities

Posted: October 8, 2025

Application Deadline: October 19, 2025

Bartram’s Garden seeks an RSI Seasonal Facilities Assistant to work as part of the Facilities team in all aspects of facilities care and maintenance. Candidates with experience in visitor/customer service, public gardens, parks, etc. preferred.

Responsibilities Include:

• General facility maintenance: facility maintenance tasks (painting, graffiti removal, simple repairs, etc.), assisting in equipment upkeep, assisting with projects, supporting Facilities Technician’s work.
• Candidates will be asked to occasionally work with volunteers to accomplish specific seasonal tasks. This individual may also be tasked with assisting with visitor service tasks including but not limited to parking and traffic direction, trash cleanup and removal, aiding people in need, etc.
• All other work-related duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license is required
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with the staff and public will be required
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as self-driven: organization and time management skills to effectively work without close supervision are necessary
• The ability to operate equipment and tools safely and efficiently, including power and hand tools, saws, and other equipment
• Experience with trades, horticulture, allied fields and public-facing work is desired but not explicitly required for this position
• Must be willing to work in all seasonal weather conditions
• Must be able to lift at least 40 pounds
• Must reside in Philadelphia, PA

Schedule and Compensation   

Working from October 2025 through June 2026, this is a non-exempt, seasonal, part-time position at approximately 30 hours/week with a total hourly rate of $18. The Part-Time Seasonal Facilities Assistant will mainly be scheduled to work between Monday and Friday, including the possibility of some evenings and the occasional weekend day.

* Note: This position is funded primarily by Philadelphia Parks and Recreation at $18/hr.

Application Information 
To apply, please send your resume along with a cover letter describing your interest in the position to jobs@bartramsgarden.org by October 19, 2025. Include “RSI Seasonal Facilities Assistant” in the email subject line. Only those whose applications are being considered will be contacted. No phone calls or visits, please.

Bartram’s Garden recognizes the value of promoting a diverse workforce. All individuals, including those from historically under-represented groups, are strongly encouraged to apply. In addition, any form of personal or professional connections to Southwest Philadelphia will be considered a plus for all applicants. If desired, applicants are invited to reflect in their cover letter or other written statement on how their professional and lived experiences position them for their requested role.  

About Bartram’s Garden 

Bartram’s Garden is a 50-acre public park and National Historic Landmark in Southwest Philadelphia, situated on Lenape territory on the banks of the Tidal Schuylkill River. Welcoming more than 125,000 visitors annually, it is a venue for art, an access to the tidal river and wetlands, an outdoor classroom, and a living laboratory. Bartram’s Garden attempts to hold the colonial legacy of the land with a commitment to learn and share the whole truth about the plants of Southwest Philadelphia and the people who grow them. The site encompasses the Bartram family’s 18th-century house and farm buildings, the country’s oldest surviving botanic garden, a reclaimed meadow, tidal wetlands, the Sankofa Community Farm, recreational trails, and the riverfront with an accessible public boat dock and community boathouse. 

The Garden is operated and maintained by the non-profit John Bartram Association in cooperation with the City of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department. The mission of the John Bartram Association is to co-create equitable relationships among people and nature through immersive, community-centered experiences that activate the Bartram legacy, Garden, and House, on land and on the Schuylkill River, in Southwest Philadelphia.  

Bartram’s Garden has been working to build its local Southwest-focused programs and activities and strengthen its community partnerships with nearby families, schools, and neighborhood groups. Thanks to plans for significant upcoming site investments, including major construction projects and expanded partnerships, the Garden is in the midst of transformation, with unprecedented opportunities for growth and renewal. 

