What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal Gardener position at Harvard University?
Job Summary
Job Summary:
This Seasonal Gardener (Litter Operations) position is a six-month term appointment starting in the spring of 2025. The successful candidate will join the Arboretum’s Horticulture Department in the stewardship of North America’s oldest public arboretum.
This Seasonal Gardener position’s main responsibility will be with litter management tasks throughout the landscape. Secondary responsibilities include working alongside the Arboretum’s Landscape Operations Team mowing, string trimming, and related turf and equipment maintenance; irrigation system installation and maintenance; trail installation and upkeep, and other landscape operation and construction tasks as needed.
Normal work hours are Sunday-Thursday 7:00AM-3:30PM (40 hours/week). May be required to work occasional holidays and additional weekend dates. Hourly wage: $24.09. Benefits eligible position.
This Seasonal Gardener (Litter Operations) position is a six-month term appointment starting in the spring of 2025. The successful candidate will join the Arboretum’s Horticulture Department in the stewardship of North America’s oldest public arboretum.
This Seasonal Gardener position’s main responsibility will be with litter management tasks throughout the landscape. Secondary responsibilities include working alongside the Arboretum’s Landscape Operations Team mowing, string trimming, and related turf and equipment maintenance; irrigation system installation and maintenance; trail installation and upkeep, and other landscape operation and construction tasks as needed.
Normal work hours are Sunday-Thursday 7:00AM-3:30PM (40 hours/week). May be required to work occasional holidays and additional weekend dates. Hourly wage: $24.09. Benefits eligible position.
Position Description
Assist Horticulture staff members with various tasks including:
- Weeding, mulching, and brush chipping
- Pruning
- Transplanting
- Watering
- IPM practices
- Mowing, string trimming, and leaf clean-up
- Litter management
- Operation and maintenance of various equipment
- Landscape maintenance and collection renovation projects as needed
- Other related job duties as assigned
Basic Qualifications
Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:
A minimum of one (1) year experience in the field of horticulture, landscaping, or a related field. Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license. 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.
A minimum of one (1) year experience in the field of horticulture, landscaping, or a related field. Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license. 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.
Certificates and Licenses
A valid State driver’s license is required for this role.
Additional Information
As part of the pre-hire process, a D.O.T. Medical Examiner’s Certificate, Drug Screening, and an RMV check for a valid driver’s license are required at Harvard’s expense.
This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.
Harvard University does not provide visa sponsorship.
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.
This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.
Harvard University does not provide visa sponsorship.
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.
Work Format Details
This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) 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
200003 Apprentice and Term, Arboretum
Work Format
On-Site
Sub-Unit
Arnold Arboretum
Salary Grade
000
Department
Horticulture
Union
04 - Serv Emp Int Loc 615-Arnld Arb
Time Status
Full-time
Pre-Employment Screening
DMV, Drug Testing, Identity
Schedule
Normal work hours are Tuesday-Saturday 7:00 AM-3:30 PM (40 hours/week). May be required to work occasional holidays and additional weekend dates.
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.
LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)
#LI-CS1
Salary : $5,250
