Job Description
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: $24.09 benefits eligible position.
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
- Must serve as essential staff for weather-related emergencies impacting the grounds
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Previous greenhouse and/or nursery experience preferred.
Certificates and Licenses
A valid State driver?s license is required for this role.
Additional Information
As part of the pre-hire process, a D.O.T. Medical Examiner?s Certificate, a drug screening, and an RMV check for a valid driver?s license are required at Harvard?s expense.
This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.
Harvard University does not provide visa sponsorship.
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.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website ( ) 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.
Work Format
On-Site
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.
About Harvard University Administration
Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.
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Job Tags
Hourly pay, Holiday work, Permanent employment, Flexible hours, Saturday,