Posted: August 26, 2025 

This position is responsible for the primary maintenance and upkeep of Bartram’s Garden’s river and aquatic infrastructure and equipment, working collaboratively with the Facilities and Public Programs teams to ensure facilities in and on the Schuylkill River are safe and well maintained in support of public programming welcoming thousands of visitors each year. This position requires work outdoors in all weather conditions, in- and adjacent-to water work, dock and vessel maintenance, and boat repair. The successful candidate will be able to work independently as well as with other teams at Bartram’s Garden. Additionally, the nature and location of this work is in the public eye and will interface with neighbors and guests from the public through the normal performance of duties. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

FloatLab Maintenance & Operations 

• Operation and management of vessel equipment and dock, maintaining clean, safe and fully functional facilities/vessel at all times 

• Cyclic cleaning and debris removal, pressure washing vessel as necessary, and coordinating in-water cleaning and debris removal as necessary with River Program, Facilities, and any other applicable teams 

• Storm/emergency operations (deballasting/reballasting) 

• Perform maintenance and inspection of FloatLab and its dock/gangway and associated area and infrastructure according to the operations and maintenance manual 

Dock & Boathouse Maintenance & Upkeep 

• Maintain and service dock and boathouses in coordination with River Program team: pressure-washing, ensuring infrastructure/equipment is safe and operable, emergency repairs, shade sails/shade around boathouse, lifering buoys 

• Seasonal opening and closing work for dock including but not limited to installation and removal of shade sails and umbrellas, repairs to dock and boathouse, etc. 

• Familiarity with local and regional marine contractors and vendors is a plus 

River Program Support & Safety 

• Collaborate with River Program team on program support and FloatLab needs as they relate to infrastructure and safety in and around the river 

• Keep all River Program facilities well-maintained in collaboration with Facilities and Public Programs 

• Oversee procurement and maintenance of equipment needed for maintenance and upkeep of river/riparian facilities. 

• Maintain partnership and compliance with relevant regulatory, scientific, and law enforcement entities:  

• • US Coast Guard, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Philadelphia Police Department Marine Unit, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection 

• • Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Schuylkill River Development Corporation, Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary 

Maintenance & Work Coordination & Record-Keeping 

• Work with River Program team to repair, store and move rowboats and kayaks as necessary 

• Boat repair: work with the River Program team to maintain boathouse fleet (currently 1 motorized RIB, 40 kayaks, 12 wooden rowboats) 

• • Wooden boats: carpentry repairs and adhesives 

• • Kayaks: plastic welding and repair, fiberglass  

• • RIB: marine engine/outboard maintenance and winterization 

• Shop management and upkeep: work collaboratively with Maintenance Technician to ensure workshop is kept safe, organized, accessible and time/access is scheduled 

• Recordkeeping and budgeting: use MaintainX work management software to plan and log all work as well as up/downtime for assets 

• Planning and running volunteer/staff work sessions to accomplish body of work 

• Plan longer-term and strategic infrastructure improvements and maintenance with Director of Landscapes and Facilities and River Program Manager 

• Update and maintain standard operating procedures, emergency action plans, and safety information. Identify and evaluate anticipated programmatic risks, take appropriate action to mitigate, and be prepared to respond to problems as they arise 

Qualifications 

• 2–4 years’ experience working in trades and marine construction/maintenance (or allied fields). Trade school or degree is not required but beneficial 

• Experience in trades associated with marine maintenance and construction. Preferred candidates will have experience or knowledge of basic carpentry/woodworking repair techniques, basic plumbing and electrical, fiberglass, marine coatings and finishes, adhesives, and/or plastic welding and repair. 

• Experience working with the public. Volunteer coordination experience is a plus 

• General boating knowledge, including proficiency in small powered and unpowered watercraft as well as dock/marina/basic vessel maintenance.  

• Ability to drive and back a trailer to launch and recover motorboat 

• Familiar with operating electrical equipment, including shore power connections, circuit breakers, and motor starters, or willingness to learn the above. 

• Proficiency in project design, planning, implementation, and coordination 

• Experience working in urban communities like Southwest Philadelphia 

• Sensitivity to cross-cultural dynamics and experience working with a diverse set of partners and team members 

• Strong organizational skills, multitasking ability, time management skills, flexible and responsive mindset and attention to detail 

• Excellent communication skills for a variety of audiences and stakeholders regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, age, ability and religion 

• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions 

• Ability to lift 50lbs, climb ladders, and perform physical tasks under varied conditions 

• Experience working in communities of color and commitment to racial, economic, environmental, and social justice 

• Personal or professional familiarity with Southwest Philadelphia preferred 

Required Certifications & Licenses (may be obtained upon employment) 

