Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy

Title: Horticulture Project Manager and Designer

Type of Position: Full-time, Exempt
Reports to: Director of Horticulture

Department: Horticulture

Salary Range: $70,000 - $75,000

The Greenway Conservancy, the non-profit responsible for the management and care of The Rose Kennedy Greenway, is seeking a highly motivated individual for a full-time position as the Ecology and Horticulture Supervisor to join our team. The Conservancy’s team of horticulture professionals care for nearly 17 acres of vibrant green space and extensive gardens including formal gardens, meadows, and native plantings, in the heart of downtown Boston using ecological and organic practices. The Conservancy has been a pioneer in ecological horticulture; among the first in the nation to care for a public park completely organically.

The Greenway Conservancy is committed to providing a park environment that is welcoming to racially, culturally, and economically diverse residents and visitors. You can read more about our mission, vision, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion on our website.

Responsibilities

The Horticulture Project Manager and Designer primarily manages horticulture projects in the field; works on planting designs; oversees contractors and service providers; coordinates horticulture Volunteer engagements; and maintains plant records. This role works with the Ecology and Horticulture Supervisor and the Maintenance Team Lead; reports to and supports the vision of the Director of Horticulture. 

• Coordinates and schedules planting and other projects with contractors including, but are not limited to, the following: landscape firms, irrigation services, and masons; routinely communicates with Boston Water and Sewer Commission and other municipalities. 
• Collaborates with the Ecology and Horticulture Supervisor on follow up care for planting projects and other maintenance in the park.
• Works with the Director of Horticulture on garden and landscape design projects; manages project budgets and contracts.
• Working with the Director of Horticulture and Ecology and Horticulture Supervisor hires new team members.
• Collects plant data; maintains plant records and horticulture image library. 
• Works with the Volunteer Manager to arrange Volunteers who support horticulture projects in the park; may include tours and workshops.
• Coordinates lawn care, fall clean up, trash management, and snow and ice management services with the Maintenance Team Lead.
• Assists the Director of Horticulture and Ecology and Horticulture Supervisor to establish landscape and garden management plans; helps to develop departmental policies and protocols.
• Supports Ecology and Horticulture Supervisor with training in general garden maintenance skills, such as: planting, pruning, weeding, watering, and mulching; use and care of tools, small power equipment, vehicles and machines; and maintaining and repairing irrigation lines.
• Assist with the development of the operations budget and with invoice approvals.
• Works with Outreach on interpretive signage and social media content; supports Public Art and Program and Events Departments during exhibition installations and other public engagements.
• Provides information requested by Development for grants and funders; leads tours as needed.
• Other tasks as requested to support the organization and department.

Skills and Preferred Qualifications

• Horticulture degree or a related field, completion of a certificate program, and relevant experiences are all considered during the review and selection of candidates.
• Combination of formal education and at least five (5) years of increasing supervisory responsibilities within the horticulture and landscape maintenance field; knowledge of ecological and organic practices preferred; experience working at a public garden or park preferred.
• Experience working with contractors and project management.
• Experience with landscape and garden design, and plant procurement.
• High level of plant knowledge, including identification and nomenclature. 
• Knowledge of plant disease and pest problems; ability to use resources to help identify problems and find solutions.
• Experience with commercial irrigation systems preferred.
• Previous experience with plant records preferred.
• Ability to read and understand planting and irrigation plans, specifications and related design and construction drawings is strongly preferred.
• Horticulture accreditations are helpful; development opportunities are available. 
• Effective communication skills; ability to prioritize and plan.
• Experience working with volunteers and other stakeholders is preferred.
• Commitment to and knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion is valued by The Greenway.
• Ability to engage and support a wide variety of people.
• Valid US driver’s license in good standing.
• Computer proficiency, especially in Google for Work and Microsoft Office, training is available. Design and graphic software experience is a plus.

Logistics

• Full-time, on-site position. Work week is Monday through Friday, 7:30 am - 3:30 pm; with paid 15-minute morning and 45-minute lunch breaks. Communications outside of regular shifts can be expected.
• Must be able to work outside in all types of weather; rain and winter outfitting is provided.
• Must be able to safely lift up to 50 lbs.
• May be stationary and experience changes in position for periods of time.
• Safely ascending to various heights is part of the work experience.
• Recording observations are included in daily operations.
• We strongly encourage all incoming employees to be COVID-19 vaccinated.
• The accepted candidate will be required to have a successful completion of a CORI background check

Compensation and Benefits

• The salary ranges from $70,000 - $75,000; depending on education, credentials and experience.
• The Greenway Conservancy offers competitive benefits including: 
• Medical and dental insurance (Conservancy pays 80% of premiums and 100% of the medical deductible).
• Vision insurance.
• Short and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance (Conservancy pays 100% of premiums). 
• 16 paid vacation days, 13.5 paid holidays, 7 paid sick days annually.
• Simple IRA with 4% employer match after 2 years of employment.
• Pre-tax commuter benefits.
• Branded workwear is provided, including short and long sleeve shirts, hats, sweatshirt, winter jacket and rain gear.
• Professional development specific to the role is available and encouraged.
• Free/discounted admission to many cultural organizations in New England.
• Qualified employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Application process

• Please email one-page cover letter, resume and 3 references to: careers@rosekennedygreenway.org with the job title in the subject line. Each file name should begin with the applicant's last name.
• No phone calls, please.

About The Greenway and the Greenway Conservancy (www.rosekennedygreenway.org) 

The Greenway is the contemporary public park in the heart of Boston. The Greenway welcomes millions of visitors annually to gather, play, unwind, and explore. 

The Greenway Conservancy is the non-profit responsible for the management and care of The Greenway. The Conservancy has won numerous awards, including for our organic landscape care and park programming. The majority of the public park’s annual budget is generously provided by a range of private sources.

The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer,  and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression (including transgender) or any other characteristic protected by law.