Gardener I, Arboretum - Military veterans preferred

2025-05-16
Harvard University
Other

/yr

  employee   contract


Jamaica Plain
Massachusetts
02130
United States

Harvard University


Position Title: Gardener I, Arboretum

Req ID: 68056BR

School or Unit: University Administration

Description: Job Summary

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University seeks a highly motivated landscaping professional for the role of Gardener I (Landscape Operations). The successful candidate will join the Arboretum's Horticulture Department in the stewardship of North America's oldest public arboretum.

The Gardener I will work as a member of the Department's landscape operations team. Primary responsibilities include mowing, string trimming, and related turf and equipment maintenance; irrigation system installation and maintenance; litter management; snow removal; and other landscape operation and construction tasks as needed.

This position may be responsible for overseeing the work of seasonal employees as needed. In addition, they may support the Arboretum's internship training programs through the development and instruction of 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: $28.79. Full-time, Permanent, Benefits-eligible Position. 40 hours per week. Monday-Friday 7:00 am-3:30 pm.

Please note: This is a six-month term appointment that will end six months from the date of hire. There is a possibility of an extension, dependent on the availability of funding.


Position Description

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions):

  • Mowing, string trimming, and leaf clean-up
  • Weeding, mulching, and brush chipping
  • Litter management
  • Maintain, repair and operation of various equipment and hand-tools
  • Snow operations
  • Assists with as needed:
    • Irrigation and drainage systems
    • Pruning and transplanting
    • Maintenance of grounds structures (e.g., benches, trash cans and signage)
    • Soil management
    • Graffiti removal
  • May oversee the work of term appointments and interns as assigned
  • Maintain appropriate computerized records for equipment and grounds maintenance; order parts and supplies for grounds and equipment that have been approved by the Manager or Assistant Manager.
  • Other related job duties as assigned


Basic Qualifications

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications in order to be considered for this role:

A minimum of one (1) year of experience in the field of horticulture or a related field. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and D.O.T. Medical Examiner's Certificate, which will be paid by the Arboretum as part of the pre-employment process.

Working Conditions

Possess and maintain (within six months of employment and at the Arboretum's expense) a hoisting license of the proper classification as required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator's License.

Working Conditions

This position is performed in an outdoor work environment.

Additional Information

PLEASE NOTE:
  • This position is performed on-site in Jamaica Plain/ Roslindale, MA, not in a remote environment.
  • 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.


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.


LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

#LI-CS1

Department Office Location: USA - MA - Jamaica Plain

Job Code: 200011 Gardener I, Arboretum

Job Function: Technical

Work Format: On-Site

Sub Unit: Arnold Arboretum

Salary Grade: 000

Department: ARB


Union: 04 - Serv Emp Int Loc 615-Arnld Arb

Time Status: Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening: DMV, DOT Physical, Drug Testing, Identity

Schedule: Full time. Monday through Friday. 40 hours per week. 7 am-3:30 pm.

Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, 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 this excellence while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EOE 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.



Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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