Seasonal Gardener, (Term Appointment) Greenhouse/Nursery

08-Mar-2024

University Administration

65138BR

Job Summary

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is seeking applicants for a Seasonal Gardener at the Dana Greenhouse and Nursery. The successful candidate will work alongside the Plant Production team responsible for propagating and growing plant material destined for the Arboretum’s permanent tree and shrub collections. This seasonal appointment is six months in duration with a flexible start date through the spring. Normal work hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 7:30 AM-4:00 PM (40 hours/week). May be required to work occasional holidays and additional weekend dates.

Hourly wage: $21.00 benefits eligible position. The SEIU, Local 32BJ contract is currently under negotiation. The final hourly rate will be determined upon ratification of the contract.

Please note: This is a six-month position with an end date of six months from the date of hire.             

Position Description

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions):
Assist Plant Production staff members with various tasks including:

• Pruning
• Transplanting and repotting
• Watering and fertilizing
• Executing IPM practices
• Mowing, string trimming, and leaf clean-up
• Weeding, mulching, and brush chipping
• Hardscape and infrastructure installation and maintenance tasks
• Operating and maintaining various equipment and hand-tools
• Leaf, litter, and snow management
• Greenhouse cleaning and pot washing
• Monitoring greenhouse environments
• Performing data readings and recordings of weather station
• Performs related job duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:

• 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
• Standing for eight hours of day
• Required to work in all weather conditions in all seasons
• Essential staff for weather-related emergencies impacting the grounds

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Previous greenhouse and/or nursery experience preferred.

Additional Information

As part of the pre-hire process, D.O.T. Medical Examiner’s Certificate is required at Harvard’s expense.  

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.

We welcome interested applicants to view our website at: https://arboretum.harvard.edu  to learn about our events at https://arboretum.harvard.edu/events /. Read about our land acknowledgment at https://arboretum.harvard.edu/stories/early-indigenous-land-use  and our statement on the legacy of slavery: https://arboretum.harvard.edu/about/our-history/the-arnold-arboretum-and-the-legacy-of-slavery/ 

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines. 

Work Format Details

This position is based solely on-campus, in Boston, Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations.. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, two personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Department Office Location

USA – MA – Jamaica Plain

Job Code

200003 Apprentice and Term, Arboretum

Department

Horticulture/ Dana Greenhouse

Union

04 – Serv Emp Int Loc 615-Arnld Arb

Appointment End Date

18-Oct-2024

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Drug Testing, Education, Identity

Schedule

Tuesday to Saturday, 7:30 AM-4:00 PM (40 hours/week)

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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