Summary

Qualifications & Certifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Landscape Management, Urban Forestry, or closely related field required; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in landscape or grounds maintenance required

• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience managing landscape or grounds crews required

• Experience working in urban environments, arboretums, or university settings preferred.

Technical Competencies

• Strong knowledge of plant identification and care, particularly woody and perennial species suitable for USDA Zone 6b

• Understanding of urban soil conditions, turf care, and remediation techniques

• Knowledge of sustainable landscaping practices, stormwater/green infrastructure, and integrated pest management

• Familiarity with New England climate challenges, seasonal planning, plant selection, and snow/ice removal

• Experience with landscape equipment, irrigations systems, and grounds safety standards

Required Certifications

• Valid Massachusetts driver's license with clean driving record with a valid DOT Certificate

• Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator License (Categories 36 & 37) or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire

Other Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions

• Must lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly

• Extensive walking across campus (73-acre Boston campus)

• On-call availability for snow removal emergencies and storm response

• Occasional evening and weekend work for special events and programs

• Must successfully complete a criminal background check and motor vehicle record check

Preferred Qualifications

• OSHA 10 (or equivalent) safety certification
• OPSI Hoisting Engineer 2A/1C certification
• Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) through PGMS
• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification/ISA Certified Arborist
• Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist
• Experience with GIS mapping and digital tree inventory systems

Key Accountabilities

Campus Landscape Operations (70%)

• Coordinate daily assignments for 8–12 grounds staff, ensuring efficient operations across 11+ acres of campus landscape and hardscape.
• Assess work quality, provide training on proper care techniques for trees and plant collections, and support skill-building and professional development.
• Enforce safety protocols and ensure compliance with Northeastern University policies.
• Manage and monitor snow removal/weather-related emergency crews, including assigning tasks, inspecting work, and ensuring operational standards are met.
• Maintain high-traffic areas and manage snow removal operations to ensure pedestrian safety during New England winters.
• Oversee irrigation systems and support water conservation initiatives.
• Collaborate with campus departments to support special events and ceremonies and participate in Arbor Day and other arboretum-based educational programs.
• Ensure campus grounds consistently meet PGMS Honor Award standards.

Horticultural Excellence (30%)

• Oversee maintenance of signature campus features, including the Curry Student Center Koi Pond and Veterans Memorial Gardens.
• Plan, manage, and implement seasonal plantings and displays featuring native New England species and international specimens to ensure year-round campus appeal.
• Maintain campus ecosystems that support bee hotels and pollinator initiatives.