Lead Horticulturist

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 Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Job Description

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University seeks a highly motivated and skilled horticulture professional, passionate about the care of diverse plant collections, gardens, and landscapes, to fill the role of Lead Horticulturist. The successful candidate will join the Arboretum’s Horticulture Department in stewarding one of the finest and most significant woody plant collections in North America.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Manager of Horticulture, the Lead Horticulturist:

• Oversees the work of assigned horticulturists and gardeners.
• Coordinates daily activities to ensure work is completed properly, safely, and in a timely manner.
• Is responsible for ordering, inventory control, and maintenance of equipment and supplies associated with the team’s work.
• Serves as a lead in the Arboretum’s Plant Health Care and safety programs.
• Assists with training and onboarding of new staff.
• Performs maintenance and structural pruning of young trees, shrubs, and vines.
• Carries out nursery practices, including ball-and-burlap techniques and proper planting protocols.
• Monitors and manage pests and diseases as part of a holistic Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.
• Performs weed management and lawn maintenance.
• Monitors and improves soil health.
• Evaluates and enhances landscape aesthetics in assigned areas.
• Safely operates, maintains, and performs minor repairs on various horticultural and landscape equipment.
• Performs leaf, litter, and snow management.
• Identifies and assists with repair of irrigation, drainage, paths, and other hardscape and infrastructure systems.
• Oversees the work of interns, apprentices, and seasonal or term staff as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The Lead Horticulturist is a key member of the Horticulture & Landscape crew and is expected to lead by example by following Arboretum policies and safety practices and promoting a collaborative, team-oriented environment. This role works closely with other members of the leadership team to support continuous improvement of operations and team dynamics.

Working Conditions:

• This position is primarily performed outdoors in a variety of field conditions. Work is regularly conducted in all seasons and in all types of weather, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.
• Work may involve exposure to noise, dust, pollen, chemicals (including fertilizers and pesticides), and other environmental conditions associated with horticultural operations. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided and is required when indicated.
• Work schedules may occasionally include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed, particularly during weather-related events or other operational emergencies.
• This position is designated as essential personnel for certain weather-related or emergency situations and is expected to report to work or remain on duty as required.

Physical Requirements:

• This role requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, kneel, and crouch for extended periods of time.
• The position requires the ability to frequently lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• The role involves regular use of hand tools and power equipment and may include operating vehicles and equipment such as trucks, tractors, mowers, and loaders.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications are the minimum requirements a candidate must meet to be considered for this role.

Bachelor’s or associate degree required; preference for degrees in arboriculture, horticulture, or a closely related field.

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in horticulture or a closely related field.
• In lieu of a degree, a minimum of five (5) additional years of experience in ornamental horticulture required.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate as part of the pre-hiring process and on an ongoing basis.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in the safe and proper operation of horticultural and landscape equipment.
• Ability to serve as essential staff for weather-related emergencies impacting the grounds (e.g., snow events, storms).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead, train, and coordinate the work of others.
• Demonstrated commitment to working safely and fostering a respectful, inclusive work environment.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Will be required to obtain and maintain a Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator License within six (6) months of employment and either a Massachusetts Commercial Pesticide License or a Massachusetts Private Pesticide License within three (3) years of employment.
• Will be required to obtain and maintain, within six (6) months of employment, a hoisting license of the proper classification as required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• Will be required to obtain and maintain certification as an Arborist with the Massachusetts Arborist Association or with the International Society of Arboriculture within six (6) months of employment.
• May be required to obtain and maintain a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), if job duties require the operation of commercial motor vehicles.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Compensation: The hourly rate for this position is $48.43, as negotiated in the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 32BJ Arboretum Employees’ agreement.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screenings: Identity, Education, DOT Physical, RMV and Drug screenings.
• Other Information:
  • Pre-Employment Requirements
    • As part of the hiring process, the finalist will be required to:
    • Undergo a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination or provide proof of such examination.
    • Complete a drug screening, as permitted by applicable law.
    • Successfully complete a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) license verification.
    • Undergo an education background check.

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 000. Corresponding salary information can be found in the job description above.

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.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.