Gardener Ii, Arboretum Jobs

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University seeks a highly motivated landscaping professional for the role of Gardener II (Landscape Operations). The successful candidate will join the Arboretum’s Horticulture Department in the stewardship of North America’s oldest public arboretum.

The Gardener II will work as a member of the Department’s landscape operations team. Primary responsibilities include mowing, string trimming, and related turf and equipment maintenance; irrigation system design, installation, and maintenance; litter management; snow removal; and other landscape operation and construction tasks as needed. Secondary responsibilities include meadow management and trail installation and upkeep.

This position may be responsible for overseeing the work of Gardener I and seasonal employees as needed. In addition, they may support the Arboretum’s internship training programs through the development and instruction of hands-on training and mentorship. The successful candidate is expected to engage fully in the professional activities of the Arboretum and work collaboratively with colleagues on interdepartmental efforts. The Arboretum seeks to build a dynamic and diverse horticulture team and encourages all interested candidates meeting the basic qualifications to apply.

Hourly Wage: $32.35. Full-time (40 hours per week), Benefits Eligible Position.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions):

• Irrigation and drainage systems
• Mowing, string trimming, and leaf clean-up
• Weeding, mulching, and brush chipping
• Other related job duties as assigned
• May oversee the work of Gardener I workers, seasonal employees, and interns as assigned
• Graffiti removal
• Snow operations
• Soil management
• Maintain, repair and operation of various equipment and hand-tools
• Maintenance of grounds structures (e.g., benches and paths)
• Litter management

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications in order to be considered for this role:

A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in the field of horticulture or a related field. Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and D.O.T. Medical Examiner’s Certificate, which will be paid by the Arboretum as part of the pre-employment process. Must be able to perform manual labor, including frequent lifting/carrying/transporting loads up to 50 lbs. Required to work in all weather conditions in all seasons and essential staff for weather-related emergencies impacting the grounds.

Previous experience with irrigation systems preferred. Maintain appropriate computerized records for equipment and grounds maintenance; order parts and supplies for grounds and equipment that have been approved by the Manager or Assistant Manager.

Possess and maintain (within six months of employment and at the Arboretum's expense) a hoisting license of the proper classification as required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator’s License

Must be able to perform manual labor, including frequent lifting/carrying/transporting loads up to 50 lbs., and work with loud equipment. Required to work in all weather conditions in all seasons and essential staff for weather-related emergencies impacting the grounds.

This position is performed in an outdoor work environment.

PLEASE NOTE: This position is performed on-site in Boston (Jamaica Plain/Roslindale) MA, not in a remote environment. Please also note that Harvard University cannot provide Visa Sponsorship or Work Authorization for this position.

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found on the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.

If you believe you need reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job or to submit an application, please contact us at 617-495-2772. This is a dedicated line to assist job seekers with a disability requiring assistance in applying online.
We welcome interested applicants to view our website at: https://arboretum.harvard.edu to learn about our sesquicentennial celebration at https://arboretum.harvard.edu/arnold150/. Read about our land acknowledgment https://arboretum.harvard.edu/stories/early-indigenous-land-use and our statement on the legacy of slavery: https://arboretum.harvard.edu/about/our-history/the-arnold-arboretum-and-the-legacy-of-slavery/.