• First Aid/CPR/AED 

• Driver’s license 

• Pennsylvania safety boater certification 

• Pennsylvania Criminal History Check (PATCH/PA State Police) 

• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Check (PA Dept of Human Services) 

• FBI Criminal History Check 

Physical Requirements 

The River Maintenance Technician is a physically demanding position that is conducted outdoors, often in difficult weather conditions, on the water, and in office and workshop settings. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly be required to move and operate boats, vehicles, maintenance equipment, and tools; stand and/or walk for extended periods of time; and work in immediate proximity to general public in a safe and friendly manner. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The administrative components of this position require the ability to sit/stand at a desk, work on a computer, and use a monitor for extended periods of time. 

Schedule and Compensation   

Our site is open daily, and the River Maintenance Technician will be required to work weekend and evening programs seasonally, some holidays, occasional early mornings, and occasional late nights in support of regular river programming and special events. Additionally, all full-time staff support annual site-wide weekend and evening events including Southwest Spring Fest (April); Juneteenth (June); Twilight in the Garden (October); Indigenous People’s Day (October); Harvest Fest (October); and Handmade Holidays (December).  

Starting salary is between $44,000–$48,000 annually, depending on experience. Benefits include healthcare and dental coverage, short and long-term disability coverage, paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.  

Application Information 
To apply, please send your resume along with a cover letter describing your interest in the position to jobs@bartramsgarden.org. Include “River Maintenance Technician” in the email subject line. Only those whose applications are being considered will be contacted. No phone calls or visits, please. Bartram’s Garden recognizes the value of promoting a diverse workforce.   

All individuals, including those from historically under-represented groups, are strongly encouraged to apply. In addition, any form of personal or professional connections to Southwest Philadelphia will be considered a plus for all applicants. If desired, applicants are invited to reflect in their cover letter or other written statement on how their professional and lived experiences position them for their requested role.  

About Bartram’s Garden 

Bartram’s Garden is a 50-acre public park and National Historic Landmark in Southwest Philadelphia, situated on Lenape territory on the banks of the Tidal Schuylkill River. Welcoming more than 125,000 visitors annually, it is a venue for art, an access to the tidal river and wetlands, an outdoor classroom, and a living laboratory. Bartram’s Garden attempts to hold the colonial legacy of the land with a commitment to learn and share the whole truth about the plants of Southwest Philadelphia and the people who grow them. The site encompasses the Bartram family’s 18th-century house and farm buildings, the country’s oldest surviving botanic garden, a reclaimed meadow, tidal wetlands, the Sankofa Community Farm, recreational trails, and the riverfront with an accessible public boat dock and community boathouse. 

The Garden is operated and maintained by the non-profit John Bartram Association in cooperation with the City of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department. The mission of the John Bartram Association is to co-create equitable relationships among people and nature through immersive, community-centered experiences that activate the Bartram legacy, Garden, and House, on land and on the Schuylkill River, in Southwest Philadelphia.  

Bartram’s Garden has been working to build its local Southwest-focused programs and activities and strengthen its community partnerships with nearby families, schools, and neighborhood groups. Thanks to plans for significant upcoming site investments, including major construction projects and expanded partnerships, the Garden is in the midst of transformation, with unprecedented opportunities for growth and renewal. 

Interested in selling your handmade items at Bartram’s Garden? We have opportunities for vending at various events and festivals throughout the year, as well as the possibility of vending wholesale through our Welcome Center. As a neighborhood park, our mission is to prioritize connections in Southwest Philadelphia.

Please fill out the Vending Interest Form. We’ll be in touch if it feels like a good fit. Feel free to contact Tahnisha Thomas at tthomas@bartramsgarden.org with any questions. Thanks!

Contract Opportunity: Archives Research & Organization

Posted: October 7, 2025

Reports to: Executive Director

Status: 1 year limited contract

Contract Amount: Not to exceed $25,000, at a rate of $35/hour

This position is responsible for conducting research from materials in the Bartram’s Garden archival collections, including but not limited to the John Bartram Bowman Special Collections Library, to identify and organize historic information, maps, and documents to inform the Long-Range Landscape Plan being developed through the services of a multi-disciplinary consultant team starting in November 2025. The contractor will also summarize and make accessible extensive electronic documents, including research memos on garden history, environmental history, historic maps, archeological findings from on-site digs, and historic artifacts. Utilizing archiving technologies and AI tools, the contractor shall provide, categorize, and organize the collection for ease of access, including for further research, for the purpose of completing the Long-Range Landscape Plan.

