Landscape & Sustainability Leader for Public Park Stewardship

Esplanade Association; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Free uniforms

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Training & development

Job summary

The Esplanade Association in Boston, MA is seeking a Landscape & Sustainability Manager to lead park stewardship, horticultural enhancement, and ecological initiatives along the Charles River Esplanade. This full‑time, exempt role drives day‑to‑day operations, volunteer programs, and collaborative projects with DCR and partners.

You will oversee living and built infrastructure, advance climate resilience, manage staff and contractors, and report on progress against sustainability goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, environmental science, horticulture, sustainability, or related field.
• 3 to 5 years of project management experience combining grounds/facilities care with environmental strategy.
• Credentials like SITES AP, ISA Certified Arborist, or MA Master Gardener Certificate help applicants stand out.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong professional relationships.
• Strong project management, organizational, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills to support collaboration with staff, contractors, volunteers, partners, and the public.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning of annual and seasonal stewardship, maintenance, and enhancement of the Esplanade’s living and built infrastructure, including the Tree Management and Succession Plan [link]
• Oversee the execution of all landscape and horticultural operations by staff and contractors, including planting design, irrigation, soil health, turf care, nuisance/invasive species control, and tree care.
• Establish and maintain high standards of horticultural excellence, landscape quality, ecological health, operational efficiency, and visitor experience.
• Ensure the effective allocation of staff, volunteers, equipment, and resources to support operational goals.
• Lead the Esplanade Association’s sustainability strategy, advancing initiatives that improve ecological health, climate resilience, and resource conservation in alignment with EA’s 2024 Climate Action Plan [link], environmental regulations, and industry best practices.
• Track organization-wide sustainability goals and performance metrics and prepare annual reports on progress and impact.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Environmental sustainability

Public park operations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, environmental science, horticulture, sustainability, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Esplanade Association in Boston, MA is seeking a Landscape & Sustainability Manager to lead park stewardship, horticultural enhancement, and ecological initiatives along the Charles River Esplanade. This full‑time, exempt role drives day‑to‑day operations, volunteer programs, and collaborative projects with DCR and partners.

You will oversee living and built infrastructure, advance climate resilience, manage staff and contractors, and report on progress against sustainability goals.