Green Roof Horticulture Specialist

Massachusetts Clean Energy; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 31,684 - 35,817; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Paid Holidays

Health/Gym Reimbursement

Meals Stipend

Telephone Reimbursement

Job summary

A growing green roofing company in Somerville is looking for a full-time Horticulture Specialist to assist in the installation, maintenance, and remediation of green roofs. The ideal candidate should have hands-on horticultural experience, preferably with perennials and shrubs, and a comprehensive understanding of plant care and pest management. Responsibilities include tool maintenance, administrative reporting, and working in various weather conditions. This role offers a dynamic farming experience in New England, alongside a supportive and passionate team.

Qualifications

• 2 years of hands-on experience in horticulture or landscaping.
• Familiar with New England's plant palettes and environments.
• Valid driver’s license and comfort with city driving.

Responsibilities

• Assist in installation and maintenance of green roof accounts.
• Communicate with clients and external parties as needed.
• Help develop best practices and troubleshoot challenges.

Skills

Hands-on experience in horticulture

Knowledge of plant growth habits

Experience with automated irrigation systems

Excellent communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in Horticulture or related field

Tools

GSuite

Job description

Hours: Full-Time (32-45 hrs/week) Seasonal
Compensation: $23-26/hr, depending upon relevant experience
Overtime: Time-and-a-half
Benefits: PTO, Health Leave, Paid Holidays, Meals Stipend, Telephone Reimbursement, Health/Gym Reimbursement, Gear Stipend
Website: https://recovergreenroofs.com

Job Duties/Responsibilities

Recover seeks qualified applicants for the full-time, seasonal Horticulture Specialists between the periods April/May and September/October 2026. This is a dynamic role responsible for performing, though not limited to, the following tasks:

• Assist in the hands-on installation, maintenance, and remediation of green roof accounts, incl. planting, weeding, pruning, adjusting/installing irrigation, fertilizing, controlling pests/diseases, and related work
  • Work independently or with a team on jobsites, as needed and appropriate.
  • Provide a high level of detail and horticulture expertise while completing tasks efficiently and maintaining best safetypractices.
  • Includes pre-visit loading/prep, onsite horticulture work, and post-visit clean-up, including unloading tools and materials required for the day’s work.
  • Communicate any concerns regarding condition/health of plants and/or green roof system to Lead Horticulturist and treat for pests, diseases, etc. using our organic plant management protocols as assigned. Document progress and problems.
  • Test irrigation systems during every maintenance visit. Contact Lead Horticulturist for irrigation adjustments/repairs.
• Help develop our best practices and troubleshoot site-specific challenges as needed.
• Provide general assistance to the Director of Horticulture, Horticulture Manager, and Lead Horticulturists as needed.
• Clearly communicate with external parties, incl. clients, vendors, subcontractors, as needed.
• Off-site work includes plant and material pick-ups from nurseries and maintaining tools.
• Administrative work includes writing maintenance reports, updating site manuals, and researching/providing plant recommendations for green roof projects.
• Identify and communicate jobsite, departmental, and/or HR-related concerns.
• Help maintain a clean and safe work environment on job sites, in the office/shop, and in Recover vehicles.
• Be a positive and professional ambassador and productive team member of Recover Green Roofs.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Horticultural – 2 years of hands‑on experience preferred in horticulture or landscaping, specifically working with perennials, annuals, trees, and shrubs
• Degree in Horticulture, Environmental Science, Forestry, Agroecology, Landscape Design, etc. a plus
• Experience working with New England's plant palettes and environments
• Knowledge of plant growth habits, overwintering practices, soil/water/feeding needs, etc.
• Knowledge of plant pathology and organic pest management
• Irrigation – Hands‑on experience with automated irrigation systems, incl. drip and overhead systems
• Must be reliable with a strong ability to both take direction and work independently
• Must be flexible/adaptable, including to scheduling adjustments
• Must have excellent powers of communication and critical thinking skills
• Must be comfortable using or learning to use GSuite and/or other technological platforms
• Must have an innate attention-to-detail and the ability to self‑pace
• Must have good references that can attest to your work ethic
• Valid driver’s license with comfort driving and parking in Boston. This role requires daily city driving, oftentimes to multiple sites per day, and occasionally long travel days.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Must be comfortable working on roofs and handling and climbing all types of ladders under adverse weather conditions (sun, heat, wind, rain)
• Must be able to bend, squat, kneel, stand, and walk for extended periods of time and to navigate uneven grounds and stairs evenly.
• Routine and/or frequent lifting of loads up to or greater than 50‑75 lbs
• Occasional non‑routine overnight travel based on business needs
• Occasional scheduled work required on evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Handling of and/or exposure to potentially hazardous materials

We are a small but growing Boston-based green roofing company working with clients to design, build, and maintain rooftop gardens, amenity spaces, roof decks, and farms throughout New England. Recover works with a wide array of clients - from universities to private residences to restaurants.

We are committed to being an equal opportunity employer and will never discriminate against applicants or employees based on age, race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression, ancestry, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran status, military or uniform service membership, or any other as‑yet unmentioned legally recognized basis.

If you're passionate about plants, sustainable building, New England, and working with a rad group of people, this is a special opportunity to grow with a great company.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and a brief description of your interests and availability to [e-mail], subject heading “Application for Horticulture Specialist”.