Core responsibilities include:

• Develop, arrange, and describe key archival collections in accordance with accepted standards and practices, including use of AI tools
• Process, digitize, and preserve archival materials and collections including but not limited to architectural records, public documents, and artifacts
• Provide reference services to make relevant materials available for the consultant team and the committee involved in the Long-Range Landscape Plan through appointment requests
• Create digital catalog of archival holdings including e-memos and electronic research materials
• Support the accession and deaccession of collection items to the archives
• Provides input into the institution’s Living Collections Plan

Qualifications

• Professional knowledge of fundamental archival principles, theoretical concepts, techniques and functions, and the ability to apply the knowledge to practical problems
• Thorough knowledge of the theory and practice of computer software and AI tools for archival cataloging and management, such as the EMU collections management system
• Skill to create standard vocabulary for subject terms, personal names, corporate names, and geographic place names according to Library of Congress authority term rules, and the ability to search other online authority files
• Ability to arrange, analyze, and interpret non-current record collections and to assess their value for historical and other scholarly research
• Ability to use archival collections and related resources to accomplish the necessary research to allow the implementation of archival theory and practice at the highest professional level

Physical Requirements

This position includes sitting, standing, kneeling, climbing stairs, walking over varied terrain, repeated adjustments to varied lighting conditions, use of a keyboard and monitor, and lifting or moving objects up to 20 pounds.

This position requires regular on-site work at Bartram’s Garden in Southwest Philadelphia. Some responsibilities may be conducted remotely at the discretion of the position supervisor.

Application Information

To apply, please send your resume along with a cover letter describing your interest in the position to jobs@bartramsgarden.org with “Archives Research & Organization” in the email subject line. Only those whose applications are being considered will be contacted. No phone calls or visits, please.

Bartram’s Garden recognizes the value of promoting a diverse workforce. All individuals, including those from historically under-represented groups, are strongly encouraged to apply. In addition, any form of personal or professional connections to Southwest Philadelphia will be considered a plus for all applicants. If desired, applicants are invited to reflect in their cover letter or other written statement on how their professional and lived experiences position them for their requested role.

About Bartram’s Garden

Bartram’s Garden is a 50-acre public park and National Historic Landmark in Southwest Philadelphia, situated on Lenape territory on the banks of the Tidal Schuylkill River. Welcoming more than 125,000 visitors annually, it is a venue for art, an access to the tidal river and wetlands, an outdoor classroom, and a living laboratory. Bartram’s Garden attempts to hold the colonial legacy of the land with a commitment to learn and share the whole truth about the plants of Southwest Philadelphia and the people who grow them. The site encompasses the Bartram family’s 18th-century house and farm buildings, the country’s oldest surviving botanic garden, a reclaimed meadow, tidal wetlands, the Sankofa Community Farm, recreational trails, and the riverfront with an accessible public boat dock and community boathouse.

The Garden is operated and maintained by the non-profit John Bartram Association in cooperation with the City of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department. The mission of the John Bartram Association is to co-create equitable relationships among people and nature through immersive, community-centered experiences that activate the Bartram legacy, Garden, and House, on land and on the Schuylkill River, in Southwest Philadelphia.

Bartram’s Garden has been working to build its local Southwest-focused programs and activities and strengthen its community partnerships with nearby families, schools, and neighborhood groups. Thanks to plans for significant upcoming site investments, including major construction projects and expanded partnerships, the Garden is in the midst of transformation, with unprecedented opportunities for growth and renewal.

With funding support from the PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, the PA Department of Environmental Protection, and the William Penn Foundation, the Garden is launching the development of its Long-Range Landscape Plan in Fall 2025. The plan will be developed over an 18-month period with an interdisciplinary team of design and ecology professionals along with members of the staff and board and an advisory panel of nationally known experts. This position will support the research- and archive-related needs for developing the Long-Range Landscape Plan.