Director-Horticulture/Grounds

Director-Horticulture/Grounds

About Northeastern:
Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and a world leader in experiential learning. The same commitment to connecting with the world drives our use-inspired research enterprise. The university offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees through the doctorate in nine colleges and schools. Our campuses in Charlotte, N.C., San Francisco, Seattle, and Toronto are regional platforms for undergraduate and graduate learning and collaborative research. Northeastern pursues advanced research in security and materials at the Innovation Campus in Burlington, Massachusetts, and in coastal sustainability at the Marine Science Center in Nahant, Massachusetts.

About the Opportunity:
Under the direction of the AVP for Facilities Services, the Director of Horticulture and Grounds will bring technical skill, inspiration and support to the landscape plan at Northeastern University. Provides professional and experienced insight on plant management by establishing a long-range strategy for the appropriate care of the university landscape including the development of a plant health program. Creates a structure for the implementation of best horticultural practices by positively engaging and coaching assigned subordinate grounds supervisors and staff. Directs the horticultural stewardship and growth of the landscape plan under the supervision of the AVP for Facilities Services. Supports new endeavors and fosters collaborative relationships with various stakeholders unique to Northeastern University and the surrounding community. Collaborates with planning staff, consultants and administration to ensure new landscape designs are in balance with exceptional horticultural standards and the natural integrity of the university landscape. Demonstrates fiscal responsibility by submitting and tracking horticultural expenditures against operating, donor-restricted and other associated budgets. Delegate responsibilities to Assistant Director Landscaping Projects and Hardscape and recommend plans of action to attain appropriate horticultural standards. Establish standards and protocol at all campuses. Act as coordinator between the University and architects/contractors associated with special projects. Develop curriculum and administer training programs for maintenance workers and athletic facilities personnel. Oversee management of Landscape personnel. Ensure department assists in snow removal efforts on Boston and Suburban campuses.

Responsibilities:
ABORETUM STEWARDSHIP - Develop and document an arboretum plan that defines organization, audience, planting records, maintenance provisions and succession plan; Make recommendations to and encourage participation in an arboretum governing board; Oversee execution of arboretum planting plan ensuring that specimans are labeled and documented in a way that is publically accessible, as required; Colloborate with appropriate university sponsors in development and promotion of arboretum specific educational events open to the general public; Maintain records, reports and the like to maintain a level 1 Aboretum status.

FISCAL - Develop spending projections as well as monitor and maintain budgets to achieve fiscal goals; Request or otherwise initiate the purchase of horticultural supplies, materials, products, and equipment in accordance with departmental process and University policies; Maintain precise records of inventory and budget expenditures.

PLANNING - Plan, schedule and direct the planting, cultivation, and care of turf, shrubs, flowers, and trees throughout campus and other university-owned properties; Plan, schedule and direct the application of fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, overseeing proper and timely completion; Prioritize, schedule, assign, track progress and completion of various horticultural duties/projects to assigned subordinate grounds supervisors; Schedule, guide and supervise landscape maintenance and tree care contractors; Track contracted work in progress to ensure satisfactory progress; Keep abreast of new horticultural trends and technology, products & equipment. Delegate responsibilities to Assistant Director Landscaping Projects and Hardscape and recommend plans of action to attain appropriate horticultural standards. Evaluate results. Develop spending projections as well as monitor and control budgets to achieve fiscal goals. Study landscaping trends to remain innovative in the creation of new landscapes. Suburban Campus Facilities Establish standards and protocol for maintenance of building operations and landscaping programs at all suburban sites including Burlington, Dedham, and Nahant. Consult with facility coordinators at the Warren Conference Center and Henderson House as needed. Coordinate with supervisors at each facility the requirements to achieve predetermined standards. Coordinate repairs or upgrades required at each facility.

SUPERVISORY - Instruct, demonstrate, and otherwise train grounds supervisors and landscape maintenance workers in proper horticultural methods, techniques, equipment use, plant insect and disease identification and treatment; guide and give technical assistance when necessary; Interpret, administer and enforce work rules, rules of conduct, departmental and University policies, procedures, and performance standards.

Qualifications:
A Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture or Plant & Soil Science, as well as 6 years of employment history in the field of horticulture that demonstrates increasing responsibility, is required. The Director must have both the vision to achieve an innovative landscape program as well as the hands-on skills to ensure execution; experience in campus landscape development, arboretum development, and horticultural maintenance is required. The horticulturist must have the ability to inspire confidence and maintain effective working relationships at all levels of the organization. Demonstrated supervisory and team leadership skills. Ability to communicate in the written and spoken word with tact, diplomacy, and authority when necessary. Exceptional organization, multi-stage project management and administrative skills are a must. Working knowledge of basic hand tools and demonstrated mechanical aptitude. Ability and willingness to handle many assignments simultaneously and develop new ideas for surrounding campus landscape. Must have a valid Massachusetts driver's license.


Preferred Qualifications:

Salary Grade:
14

Additional Information:
Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University's commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.



To apply, visit https://careers.pageuppeople.com/879/cw/en-us/job/501393

jeid-44e7e7ba409dde45aff7d2d096a986bd