About the Opportunity
Reporting to the Associate Director, the Horticulture & Landscape Supervisor provides leadership and oversight of the daily operations of the university’s grounds staff on the Boston campus. The Supervisor is responsible for ensuring safety, quality, and compliance with university standards while maintaining a landscape that supports and enhances the university’s arboretum. While this position does not perform bargaining unit work, the successful candidate will blend horticultural expertise and leadership skills to guide grounds maintenance operations and preserve the distinctive character of our urban arboretum. This role requires an understanding of the challenges of caring for diverse plant collections as well as a commitment to creating and maintaining outdoor spaces that are reflective of our global university community.
The Horticulture & Landscape Supervisor is considered essential personnel. This is a condition of employment. Job description and schedule are subject to change due to University needs and demands.
Available schedule : Tuesday through Saturday, 6AM – 2:30PM
Education & Experience
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.
Technical Competencies
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/ice removal
Experience with landscape equipment, irrigations systems, and grounds safety standards
Required Certifications
Other Requirements
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
Must lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly
Extensive walking across campus (73-acre Boston campus)
On-call availability for snow removal emergencies and storm response
Occasional evening and weekend work for special events and programs
Must successfully complete a criminal background check and motor vehicle record check
Preferred Qualifications
OSHA 10 (or equivalent) safety certification
OPSI Hoisting Engineer 2A/1C certification
Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) through PGMS
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification/ISA Certified Arborist
Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist
Experience with GIS mapping and digital tree inventory systems
Campus Landscape Operations
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.
Horticultural Excellence
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.
Position Type
Facilities
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Base Pay Rate:
$44.21
