Horticulture

Reporting to the Associate Director, the Horticulture &Landscape Supervisor provides leadership and oversight of thedaily operations of the university's grounds staff on the Bostoncampus. The Supervisor is responsible for ensuring safety, quality,and compliance with university standards while maintaining alandscape that supports and enhances the university's arboretum.

While this position does not perform bargaining unit work, the successful candidate will blend horticultural expertise and leadership skills to guide grounds maintenance operations and preserve the distinctive character of our urban arboretum. Thisrole requires an understanding of the challenges of caring for diverse plant collections as well as a commitment to creating and maintaining outdoor spaces that are reflective of our global university community.

The Horticulture & Landscape Supervisor is considered essential personnel. This is a condition of employment. Job description and schedule are subject to change due to University needs and demands.

Tuesday through Saturday, 6AM
-2:30PM

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Landscape Management, Urban Forestry, or closely related field required; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in landscape orgrounds maintenance required
• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience managing landscapeor grounds crews required
• Experience working in urban environments, arboretums, or university settings preferred.

• Strong knowledge of plant identification and care, particularlywoody and perennial species suitable for USDA Zone 6b
• Understanding of urban soil conditions, turf care, and remediation techniques
• Knowledge of sustainable landscaping practices,stormwater/green infrastructure, and integrated pestmanagement
• Familiarity with New England climate challenges, seasonalplanning, plant selection, and snow/ice removal
• Experience with landscape equipment, irrigations systems, and grounds safety standards

• Valid Massachusetts driver's license with clean driving record with a valid DOT Certificate
• Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator License (Categories 36 &37) or ability to obtain within 6 months ofhire

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Must lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly
• Extensive walking across campus (73-acre Boston campus)
• On-call availability for snow removal emergencies and storm response
• Occasional evening and weekend work for special events and programs
• Must successfully complete a criminal background check andmotor vehicle record check

• OSHA 10 (or equivalent) safety certification
• OPSI Hoisting Engineer 2A/1C certification
• Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) through PGMS
• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification/ISA Certified Arborist
• Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist
• Experience with GIS mapping and digital tree inventory systems

• Coordinate daily assignments for 8-12 grounds staff, ensuring efficient operations across 11+ acres of campus landscape andhardscape.
• Assess work quality, provide training on proper care techniques for trees and plant collections, and support skill-building and professional development.
• Enforce safety protocols and ensure compliance with Northeastern University policies.
• Manage and monitor snow removal/weather-related emergencycrews, including assigning tasks, inspecting work, and ensuring operational standards are met.
• Maintain high-traffic areas and manage snow removal operations to ensure pedestrian safety during New England winters.
• Oversee irrigation systems and support water conservationinitiatives.
• Collaborate with campus departments to support special eventsand ceremonies and participate in Arbor Day and otherarboretum-based educational programs.
• Ensure campus grounds consistently meet PGMS Honor Awardstandards.

• Oversee maintenance of signature campus features, including the Curry Student Center Koi Pond and Veterans Memorial Gardens.
• Plan, manage, and implement seasonal plantings and displaysfeaturing native New England species and international specimens toensure year-round campus appeal.
• Maintain campus ecosystems that support bee hotels andpollinator initiatives.

Facilities

Northeastern University…