Job description

Organization:

Mount Auburn Cemetery comprises 175 acres and is situated in Watertown and Cambridge near Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1831, and now visited by over 200,000 people each year, Mount Auburn is a National Historic Landmark, recognized as the first “rural cemetery” and the inspiration for the American Parks Movement during the 19thcentury. As an active cemetery, Mount Auburn inspires all who visit, comforts the bereaved, and commemorates the dead in a landscape of exceptional beauty. As an accredited arboretum, Mount Auburn features 5,000 trees and more than 20,000 plants overall.

Role and Responsibilities:

At the direction of the Director of Horticulture & Landscape Operations, is responsible for managing the day-to-day grounds maintenance and horticulture operations, prioritizing for the efficient and effective use of staff. Performs a variety of duties to assist Department Supervisors during busy times (storms, holidays, leaf season) or when other staff are not available. Assists the Director of Horticulture & Landscape Operations in preparing and adhering to annual operating budgets and setting short-term and long-term priorities and goals with respect to maintenance and new landscape developments and compliance with the Master Plan and Strategic Plan. Uses heavy equipment for a variety of specific tasks, as assigned.

· Ensures the efficient and effective functioning of all departmental operations and programs by communicating regularly with the Supervisors of Arboriculture, Grass/Grounds Maintenance, and Vehicle & Equipment Services to coordinate all activities.

· Responsible for managing the Recycling Area operations by incorporating the best sustainable practices and serving as a model for other organizations to follow. Operate frontend loader and necessary equipment for producing topsoil, compost, mulch etc. Work with cemetery staff and outside contractors to screen soil, enhance composting operations, dispose of wood waste, and other materials.

· Oversees IPM and PHC program for department. Working with arborist and turf supervisors, responsible for diagnosing tree and plant problems, recommending treatments, keeping all appropriate records, and supervising pesticide spraying, tree injections, etc.

· Provides guidance and experience to horticulture contractors while on-site performing such work as tree plantings, tree removals, tree pruning, large turf projects, turf maintenance, nursery deliveries, and Recycle Area work. This involves equipment access and set up, unloading materials and storage of materials on-site.

· Serves as a backup for the following, upon their absence or as directed by Director of Horticulture Operations:
- lead arborist, turf supervisor and mechanic in their absence. Assists in the garage as needed.
- managing snowplow crew and all snow removal activities, including at night and on weekends as necessary.
- backfills Director of Horticulture & Landscape Operations in his absence to keep operation running smoothly.

· Responsible for ensuring that Mount Auburn’s high standards are upheld with respect to ongoing maintenance of the grounds, while also ensuring compliance with the Master Plan and Strategic Plan. Encourages professionalism and creativity amongst staff. Recommends and helps implement more efficient operating procedures and policies and improved horticultural practices. Is instrumental in overseeing and promoting safety in the workplace for all staff in the department.

· Occasionally leads tours of the Cemetery for plant societies and other horticultural groups and may conduct programs for the Friends of Mount Auburn as requested.

· May be asked to perform other duties in support of other departments, as requested by Director of Horticulture & Landscape Operations.

Qualifications and physical demands include but are not limited to:

· Five or more years of horticulture experience or related field. College degree, High School degree in horticulture preferred.

· Experience managing staff and/or running an operation required.

· Ability to perform and have knowledge in a wide variety of horticulture tasks such as: grounds maintenance, turf care, gardening, arboriculture, composting and equipment operation (backhoe, front end loader, Bobcat, aerial lift).

· Must be able to coordinate equipment needs between departments and prioritize repairs and maintenance with Fleet Mechanic.

· Knowledge of equipment, materials, and staffing needs to handle all size storms required. Must be willing to work evening and weekends on occasion, as needed for snow removal.

· Experience in compost production and managing a compost/recycling operation desirable, including knowledge of seasonal timing of tasks to recycle bulk materials.

· Ability to communicate successfully with all levels of employees and with outside contractors, customers, and visitors.

· Ability to be flexible and creative as work demands change.

· Must have a Massachusetts Hoisting license.

· CDL license preferred.

· Commercial Pesticide Applicators licenses in Shade Trees and Ornamentals (Category 36) and Turf (Category 37) preferred, or willingness to obtain if not held currently.

· Experience with BG Base and computer mapping systems preferred.

· Must present a good professional image in dress, grooming and personal hygiene per the Cemetery’s dress code policy.

· Ability to move in all areas of the Cemetery without restrictions, including driving an automobile, climbing in and out of Cemetery equipment and into all building areas, as well as being able to access all the grounds.

· Ability to move within a normal office environment and access all records and equipment.

· Ability to use a variety of hand tools and power equipment such as pole saws, leaf blower, chainsaw, snow blower, and brush chipper.

· Ability to bend, walk, and/or stand for long periods of time.

· Ability to shovel soil, snow, lift fertilizer bags, trees, shrubs, logs up to 80 pounds.

· Outdoor supervision of employees throughout the year. Must be able to work outside in any weather.

Hours of Work:

7:30 AM to 3:30 PM from Monday to Friday. Occasional evenings and weekends as required.

Job Type: Temporary

Pay: $46,266.07 - $55,718.28 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Cambridge, MA 02138: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

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