Horticulturist (Forestry)

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high‑quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Facilities Maintenance Operations (FMO) offers building and landscape maintenance, and custodial services to Harvard faculties and departments on a fee-for-service basis. All services are provided in strict accordance with customer-determined standards. As such, FMO operates as an in‑house alternative to contractor services and therefore manages by the same principles that guide any successful maintenance service business.

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.

Interpret soil analysis; 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; Reviews and comments on landscape design and development plans with particular emphasis on sustainability and maintenance.

Interprets landscape construction drawings and plans; 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.

Critical Operations Personnel

Ability to perform outdoor work for prolonged periods of time, often during inclement weather conditions. Frequent climbing, bending, stooping, and reaching, occasional work in restricted spaces and frequent carrying/transporting heavy loads up to 50 lb.

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.

A valid state driver’s license and satisfactory driving history.

Hold or attain within 6 months of employment aMassachusetts pesticide application license.

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., Must be quality focused and able to communicate with peers and customers, clearly and professionally in English.

This position is frequently required to work overtime for snow removal and other emergencies and to support University events.

Hold or attain within 6 months of employment aMassachusetts pesticide application license.

Schedule: Monday-Friday 7am-3:30pm

Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable)

$This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one

Retirement plans with university contributions

Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement

We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

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