Plant Technologist

Job Description

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University 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 seeks a part‑time (18 hours per week, benefits‑eligible) Plant Technologist to care for the plants, growth facilities, and research laboratories at the state‑of‑the‑art Weld Hill research facility. The facility consists of approximately 6,800 square feet of greenhouses, growth chambers, and related workspace, plus ~33,000 square feet of outdoor common garden space. Working closely with Arboretum and other Harvard faculty and staff under the supervision of the Arnold Arboretum Plant Growth Facilities Manager, the Plant Technologist will ensure high‑quality plants and plant growth facilities to support a full range of research and teaching activities.

Working Conditions:

Must be able to work in a variety of environments, including hot, humid or cold conditions inside the facilities and outdoors.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to work outdoors in various plant collections and habitats during all seasons. Must be able to bend, reach, stoop, and lift. Must be able to walk and stand for up to two hours at a time in indoor, greenhouse, and outdoor conditions. Must be able to climb ladders and frequently lift/carry up to 50 lbs. Use of protective devices required during the periodic use of sanitizers, fertilizers, and soil preparation.

• Cares for Research and Teaching Plants.
• Works with Growth Facility Staff and researchers to establish and maintain healthy plants including establishing growth parameters, cultural practices, fertilizer and watering regimes.
• Provides aspects of plant care of a wide variety of plant species including watering, fertilization, and sanitation.
• Helps to assess, diagnose and coordinate treatments for pest control including conducting cultural and biological controls as needed to keep certain plants pest‑free.
• Maintains plant facilities.
• Monitors the operation of greenhouses and growth chambers and reports on any issues that may arise to the Plant Growth Facilities Manager, including those involving users, equipment, supplies, operations, safety, security and maintenance.
• Monitors the general operation of the Growth Facility and ensures the facility is clean, safe, and operating smoothly.
• Coordinates with other staff members as required.
• May administer special care to plants for researchers.
• Special care will be determined on a project‑by‑project basis after consultation with researchers and the Plant Growth Facilities Manager.
• Reports and records plant health and pest and disease scouting results.
• Maintains plant facility records and inventory.
• Performs related job duties as required.

Basic Qualifications are the minimum threshold a candidate must meet in order to be considered for this role.

Two years of horticultural experience and experience with pest management principles and practices, plant propagation/culture methods, soil and growth media preparation required.

• Experience with hand and power tools
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to details
• Ability to prioritize tasks, work under pressure, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work well with multiple constituents, including faculty, students, researchers, vendors, and administrative and facilities staff.
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to tactfully build and maintain productive relationships with clients, staff, administrators, experts, and vendors.
• Ability to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations as well as University policies relating to greenhouse and growth chamber functions.

• Appointment End Date: This is a two‑year term, with an end date two years from the date of…