Horticulturist I, Arboretum Jobs

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 Arboretum Horticulturist I. The successful candidate will join the Arboretum’s Horticulture Department in the stewardship of one of the finest and most significant woody plant collections in North America. Horticulturists are responsible for the full range of horticultural and landscape maintenance tasks within assigned management zones.

Responsibilities include installation and establishment of new specimens; maintenance and structural pruning of young trees, shrubs, and vines; weed, mulch and compost operations; planning and execution IPM practices; implementation of fine horticulture techniques to increase landscape aesthetics; maintenance of containerized plants; operation and maintenance of a wide-range of equipment; planning and execution of landscape improvement projects; snow operations and other weather related essential work; and other assignments as part of the full horticulture operation.

In addition, horticulture staff members support the Arboretum’s longstanding internship training programs through development and instruction of courses, 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 effective 11/16/2022: $37.09. Full-time, Regular, Benefits Eligible Position. The position is classified as essential staff, requiring work during weather-related emergencies impacting the grounds.

The Arboretum Horticulturist I position performs a wide variety of duties associated with the overall operation of the Arnold Arboretum including:

• Maintain, repair, and operate various equipment
• Evaluate and improve landscape aesthetics
• Identify and assist with repair of irrigation, drainage, paths and other hardscape and infrastructure systems
• Soil health monitoring and improvement
• Pest and disease monitoring and management as part of a holistic IPM program
• Maintenance and structural pruning of young trees, shrubs, and vines
• Related job duties as assigned.
• May oversee the work of Gardener I and Gardener II workers as assigned
• Weed management and lawn maintenance
• Nursery practices including ball-and-burlap techniques and proper planting protocols
• Leaf, litter, and snow management
• Oversee the work of interns, apprentices, and seasonal term appointments

Please note: a cover letter is required as part of your application.

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in the field of horticulture or a related field is required.
• Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree is required. Hiring preference for degrees in arboriculture, horticulture, or related field.
• Significant experience in ornamental horticulture may be substituted for the educational requirement.

• Experience in woody plant production
• Demonstrate performance in the safe & proper operation of the Arboretum’s equipment
• Demonstrate ability to perform manual labor, including frequent lifting/carrying/transporting heavy loads up to 50 lbs.
• Required to work in all weather conditions in all seasons

• Must be able to work outdoors in various plant collections and habitats during all seasons
• Must be able to lift up to fifty pounds

• Work takes place outdoors in rugged terrain

• Must possess and maintain a Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator’s License within six months of employment and either a Massachusetts Commercial Pesticide License or a Massachusetts Private Pesticide License within three years of employment.
• We regret that we cannot provide sponsorship for this position.
• We welcome interested applicants to view our website at: https://arboretum.harvard.edu to learn about our events at https://arboretum.harvard.edu/events/. Read about our land acknowledgment at 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/
• Must possess and maintain (within six months of employment) a hoisting license of the proper classification as required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• This position is 100% on-site.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and acquire a D.O.T. Medical Examiner’s Certificate as part of the pre-hiring process.
• Must be certified as an Arborist with the Massachusetts Arborist Association or with the International Society of Arboriculture within six months of employment.

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.

Technical

USA - MA - Jamaica Plain

200004 Horticulturist I, Arboretum

On-Site

Horticulture

Arnold Arboretum

Full-time

000

04 - Serv Emp Int Loc 615-Arnld Arb

DMV, Drug Testing, Education, Identity

Full time. Monday through Friday. 40 hours per week.

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.