What are the responsibilities and job description for the Arboretum Horticulturalist I position at Harvard University?
Position 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 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; 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: $36.01. Full-time, Permanent, Benefits Eligible Position.
Essential Functions:
The Arboretum Horticulturist I position performs a wide variety of duties associated with the overall operation of the Arnold Arboretum including:
Essential Functions:
The Arboretum Horticulturist I position performs a wide variety of duties associated with the overall operation of the Arnold Arboretum including:
- Maintenance and structural pruning of young trees, 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 IPM 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, paths and other hardscape and infrastructure systems
- Oversees the work of interns, apprentices, and seasonal term appointments
- May oversee the work of Gardener I and Gardener II workers as assigned
- Related job duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications
Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications in order to be considered for this role:
- Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree is required. Hiring preference for degrees in arboriculture, horticulture, or related field.
- A minimum of three (3) years of experience in the field of horticulture or a related field is required.
- 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.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- Required to work in all weather conditions in all seasons
- Demonstrate performance in the safe & proper operation of the Arboretum’s equipment
- Essential staff for weather-related emergencies impacting the grounds
- Demonstrate ability to perform manual labor, including frequent lifting/carrying/transporting heavy loads up to 50 lbs.
Additional Information
What Makes the Arboretum Special?
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is the oldest public arboretum in North America and one of the world's leading centers for the study of plants. Founded in 1872 and designed by America's first landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, and the Arboretum's first director, Charles Sprague Sargent, the 281-acre Arboretum is a historic landmark and one of the best-preserved of Olmsted's landscapes. A unique blend of beloved public landscape and respected research institution, the Arboretum provides and supports world-class research, horticulture, and education programs that foster the understanding, appreciation, and preservation of woody plants. Along with a horticultural library and herbarium encompassing some 4.8 million dried plant specimens, the Arboretum comprises one of the largest and best-documented woody plant collections in the world, with over 15,000 living plants. To learn more about the Arnold Arboretum and our upcoming sesquicentennial (150th anniversary), please explore www.arboretum.harvard.edu.
Diversity Statement
The Arnold Arboretum views diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. Our community is made of individuals who draw from a dynamic range of backgrounds to contribute to the pursuit of our common goals. The work and well-being of the Arnold Arboretum are strengthened by the diversity of our network and our differences in background, culture, experience, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, age, ability, political views, veteran status, and more. We actively seek and welcome people of color, women, persons with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA, and those who are at the intersections of these identities, from across the spectrum of disciplines and methods to join us. Together, we strive to create an environment that values diversity, promotes an inclusive culture, and establishes a profound sense of belonging for each member of our community.
PLEASE NOTE: 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 at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is the oldest public arboretum in North America and one of the world's leading centers for the study of plants. Founded in 1872 and designed by America's first landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, and the Arboretum's first director, Charles Sprague Sargent, the 281-acre Arboretum is a historic landmark and one of the best-preserved of Olmsted's landscapes. A unique blend of beloved public landscape and respected research institution, the Arboretum provides and supports world-class research, horticulture, and education programs that foster the understanding, appreciation, and preservation of woody plants. Along with a horticultural library and herbarium encompassing some 4.8 million dried plant specimens, the Arboretum comprises one of the largest and best-documented woody plant collections in the world, with over 15,000 living plants. To learn more about the Arnold Arboretum and our upcoming sesquicentennial (150th anniversary), please explore www.arboretum.harvard.edu.
Diversity Statement
The Arnold Arboretum views diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. Our community is made of individuals who draw from a dynamic range of backgrounds to contribute to the pursuit of our common goals. The work and well-being of the Arnold Arboretum are strengthened by the diversity of our network and our differences in background, culture, experience, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, age, ability, political views, veteran status, and more. We actively seek and welcome people of color, women, persons with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA, and those who are at the intersections of these identities, from across the spectrum of disciplines and methods to join us. Together, we strive to create an environment that values diversity, promotes an inclusive culture, and establishes a profound sense of belonging for each member of our community.
PLEASE NOTE: 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 at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.
Job Function
Technical
Location
USA - MA - Jamaica Plain
Job Code
200004 Horticultural Tech, Arboretum
Sub-Unit
Arnold Arboretum
Department
Horticulture
Time Status
Full-time
Salary Grade
000
Union
04 - Serv Emp Int Loc 615-Arnld Arb
Pre-Employment Screening
Criminal, Education, Identity
Schedule
Full time. 40 hours per week. Monday through Friday.
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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