Greenhouse Specialist

Job Description

Dumbarton Oaks is a Harvard University research institute, library, museum, and garden 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. Since 1940, when the Blisses gifted the estate and collections to Harvard University, Dumbarton Oaks has supported research in Byzantine Studies. Later it embraced Pre-Columbian and Garden and Landscape Studies. The support takes the form of fellowships and other awards, scholarly conferences, publications, and digital initiatives. In recent years, Dumbarton Oaks has also developed educational programs focusing on its collections and garden.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Leads greenhouse program including Greenhouse, Pit-house, Orangery, and Directors Residence greenhouse spaces.
• Participates actively in the daily care, maintenance, and enhancement of gardens and grounds.
• Leads the greenhouse program, including Orangery and Director’s Residence greenhouses. Duties include procurement of plant material and supplies, propagation, plant production, maintenance and cleaning of greenhouse structure, maintenance of interior/exterior plants, Integrated Pest Management, holiday and event displays, and receiving and inspecting plant deliveries for accuracy and quality. Maintains the greenhouse according to established standards.
• Performs all pest management for greenhouse program spaces, using established IPM protocols. This includes scouting, spraying, and maintaining proper licensing as a pesticide applicator.
• Coordinates plant needs with garden crews and produces high quality plants, on schedule, grown to crew specifications.
• Assists with planting projects in the Spring once greenhouse production is finished. Assists with efforts to dig and save stock plants in the Fall.
• On weekend duty days: Prepares gardens for daily fellow and public visiting hours by checking walks, fountains, irrigation systems, and swimming pool. Reviews watering notes left by crews and completes needed watering in all garden sections and greenhouse areas.
• Assists in essential services including removal of snow and ice, leaves and other debris from walkways and steps, storm damage clean-up, and other emergency duties.
• Coordinates with other departments to provide plant materials for special events as possible; may include designing, creating or recommending the purchase of specific plant materials.
• Works independently and with supervision and as a member of a team.
• May answer questions for garden visitors.
• Assists with special projects as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

Ability to work outside in various weather conditions and in greenhouse conditions.
Endurance to walk, stand, kneel, bend, stoop, and climb
Strength to push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds.

Education and Experience

Basic Qualifications

At least three years of professional gardening and/or greenhouse experience.
Gardening and horticultural training may substitute for gardening experience.

Additional Qualifications

Basic knowledge of equipment operation and repair.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Strong interpersonal skills.
DC pesticide license in category 3A, 3C, or ability to obtain the license after getting hired.
Ability to communicate in English verbally and in writing.

Certificates and Licenses

DC pesticide license in category 3A, 3C, or ability to obtain the license within 6 months of hire.

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

The position remains open until filled. Please forward résumé and cover letter detailing relevant qualifications by clicking the link below.

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