Gardener II

Job Description

This position fills a critical role within a dedicated team of garden professionals working together to fulfil the mission of stewardship and preservation of Beatrix Farrand’s masterpiece, a century after its creation. This position reports to the director of gardens and grounds and is under the guidance and general direction of the crew leader for a given section of gardens and grounds.

This position participates actively in the daily care and maintenance and enhancement of the gardens and grounds; works independently or as part of a team, under the direction of a crew leader.

This is an essential position, which may require the employee to work during emergencies and/or outside of normal work hours.

About Us

Dumbarton Oaks is a Harvard University research institute, library, museum, and garden located in Washington, DC. The institution is the legacy of Robert and Mildred Bliss, collectors of art and patrons of learning in the humanities. The museum houses world-class collections of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art, two areas of interest to the Blisses. A third revolves around the historic garden, which Mildred Bliss created in close collaboration with renowned landscape designer Beatrix Farrand.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs general plant care, garden maintenance, and essential garden duties, relying on knowledge of horticulture and plant care techniques: planting, pruning, mowing, blowing, edging, weeding, watering, invasive plant removal, lawn maintenance, ornament cleaning, and fountain/pool maintenance.
• Responds to inclement weather and/or emergency conditions as an essential employee. Removes snow, ice, storm debris, and addresses garden hazards.
• Operates machinery and equipment used in the performance of gardening duties, including mowers, tractors, and gas/electric powered hand-held equipment. Assures proper use of Personal Protective Equipment when operating equipment.
• Prepares the gardens for daily public visiting hours, including removal of snow and ice, leaves, and other debris from walkways and steps.
• May perform daily swimming pool maintenance including poolside cleaning, filter maintenance, water chemistry balance, and other duties associated with pool operation, under the supervision of the Certified Pool Operator (CPO).
• May answer questions for garden visitors.
• Assists with other areas of the gardens and special projects as needed, attends staff meetings.
• Performs other duties as required.

Education and Experience

Basic Requirements
Two or more years of professional gardening experience, or training in horticulture or a related field

Additional Requirements
• Horticultural training and/or grounds management background, particularly in historic gardens
• Pesticide Applicators License through DC Department of Environment, or ability to obtain license

Physical Demands
• Ability to work outside in various weather conditions, often on uneven terrain
• Endurance to walk, stand, kneel, bend, stoop, and climb for extended periods
• Strength to push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds

Additional Information

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Dumbarton Oaks is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Application Instructions

To Apply
The position remains open until filled. Please forward résumé and cover letter detailing relevant qualifications by clicking the link below.
https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGWEbHost/jobdetails.aspx?partnerID=25240&siteID=5341&AReq=67840BR