Greenhouse Specialist

02-Aug-2024

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

66388BR

Job Summary

This position fills a critical role within a dedicated team of garden professionals working together to fulfill the mission of stewardship and preservation of Beatrix Farrand’s masterpiece, a century after its creation. This position reports to the director of gardens and grounds, and is primarily responsible for leading the greenhouse program, with additional responsibilities related to weekend watering, event support, and garden planting projects.

This position works independently and as part of a team, under the supervision of the Director. This is an essential position, which may require the employee to work during emergencies, and/or outside of normal work hours, including weekends.

Position Description

• Leads greenhouse program including Greenhouse, Pit-house, Orangery, and Directors Residence greenhouse spaces.

• Participates actively in the daily care, maintenance, and enhancement of gardens and grounds. 

• Leads the greenhouse program, including Orangery and Director’s Residence greenhouses. Duties include procurement of plant material and supplies, propagation, plant production, maintenance and cleaning of greenhouse structure, maintenance of interior/exterior plants, Integrated Pest Management, holiday and event displays, and receiving and inspecting plant deliveries for accuracy and quality. Maintains the greenhouse according to established standards.

• Performs all pest management for greenhouse program spaces, using established IPM protocols. This includes scouting, spraying, and maintaining proper licensing as a pesticide applicator.

• Coordinates plant needs with garden crews and produces high quality plants, on schedule, grown to crew specifications.

• Assists with planting projects in the Spring once greenhouse production is finished. Assists with efforts to dig and save stock plants in the Fall.

• On weekend duty days: Prepares gardens for daily fellow and public visiting hours by checking walks, fountains, irrigation systems, and swimming pool. Reviews watering notes left by crews and completes needed watering in all garden sections and greenhouse areas.

• Assists in essential services including removal of snow and ice, leaves and other debris from walkways and steps, storm damage clean-up, and other emergency duties.

• Coordinates with other departments to provide plant materials for special events as possible; may include designing, creating or recommending the purchase of specific plant materials.

• Works independently and with supervision and as a member of a team.

• May answer questions for garden visitors.

• Assists with special projects as needed. 

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

At least three years of professional gardening and/or greenhouse experience.

Gardening and horticultural training may substitute for gardening experience. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Basic knowledge of equipment operation and repair. 

Ability to work effectively in a team environment. 

Strong interpersonal skills. 

Ability to communicate in English verbally and in writing.

Certificates and Licenses

DC pesticide license in category 3A, 3C, or ability to obtain the license within 6 months of hire.

Physical Requirements

Ability to work outside in various weather conditions and greenhouse conditions. 

Endurance to walk, stand, kneel, bend, stoop, and climb.

Strength to push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds.

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

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, 3 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 - DC - Washington

Job Code

991402 Gardener III - Dumbarton Oaks

Department

Garden and Grounds

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Identity, License/Cert.

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.