Greenhouse Horticulturist I

Full Time
Jamaica Plain, MA
Posted
Job description

Job Summary

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University seeks a skilled greenhouse and nursery professional, passionate about cultivating the Arboretum’s next generation of temperate woody plants, to fill the role of Greenhouse Horticulturist I at the Dana Greenhouse and Nursery. The Greenhouse Horticulturist I is responsible for the full scope of tasks at the Arboretum’s nursery and greenhouse facility, including all aspects of plant care in long-term nurseries, the evaluation nursery, and research-style greenhouses; maintaining landscapes bordering the facility; operating various equipment; planning and executing I.P.M. practices; and completing other assignments as part of the comprehensive Plant Production operation.

This position oversees the work of interns, apprentices, and term appointments and may be responsible for overseeing the work of Gardener I and Gardener II workers as needed. In addition, staff members support the Arboretum’s longstanding internship training programs through the 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.

Full-time, Permanent, Benefits Eligible Position. The normal schedule for this position includes four days during the regular workweek (M-F) and one consistent weekend day, 7:30am-4:00pm (40 hours/week). Occasional additional work on regularly scheduled off-days and holidays is required. Hourly Wage: $37.09.

Position Description

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
Performs a wide variety of duties associated with the overall operation of the Living Collections including:
  • Structural pruning of young trees, and maintenance pruning of shrubs and vines
  • Nursery practices including ball-and-burlap techniques and proper planting protocols
  • Pest and disease monitoring and management as part of a holistic I.P.M. program
  • Weed management and lawn maintenance
  • Soil health monitoring and improvement
  • Evaluate and improve landscape aesthetics
  • Maintain, repair, and operate various equipment
  • Leaf, litter, and snow management
  • Identify and assist with repair of irrigation, drainage, and other hardscape
  • Oversees the work of interns, apprentices, and term appointments
  • May oversee the work of Gardener I and Gardener II workers as assigned
  • Related job duties as assigned

Under the direction of the Assistant Manager of Plant Production, the Greenhouse Horticulturist I may be required to:
  • Regulate greenhouse environments and have the skills necessary for the propagation and production of plants
  • Monitor greenhouses and nurseries for pests and carry out an Integrated Pest Management (I.P.M.) program
  • Collaborate with the Plant Records department for accurate plant inventory and labeling of the collection in greenhouses and nurseries, using BGBASE collections management software
  • Perform all tasks related to plant production within the greenhouses and outdoor nurseries
  • May oversee/train greenhouse employees on proper data readings and recording of weather station, submit monthly weather reports and/or annual weather summaries as required
  • Order tools and supplies as needed
  • Under the direction of or in the absence of the Assistant Manager, meet with contractors and acquire written proposals for work needed
  • Oversee the greenhouse and nursery operation/ complex in the absence of the Assistant Manager and Plant Propagator
  • Related job duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s Degree required. Hiring preference for degrees in arboriculture, horticulture, or a related field. A minimum of (3) three years’ experience in the field of horticulture or a related field is required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Significant experience in ornamental horticulture may be substituted for the educational requirement. 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. 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. Possess and maintain (within six months of employment) a hoisting license of the proper classification as required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Be certified as an Arborist with the Massachusetts Arborist Association or with the International Society of Arboriculture within six months of employment.

Physical Requirements

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.

Working Conditions

This position is performed in an outdoor work environment and greenhouses.

Additional Information

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

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/.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Job Function

Technical

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Jamaica Plain

Job Code

200005 Greenhouse Horticultrl I, Arb

Work Format

On-Site

Department

Dana Greenhouse

Sub-Unit

Arnold Arboretum

Time Status

Full-time

Salary Grade

000

Union

04 - Serv Emp Int Loc 615-Arnld Arb

Pre-Employment Screening

DMV, Drug Testing, Education, Identity

Schedule

Full-time, Permanent, Benefits Eligible Position. The normal schedule for this position includes four days during the regular workweek (M-F) and one consistent weekend day, 7:30am-4:00pm (40 hours/week). Occasional additional work on regularly scheduled off-days and holidays is required.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

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.

EEO Statement

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.

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