Seasonal Gardener- Horticulture and Landscape (6-Month Term Appointment)
Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
Seasonal Gardener
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
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 seeks a dynamic and diverse group of individuals to fill seasonal positions. This Seasonal Gardener job is a six-month term appointment starting in the early spring of 2026. We have one opening for staff who will work Sunday through Thursday.
The successful candidates will join the Arboretum's Horticulture and Landscape Department in the stewardship of one of the finest and most significant woody plant collections in North America. The Seasonal Gardeners work alongside the Arboretum's team of horticulture and landscape staff responsible for the holistic care of the 281-acre landscape. Seasonal Gardeners assist with such tasks including mowing, lawn maintenance, string trimming, IPM (integrated pest management) practices, transplanting, pruning, weed management, mulching and composting, leaf clean-up, watering, invasive species management, and various types of landscape maintenance and collection renovation projects.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Weeding, mulching, and brush chipping
Pruning
Transplanting
Watering
IPM (Integrated Pest Management) practices
Mowing, string trimming, and leaf clean-up
Litter management
Operation and maintenance of various equipment
Landscape maintenance and collection renovation projects as needed
Other related job duties as assigned
This benefits-eligible position will end six months from the date of hire. Benefits start on the date of hire. Hourly wage: $24.94. Schedule: 40 hours (7:00 AM to 3:30 PM Sunday through Thursday) per week with a one-half-hour unpaid meal break per day.
As part of the pre-hire process, a D.O.T. Medical Examiner's Certificate, Drug Screening, and an RMV check for a valid driver's license are required at Harvard's expense.
This position is based solely on campus, in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.
Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:
A minimum of one (1) year experience in horticulture or a related field
Must have and maintain a valid driver's license
Must be able to perform manual labor, including frequent lifting/carrying/transporting heavy loads up to 50 pounds
Must be able to stand for eight hours a day
Required to work in all weather conditions in all seasons
Must serve as essential staff for weather-related emergencies impacting the grounds
Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours (7:00 AM to 3:30 PM Sunday through Thursday) per week with a one-half-hour unpaid meal break per day
Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screenings: Identity, Driver's License, DOT Physical, and Drug Screening.
This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.
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.
This position is salary grade level 000. Corresponding salary information can be found in the job description above.
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.
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.
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
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 seeks a dynamic and diverse group of individuals to fill seasonal positions. This Seasonal Gardener job is a six-month term appointment starting in the early spring of 2026. We have one opening for staff who will work Sunday through Thursday.
The successful candidates will join the Arboretum's Horticulture and Landscape Department in the stewardship of one of the finest and most significant woody plant collections in North America. The Seasonal Gardeners work alongside the Arboretum's team of horticulture and landscape staff responsible for the holistic care of the 281-acre landscape. Seasonal Gardeners assist with such tasks including mowing, lawn maintenance, string trimming, IPM (integrated pest management) practices, transplanting, pruning, weed management, mulching and composting, leaf clean-up, watering, invasive species management, and various types of landscape maintenance and collection renovation projects.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Weeding, mulching, and brush chipping
Pruning
Transplanting
Watering
IPM (Integrated Pest Management) practices
Mowing, string trimming, and leaf clean-up
Litter management
Operation and maintenance of various equipment
Landscape maintenance and collection renovation projects as needed
Other related job duties as assigned
This benefits-eligible position will end six months from the date of hire. Benefits start on the date of hire. Hourly wage: $24.94. Schedule: 40 hours (7:00 AM to 3:30 PM Sunday through Thursday) per week with a one-half-hour unpaid meal break per day.
As part of the pre-hire process, a D.O.T. Medical Examiner's Certificate, Drug Screening, and an RMV check for a valid driver's license are required at Harvard's expense.
This position is based solely on campus, in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.
Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:
A minimum of one (1) year experience in horticulture or a related field
Must have and maintain a valid driver's license
Must be able to perform manual labor, including frequent lifting/carrying/transporting heavy loads up to 50 pounds
Must be able to stand for eight hours a day
Required to work in all weather conditions in all seasons
Must serve as essential staff for weather-related emergencies impacting the grounds
Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours (7:00 AM to 3:30 PM Sunday through Thursday) per week with a one-half-hour unpaid meal break per day
Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screenings: Identity, Driver's License, DOT Physical, and Drug Screening.
This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.
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.
This position is salary grade level 000. Corresponding salary information can be found in the job description above.
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.
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.