Associate Manager Landscape Services

16-May-2023

Campus Services

61457BR

Job Summary

Energy & Facilities (E&F) operates and manages Harvard’s energy supplies, district energy plants, and utility infrastructures on the Cambridge/Allston campuses, as well as a 24/7 facilities-related call, alarm monitoring, and dispatch center. E&F also provides a broad portfolio of unionized labor-based services, including building maintenance, landscaping, and custodial, to a large portion of the University, as well as engineering, technical, and sustainability services. Facilities Maintenance Operations (FMO), a department within E&F, offers primary building maintenance, landscape, fire safety, custodial, and event support services to Harvard schools and departments on a fee-for-service basis. All services are provided in strict accordance with regulatory requirements and customer-determined standards.

Position Summary:                              

Manages area supervisors and crews consisting of professional horticulturists, property maintenance workers, and sub-contracted labor to maintain all aspects of landscape and hardscape systems including installation and maintenance of turf, trees, shrubs, flowers, irrigation, walkways, roadways and drainage systems in accordance with customer-defined standards and industry best practices.  Services as the primary customer interface for all FMO landscape services, including day-to-day property maintenance operations as well as seasonal snow removal and other emergency response. 

Position Description

Duties and Responsibilities:

Provides daily direction to landscape services supervisory and hourly staff, including special projects and assignments.  Designs and oversees all organic and conventional turf and tree care programs in accordance with industry best practices and the requirements of faculty or department representatives throughout the campus. 

Assists the Associate Director of FMO Landscape Services in the recruitment, selection, and training of all staff including property maintenance workers and horticulturists.

Oversees and directs outside contractors providing specialty services and supplemental labor as needed.  Typically, contracted services may include: snow removal, road and walkway paving, large fence and irrigation system installations, specialized tree care programs (spraying, large specimen installation and removal). 

Coordinates with FMO Solid Waste and Recycling personnel to ensure the efficient removal of trash and recyclable materials from buildings throughout the campus.

Designs and implements fully organic programs to monitor and control pest infestation and disease in all turf and trees.  Such programs must balance aesthetic objectives with worker and community safety, as well as the short and long-term impacts on the ecosystem.

Responsible for the daily care and maintenance of all FMO landscape equipment, including motorized vehicles, mowers, trimmers, shears, leaf blowers, spreaders, sanders, sprayers, chain saws, chippers and snow throwers.

Works closely with Environmental Health and Safety Compliance Officer to develop, implement, and oversee effective worker safety and training programs in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws regulations.

Provides on-site management for all FMO snow and ice removal operations.  Coordinates FMO work crews and sub-contractors to ensure timely and thorough response to all winter conditions.  Inspects and monitors condition of walks, roads, parking lots and handicap ramps to ensure safe walking and driving conditions throughout the University.

Prepares bid proposals in response to customer requests for special projects or services. Provides overall project management, including internal staffing and materials requirements, determination of subcontracted services as required; solicitation, review and awarding of contracts as required.  

Manages the University’s tree inventory history; updates records and schedules maintenance as needed.  Manages the Elm Tree Preservation Program; coordinates with specialty consultants and others to optimize results.

Represents Landscape Services on the Local Emergency Management Team

Performs related duties as required.

Basic Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

College degree in horticulture or related field with extensive background in horticulture required.  Demonstrated technical understanding of regional plants, trees, soil, and growing conditions required.  Minimum ten years experience in all primary landscape, irrigation system and property maintenance routines.  Minimum three years experience in the fully organic maintenance of turf, trees, and shrubs, including effective composting techniques and specific soil amendment strategies. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Additional Qualifications:

Strong verbal and written communication skills necessary to articulate program needs and customer service responses.  Demonstrated ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects in accordance with budget and schedule requirements.  Must project knowledgeable and professional image to customers and co-workers.  Demonstrated ability to train staff in all aspects of effective service, including organic maintenance techniques and safe operation of all landscape tools and equipment. 

Technology Skills Required:

Demonstrated proficiency with desktop computing applications including work management databases and Microsoft Office.  Familiarity with CAD (Computer Added Design) and GIS (Geographic Information System) preferred.

Special Requirements:

Must be available for on-call duty 24 hours a day for snow and ice removal and other campus emergencies as required. Must possess a valid Massachusetts hydraulic hoisting license, pesticide applicator license, and driver’s license.

Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements:

Ability to move throughout the campus on foot without restriction.  Ability to demonstrate proper operation of all landscape services equipment.  Ability to lift and carry items over 50 pounds.

Additional Information

Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel

Harvard University continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community. Please note that all new employees will be required to provide confirmation of primary series COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, as detailed on our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Webpage . Harvard University Health Services employees and other health care individuals are also required to be up to date on vaccination as described by the CDC. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. Additional information regarding this requirement, exemptions, verification of vaccination status, and other related policies and resources may be found on the University’s COVID-19 Information Website .

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

329058 Facilities & Oper Manager

Sub-Unit

Energy & Facilities

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

CORI, Criminal, DMV, Drug Testing, Education, Employment, Identity, License/Cert.

Schedule

Monday - Friday: 7:00am-3:30pm

Scheduled Days Off: Sunday & Saturday

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.