Horticulturist

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Performs all aspects of landscape maintenance and arboriculture including, but not limited to tree climbing, proper tree pruning techniques, operating bucket truck equipment, organic and conventional care and maintenance of turf, trees, shrubs, and annuals throughout the University.

Reviews and comments on landscape design and development plans with particular emphasis on sustainability and maintenance.

Interprets landscape construction drawings and plans; stakes out ground plans, organizes tasks; may perform installation work independently or as part of a larger team.

Performs winter care program for trees and shrubs including dormant pruning, anti-desiccant spraying and securing of specimens susceptible to winter damage.

May oversee property maintenance workers as assigned.
Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

• Minimum five years’ experience in landscape installation and maintenance, a thorough knowledge of all aspects of turf care, with specialized training in horticulture and/or arboriculture.
• Minimum three years’ experience maintaining proper soil conditions and caring for gardens, planting beds and trees using only non-toxic methods for soil preparation and organic maintenance practices.
• Successful completion of a DOT physical.
• A valid state driver’s license and satisfactory driving history.
• Must be able to accurately identify and treat weeds, diseases, insects, and other environmental stresses to the landscape.
• Demonstrated ability to properly climb trees in the performance of aerial removal, pruning, and cabling tasks required.
• Must be able to properly operate a variety of equipment and tools including aerial lifts, chain saws, chippers, mini-excavators, skid loaders, hand mowers, rototillers, rollers, lawn sweepers, leaf blowers, salt spreaders, and various snow removal equipment (e.g., Bombardiers®, snowplows, and throwers).
• Must be quality focused and able to communicate with peers and customers, clearly and professionally in English.
• A valid state driver’s license

Nice To Haves

• Hold or attain within 6 months of employment a Massachusetts pesticide application license.
• Hold or attain within 6 months of employment a Massachusetts hydraulic hoisting license.

Responsibilities

• Interpret soil analysis; develops amendment strategies; modifies organic landscape maintenance programs to achieve desired results.
• Performs all aspects of composting operation, including material sourcing, transportation, integration, gestation oversight (agitation and aeration), and liquidation of nutrient sources for use in spray applications.
• Performs ongoing maintenance of landscape systems, including aeration, fertilization, renovation (seeding and sodding) of turf; pruning, removal, cabling, and treatment applications (organic and/or conventional fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides) for trees and shrubs; and routine maintenance of irrigation systems.
• Installs and maintains annual / perennial gardens and display containers including fertilization and treatment programs.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed