By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Summary:

This position fills a critical role within a dedicated team of garden professionals working together to fulfil 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 under the guidance and general direction of the crew leader for a given section of gardens and grounds.

This position participates actively in the daily care and maintenance and enhancement of the gardens and grounds; works independently or as part of a team, under the direction of a crew leader.

This is an essential position, which may require the employee to work during emergencies and/or outside of normal work hours.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Performs general plant care, garden maintenance, and essential garden duties, relying on knowledge of horticulture and plant care techniques: planting, pruning, mowing, blowing, edging, weeding, watering, invasive plant removal, lawn maintenance, ornament cleaning, and fountain/pool maintenance.
• Responds to inclement weather and/or emergency conditions as an essential employee. Removes snow, ice, storm debris, and addresses garden hazards.
• Operates machinery and equipment used in the performance of gardening duties, including mowers, tractors, and gas/electric powered hand-held equipment. Assures proper use of Personal Protective Equipment when operating equipment.
• Prepares the gardens for daily public visiting hours, including removal of snow and ice, leaves, and other debris from walkways and steps.
• May perform daily swimming pool maintenance including poolside cleaning, filter maintenance, water chemistry balance, and other duties associated with pool operation, under the supervision of the Certified Pool Operator (CPO).
• May answer questions for garden visitors.
• Assists with other areas of the gardens and special projects as needed, attends staff meetings.
• Performs other duties as required.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work outside in various weather conditions, often on uneven terrain.
• Endurance to walk, stand, kneel, bend, stoop, and climb for extended periods.
• Strength to push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds.

Basic Qualifications:

Two or more years of professional gardening experience, or training in horticulture or a related field.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Horticultural training and/or grounds management background, particularly in historic gardens.
• Pesticide Applicators License through DC Department of Environment, or ability to obtain license.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 050. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

About Harvard University

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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