Plant Technologist

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Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is a 281-acre museum of trees teaching the world about plants. With one of the world's most biodiverse collections of temperate woody plants, combined with world-class scientific resources, and a commitment to diverse programming, the Arnold Arboretum has been a leader in horticulture since its founding in 1872. As part of the Boston Parks system, it is free and open to all daily; we host three to four million visitors each year.

The Arnold Arboretum seeks a part-time (18 hours per week, benefits-eligible) Plant Technologist to care for the plants, growth facilities, and research laboratories at the state-of-the-art Weld Hill research facility. The facility consists of approximately 6,800 square feet of greenhouses, growth chambers, and related workspace, plus ~33,000 square feet of outdoor common garden space. Working closely with Arboretum and other Harvard faculty and staff under the supervision of the Arnold Arboretum Plant Growth Facilities Manager, the Plant Technologist will ensure high-quality plants and plant growth facilities to support a full range of research and teaching activities.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Cares for Research and Teaching Plants.
• Works with Growth Facility Staff and researchers to establish and maintain healthy plants including establishing growth parameters, cultural practices, fertilizer and watering regimes.
• Provides aspects of plant care of a wide variety of plant species including watering, fertilization, and sanitation. 
• Helps to assess, diagnose and coordinate treatments for pest control including conducting cultural and biological controls as needed to keep certain plants pest-free.
• Maintains plant facilities.
• Monitors the operation of greenhouses and growth chambers and reports on any issues that may arise to the Plant Growth Facilities Manager, including those involving users, equipment, supplies, operations, safety, security and maintenance.
• Monitors the general operation of the Growth Facility and ensures the facility is clean, safe, and operating smoothly.
• Coordinates with other staff members as required.
• May administer special care to plants for researchers.
• Special care will be determined on a project-by-project basis after consultation with researchers and the Plant Growth Facilities Manager.
• Reports and records plant health and pest and disease scouting results.
• Maintains plant facility records and inventory.
• Performs related job duties as required.

Please note: This position requires one weekend day of work per week and working half of the University holidays. This is also a two-year term, with an end date two years from the date of hire.

Working Conditions: Must be able to work in a variety of environments, including hot, humid or cold conditions inside the facilities and outdoors.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to work outdoors in various plant collections and habitats during all seasons. Must be able to bend, reach, stoop, and lift. Must be able to walk and stand for up to two hours at a time in indoor, greenhouse, and outdoor conditions. Must be able to climb ladders and frequently lift/carry up to 50 lbs. Use of protective devices required during the periodic use of sanitizers, fertilizers, and soil preparation.

Basic Qualifications are the minimum threshold a candidate must meet in order to be considered for this role.

Two years of horticultural experience and experience with pest management principles and practices, plant propagation/culture methods, soil and growth media preparation required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience with hand and power tools
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to details
• Ability to prioritize tasks, work under pressure, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work well with multiple constituents, including faculty, students, researchers, vendors, and administrative and facilities staff. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to tactfully build and maintain productive relationships with clients, staff, administrators, experts, and vendors.
• Ability to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations as well as University policies relating to greenhouse and growth chamber functions.

Certificates and Licenses:

Must possess and maintain (or acquire in a reasonable amount of time, within 3-4 months after hire) a valid driver's license. An RMV check is required.

• Appointment End Date: This is also a two-year term, with an end date two years from the date of hire.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 18 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screenings: Identity and Motor Vehicle Record
• Other Information:
  • This position is 100% on-site. 
  • This position is considered ESSENTIAL STAFF. Must be able to work weekends and half the University holidays. 
  • Must be able to work during periods of adverse weather and during emergencies. 
  • This position will have a 3-month orientation and review period. 

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 052. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.