Horticulturist

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.

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; 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.
• 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.
• Installs and maintains annual / perennial gardens and display containers including fertilization and treatment programs.
• 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.

Emergency Status Designation:
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.
• Must possess and maintain the following as a condition of employment:
  • Successful completion of a DOT physical.
  • A valid state driver’s license…