Gardener

Position Title: Gardener II

Supervisor: Director of Gardens and Grounds

Department: Gardens

Grade: 50, Non-exempt, union

Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday – Friday

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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 under the guidance and general direction of the crew leader for a given section of gardens and grounds.

• Participates actively in the daily care and maintenance of the gardens and grounds. Works independently or as part of a team, under the oversight of a crew leader. This is a critical position, which may require the employee to work during emergencies and/or outside of normal work hours.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs general plant care, garden maintenance, and essential garden duties, relying on knowledge of horticulture and plant care techniques: weeding, planting, pruning, mowing, blowing, edging, aerating, fertilizer application, cleaning and care of pools and fountains, sculpture, and furniture. Operates machinery and equipment used in the performance of gardening duties. Prepares the gardens for daily public visiting hours, including removal of snow and ice, leaves, and other debris from walkways and steps. Performs 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. May assist with special projects as needed, perform related duties as required, and attend staff meetings. Ability to work outside in various weather conditions; endurance to walk, stand, kneel, bend, stoop, and climb; strength to push, pull, and lift up to 50 lbs.

Requirements

Basic: 2-3 years of professional gardening experience, or training in horticulture or a related field, required.

Additional:

• Ability to obtain a Certified Pool Operator’s license and perform duties of a CPO. Ability to obtain a DC Pesticide Applicators License.

• Conversational English-speaking skills and intermediate English reading/writing level. Conversational proficiency in Spanish preferred

Physical Demands

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

Working Conditions

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/. 

To Apply

The position remains open until filled. Please forward résumé and cover letter detailing relevant qualifications by clicking the link below.

https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGWEbHost/jobdetails.aspx?partnerID=25240&siteID=5341&AReq=59407BR

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.

Dumbarton Oaks is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).