Horticulture & Landscape Maintenance Supervisor
About the Opportunity
Summary
Reporting to the Associate Director, the
Horticulture &
Landscape Supervisor provides leadership and oversight of the
daily operations of the university's grounds staff on the Boston
campus. The Supervisor is responsible for ensuring safety, quality,
and compliance with university standards while maintaining a
landscape that supports and enhances the university's arboretum.
While this position does not perform bargaining unit work, the
successful candidate will blend horticultural expertise and
leadership skills to guide grounds maintenance operations and
preserve the distinctive character of our urban arboretum. This
role requires an understanding of the challenges of caring for
diverse plant collections as well as a commitment to creating and
maintaining outdoor spaces that are reflective of our global
university community.
The Horticulture & Landscape Supervisor is considered essential
personnel. This is a condition of employment. Job description and
schedule are subject to change due to University needs and
demands.
Available schedule:
Tuesday through Saturday, 6AM -
2:30PM
Qualifications & Certifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Landscape Management, Urban
Forestry, or closely related field required; an equivalent
combination of education and experience may be considered
Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in landscape or
grounds maintenance required
Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience managing landscape
or grounds crews required
Experience working in urban environments, arboretums, or
university settings preferred.
Technical Competencies
- Strong knowledge of plant identification and care, particularly
woody and perennial species suitable for USDA Zone 6b
- Understanding of urban soil conditions, turf care, and
remediation techniques
- Knowledge of sustainable landscaping practices,
stormwater/green infrastructure, and integrated pest
management
- Familiarity with New England climate challenges, seasonal
planning, plant selection, and snow/ice removal
- Experience with landscape equipment, irrigations systems, and
grounds safety standards
Required Certifications
- Valid Massachusetts driver's license with clean driving record
with a valid DOT Certificate
- Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator License (Categories 36 &
37) or ability to obtain within 6 months of
hire
Other Requirements
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Must lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly
- Extensive walking across campus (73-acre Boston campus)
- On-call availability for snow removal emergencies and storm
response
- Occasional evening and weekend work for special events and
programs
- Must successfully complete a criminal background check and
motor vehicle record check
Preferred Qualifications
- OSHA 10 (or equivalent) safety certification
- OPSI Hoisting Engineer 2A/1C certification
- Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) through PGMS
- ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification/ISA Certified
Arborist
- Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist
- Experience with GIS mapping and digital tree inventory
systems
Key Accountabilities
Campus Landscape Operations
- Coordinate daily assignments for 8-12 grounds staff, ensuring
efficient operations across 11+ acres of campus landscape and
hardscape.
- Assess work quality, provide training on proper care techniques
for trees and plant collections, and support skill-building and
professional development.
- Enforce safety protocols and ensure compliance with
Northeastern University policies.
- Manage and monitor snow removal/weather-related emergency
crews, including assigning tasks, inspecting work, and ensuring
operational standards are met.
- Maintain high-traffic areas and manage snow removal operations
to ensure pedestrian safety during New England winters.
- Oversee irrigation systems and support water conservation
initiatives.
- Collaborate with campus departments to support special events
and ceremonies and participate in Arbor Day and other
arboretum-based educational programs.
- Ensure campus grounds consistently meet PGMS Honor Award
standards.
Horticultural Excellence
- Oversee maintenance of signature campus features, including the
Curry Student Center Koi Pond and Veterans Memorial Gardens.
- Plan, manage, and implement seasonal plantings and displays
featuring native New England species and international specimens to
ensure year-round campus appeal.
- Maintain campus ecosystems that support bee hotels and
pollinator initiatives.
Position Type
Facilities
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work
experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit
eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid
time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as
well as commuting & transportation. Visit
https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for
more information.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive
consideration for employment without regard to race, religion,
color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability
status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable
law.
Base Pay Rate:
$44.21
To apply, visit https://northeastern.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/job/Boston-MA-Main-Campus/Horticulture---Landscape-Maintenance-Supervisor_R141144
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