Massachusetts arborists Association

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Horticulturist at Harvard University

10/31/2025 11:12 AM | Jason MacKay

Job Description

Performs all aspects of landscape maintenance and arboriculture, including, but not limited to:

  • Tree Climbing
  • Proper tree pruning techniques
  • Operating bucket truck equipment
  • Organic and conventional care and maintenance of turf, trees, shrubs, and annuals throughout the University. 

(See this link for a full job description) 

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.
  • Must possess and maintain the following as a condition of employment:
  • Successful completion of a DOT physical. 
  • A valid state driver’s license and satisfactory driving history. 
  • Hold or attain within 6 months of employment a Massachusetts pesticide application license.
  • Hold or attain within 6 months of employment a Massachusetts hydraulic hoisting license.

Additional Qualifications:

  • Must be able to accurately identify and treat weeds, diseases, insects, and other environmental stresses to the landscape. 
  • Demonstrated ability to properly climb trees in the performance of aerial removal, pruning, and cabling tasks required. 
  • Must be able to properly operate a variety of equipment and tools, including aerial lifts, chain saws, chippers, mini-excavators, skid loaders, hand mowers, rototillers, rollers, lawn sweepers, leaf blowers, salt spreaders, and various snow removal equipment (e.g., Bombardiers®, snowplows, and throwers). 
  • Must be quality-focused and able to communicate with peers and customers, clearly and professionally in English. 
  • This position is frequently required to work overtime for snow removal and other emergencies and to support University events.

Certificates and Licenses:

  • DOT physical. 
  • A valid state driver’s license
  • Hold or attain within 6 months of employment a Massachusetts pesticide application license.
  • Hold or attain, within 6 months of employment, a Massachusetts hydraulic hoisting license. 

Compensation Range/Rate:

  • $44.18/hour

Apply here: https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/HarvardUniversity/3743990010071601-horticulturist

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