Seasonal Gardener- Horticulture and Landscape; Term Appointment

Company Description

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. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

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.

The Arnold Arboretum is a 281‑acre museum of trees teaching the world about plants. With one of the world's most biodiverse collections of temperate woody plants, combined with world‑class scientific resources, and a commitment to diverse programming, the Arnold Arboretum has been a leader in horticulture since its founding in 1872. As part of the Boston Parks system, it is free and open to all daily;

we host three to four million visitors each year.

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University seeks a dynamic and diverse group of individuals to fill seasonal positions. This Seasonal Gardener job is a six‑month term appointment starting in the early spring of 2026. We have five openings for staff who will work Monday through Friday.

The successful candidates will join the Arboretum’s Horticulture and Landscape Department in the stewardship of one of the finest and most significant woody plant collections in North America. The Seasonal Gardeners work alongside the Arboretum’s team of horticulture and landscape staff responsible for the holistic care of the 281‑acre landscape. Seasonal Gardeners assist with such tasks including mowing, lawn maintenance, string trimming, IPM (integrated pest management) practices, transplanting, pruning, weed management, mulching and composting, leaf clean‑up, watering, invasive species management, and various types of landscape maintenance and collection renovation projects.

• Weeding, mulching, and brush chipping
• Pruning
• Transplanting
• Watering
• IPM (Integrated Pest Management) 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

Please note:

This benefits‑eligible position will end six months from the date of hire. Benefits start on the date of hire. Hourly wage: $24.94.

Schedule:

40 hours (7:00 AM to 3:30 PM Monday through Friday) per week with a one‑half‑hour unpaid meal break per day.

Also note:
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 is based solely on campus, in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. This may include in‑person during emergency situations. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.

• A minimum of one (1) year experience in horticulture 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 heavy loads up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to stand for eight hours a day
• Required to work in all weather conditions in all seasons
• Must serve as essential staff for weather‑related emergencies impacting the grounds

• Standard Hours/
  
  Schedule:
  
  40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information:
  Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre‑Employment Screening:
  Harvard University requires pre‑employment reference and background screenings:
  Identity, Driver’s License, DOT Physical, and Drug Screening
• Other Information:
  • This position has a 3‑month orientation and review period.

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and…