Garden & Grounds Foreperson — IPM & Tree Care Lead

Harvard University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plans with universityconrib

Wellbeing and mental health resources

Tuition assistance and reimbursement

Job summary

Harvard University in Washington, DC seeks a Garden and Grounds Foreperson to lead horticultural programs, coordinate departmental crews, and oversee contracted trades. The role emphasizes IPM, irrigation management, and historic garden practices across campus landscapes.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related field, five or more years in horticulture with mechanical systems, and licensing such as a DC pesticide applicator and ISA arborist certification.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or equivalent.
• Five or more years of experience in horticulture and maintenance of mechanical systems.
• ISA arborist certification preferred; DC pesticide applicator license within one year of hire.
• Valid DC pesticide applicators license within one year of hire.

Responsibilities

• Oversees Integrated Pest Management (IPM) activities and plant health.
• Coordinates emergency/weather response and weekend work as needed.
• Purchases and maintains all equipment and supplies.
• Oversees tree and woody plant pruning to ISA standards and safety.
• Coordinates turf maintenance, irrigation programming, and equipment repairs.
• Trains and supervises volunteers in collaboration with Crew Leaders.
• Oversees contracted work in irrigation, masonry, arboriculture and other trades.

Skills

English communication

Conversational Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related field

Tools

ISA arborist certification

DC pesticide applicators license

Valid driver’s license

Job description

Harvard University in Washington, DC seeks a Garden and Grounds Foreperson to lead horticultural programs, coordinate departmental crews, and oversee contracted trades. The role emphasizes IPM, irrigation management, and historic garden practices across campus landscapes.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related field, five or more years in horticulture with mechanical systems, and licensing such as a DC pesticide applicator and ISA arborist certification.