Horticulturist

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum five years experience in landscape installation and maintenance, a thorough knowledge of all aspects of turf care, with specialized training in horticulture and/or arboriculture.

• Minimum three years experience maintaining proper soil conditions and caring for gardens, planting beds and trees using only non-toxic methods for soil preparation and organic maintenance practices.

Additional Information

Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel

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.

Position Description

• Interpret soil analysis; develops amendment strategies; modifies organic landscape maintenance programs to achieve desired results.

• Performs all aspects of composting operation, including: material sourcing, transportation, integration, gestation oversight (agitation and aeration), and liquidation of nutrient sources for use in spray applications.

• Performs ongoing maintenance of landscape systems, including: aeration, fertilization, renovation (seeding and sodding) of turf; pruning, removal, cabling and treatment applications (organic and/or conventional fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides) for trees and shrubs; and routine maintenance of irrigation systems.

• Reviews and comments on landscape design and development plans with particular emphasis on sustainability and maintenance.

• Interprets landscape construction drawings and plans; stakes out ground plans, organizes tasks; may perform installation work independently or as part of a larger team.

• Installs and maintains annual / perennial gardens and display containers including fertilization and treatment programs.

• Performs winter care program for trees and shrubs including: dormant pruning, anti-desiccant spraying and securing of specimens susceptible to winter damage.

• May oversee property maintenance workers as assigned.

• Perform other duties as required

Job Summary

Facilities Maintenance Operations (FMO) - Offers building and landscape maintenance, and custodial services to Harvard faculties and departments on a fee-for-service basis. All services are provided in strict accordance with customer-determined standards. As such, FMO operates as an in-house alternative to contractor services and therefore manages by the same principles that guide any successful maintenance service business.

Position Summary:

Performs all aspects of landscape maintenance and construction, including, but not limited to organic and conventional care and maintenance of turf, trees, shrubs, and annuals throughout the University.