Administrative Assistant and Gardener II

Position Title: Administrative Assistant and Gardener II

Supervisor: Director of Gardens and Grounds

Department: Gardens

Grade: 52, Non-exempt, union

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

______________________________________________________________________________

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 is a blended position, including 50% gardening duties and 50% administrative duties to assist the director in the administrative operation of the gardens.

• Participates actively in the daily care and maintenance of gardens and
• Works independently or as part of a team, under the supervision of a crew
• This is an essential position, which may require the employee to work during emergencies, and/or outside of normal work hours, including weekends.
• Performs a variety of administrative tasks using Microsoft Office and Adobe suites, as well as databases connected with procurement and record keeping for the department.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Gardener

• Performs general plant care, garden maintenance, and essential garden duties, relying on knowledge of horticulture and plant care techniques: planting, pruning, mowing, blowing, edging, aerating, fertilizer application, cleaning and care of pools and fountains, sculpture, and benches.
• Operates and maintains machinery and equipment used in performance of these duties. Assures proper use of Personal Protective Equipment for entire crew when operating equipment.
• Prepares designated area of the gardens for daily public visiting hours, including removal of snow and ice, leaves, and other debris from walkways and numerous steps.
• May answer questions for garden visitors.
• Assists with other areas of the garden and special projects as needed.
• Performs related duties as required.

Administrative Assistant

• Performs a variety of tasks connected with administration and of the gardens department including ordering of uniforms and tools, sourcing and procurement of plant material, maintenance of tree inventory database (arborscope), and accessing/analyzing archival material to help with project planning, scoping, documentation, and external requests.
• Assists garden director in the organization of garden records and departmental files, digitally and on paper.
• Document processes and workflows of the department in collaboration with the Director of Gardens and Grounds.
• Updates operational maps using Adobe Illustrator, compiles group orders in Microsoft Excel, and creates/edits documents in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
• Checks orders received against confirmations and manifests to ensure they are complete and ready for payment.
• Facilitates summer intern and volunteer projects and works with summer interns, summer temporary gardeners, and volunteers.

Basic Requirements

• At least three years of professional gardening experience
• At least three years of garden administration or office administrative experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe illustrator
• Strong English communication skills, both verbally and in writing

Additional Requirements

• Strong organizational skills

• Pesticide Applicators License through DC Department of Environment

• Proficiency in Photoshop and AutoCAD

• Horticultural training and/or grounds management background, particularly in historic gardens

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

COVID Vaccine Policy: The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated (primary series) against COVID-, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster  Information. 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=61627BR

Dumbarton Oaks is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).