Director of Gardens and Grounds

Posting date: March 17, 2026

Job Reference: 002521SR

• Job Type: Full-time
• Location: Washington
• School/Unit: Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences
• Salary Grade: 059
• Job Function: Facilities
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Term Appointment: No
• Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary:

Dumbarton Oaks is a research institute, museum, and historic garden affiliated with Harvard University and located in Washington, D.C. The Director of the Dumbarton Oaks Gardens and Grounds is responsible for managing and overseeing the care of this 16-acre historic property, including a ten-acre garden of international significance for which the initial design was developed in the 1920s by Beatrix Farrand in collaboration with Mildred Bliss. The Gardens include terraces and lawns, nine fountains and ornamental pools, many stone and wood structures, a pebble garden, rose garden, herbaceous borders, a swimming pool, Orangery, and a state-of-the-art greenhouse complex. This role leads all aspects of planning and maintenance of the Gardens, working to preserve the original Mildred Bliss/Beatrix Farrand concept, while actively engaging with Dumbarton Oaks’ scholarly communities and the public.

We are seeking an individual with proven leadership and supervisory experience in managing a garden team, knowledge of historic garden preservation, and curation of historic collections. Successful candidates will also be familiar with new protocols for sustainability and storm water management and have an understanding of environmental challenges, as well as a genuine interest in interacting with our research community.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Leads all phases of historic garden maintenance including regular care, planting and purchases, and preservation of architectural elements. Seeks out and incorporates technical advice from specialists such as arborists, landscape architects, conservators, and garden historians.
• Oversees the maintenance of other green spaces and gardens on the Dumbarton Oaks campus.
• Oversees the overall management of the greenhouse, including environmental controls, irrigation systems, automated systems software and equipment compliance, in consultation with external vendors, IT, and Facilities departments.
• Develops and administers the budget for the Department of Gardens and Grounds.
• Works with garden crew leaders to monitor plant health and respond in compliance with accepted IPM practices, Harvard policies, and District of Columbia and federal laws. Maintains appropriate documentation, inspection protocols, and reporting standards.
• Collaborates with the Director of Facilities on capital projects including storm water management, utilities infrastructure, structural condition surveys, ADA/accessibility questions, drainage systems, hardscape restoration, etc.
• Advises on horticultural and landscape architectural components of renovation and construction projects at Dumbarton Oaks.
• Coordinates operations (e.g. emergency planning) with other Dumbarton Oaks departments including Security, Publications, the Library, the Museum, and Administration, as needed. Provides input and oversight into the safety conditions for visitors, including the public.
• Collaborates with the Events and Visitor Services Team to ensure that Garden spaces are in accordance with expectations and preparation for relevant events and public visitation.
• Offers input on contemporary art installations in the Gardens and advises on logistics and implementation to ensure care and preservation of the historic landscape.
• Participates in scholarly programming and projects related to the Dumbarton Oaks Gardens, including the curation of archival and visual materials related to their design.
• Communicates the historic significance of the Gardens in dialogue with various internal and external communities, including residential fellows and external attendees of scholarly and public events; collaborates with other departments on educational and outreach activities and programs focused on the Gardens.
• Oversees and implements special projects supported by the Dumbarton Oaks budget or external donors.
• Oversees/offers training for docents and volunteers as needed.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Hires and supervises permanent garden staff as well as seasonal staff. Trains and counsels garden staff in proper horticultural techniques and safe use of equipment, tools, chemicals, and other materials. Conducts probationary and annual evaluations of all garden staff.
• Selects contractors and oversees their work, including maintenance, repair and restoration of ground-related outbuildings, garden sculpture, brick-, iron-, and stonework, pools, and fountains.
• Must be able to respond onsite during emergencies affecting safety or preservation of the Gardens.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to perform the duties of the position, including but not limited to walking to inspect the ten-acre Gardens area and oversee personnel; stand for long periods of time; lift and carry up to 50 pounds when needed.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in plant science, landscape architecture, or related field.
• Ten or more years of gardening and ground management experience involving plant materials, propagation, cultivation, IPM techniques, automated greenhouse operations.
• Experience in budget administration and facilities operations.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s degree or higher is preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Spanish language skills an advantage.
• Ability to obtain D.C. Certified Pesticide Applicator’s license.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 059. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.