Arboretum & Campus Grounds Leader

International Society of Arboriculture; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeastern University in Boston is seeking a Horticulture & Landscape Supervisor to lead the grounds staff daily, ensuring safety, quality, and adherence to university standards while preserving our arboretum.

The role combines horticultural expertise with leadership to guide maintenance across campus, including seasonal plantings, irrigation oversight, and collaboration with departments for events.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Grounds maintenance

Plant identification

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture

Job description

Northeastern University in Boston is seeking a Horticulture & Landscape Supervisor to lead the grounds staff daily, ensuring safety, quality, and adherence to university standards while preserving our arboretum.

The role combines horticultural expertise with leadership to guide maintenance across campus, including seasonal plantings, irrigation oversight, and collaboration with departments for events.