Horticulturist - Proprietors of the Cemetery of Mount Auburn : Job Details

ORGANIZATION: Mount Auburn Cemetery comprises 175 acres and is situated in Watertown and Cambridge near Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1831, and 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 19th century. 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. POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for landscape maintenance and horticulture projects at Mount Auburn Cemetery as assigned by the Director of Ornamental Horticulture, including but not limited to weeding, mulching, watering, pruning, bed preparation, planting, edging, watering, fertilizing, picking up branches, removing snow, and record keeping. Oversees seasonal staff and volunteers, as assigned. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Direct and lead seasonal gardeners and volunteers as needed, to achieve short- and long-term horticultural goals.

• Lead and perform planting and maintenance of assigned plant beds and planters, including plant material such as groundcovers, trees, shrubs and perennials. Perform any additional horticulture tasks at Mount Auburn as requested.
• Maintain plant records in accordance with Mount Auburn practices.
• Assist Arboriculture Team and other Horticulturists as requested.
• Diagnose plant pest problems, recommend treatments and plant health care improvements, keep appropriate records, and apply necessary treatments to protect the outdoor plant collection of the Cemetery.
• In coordination with the Horticultural Curator and Director of Ornamental Horticulture, research, plan and implement regular horticultural enhancements.
• Work with the team for snow removal as needed.
• Perform other duties as requested by the Director of Ornamental Horticulture to assist other Sections or Departments or to improve the Mount Auburn landscape.
• Use all vehicles and equipment safely and responsibly.
• Follow all Cemetery safety policies and procedures related to assigned tasks, including wearing personal protective equipment (eye and hearing protection, gloves, etc.), proper handling of chemicals, ladder safety, and lifting and moving heavy objects. Bring unsafe conditions to the attention of the Director of Ornamental Horticulture
• Be punctual and manage time and attendance with mobile time clock system.
• Represent Mount Auburn appropriately at all times when at work; in demeanor, attitude, uniform, and written and verbal communication.

As with all Cemetery staff, assist with any cemetery business including special meetings, conferences, Friends events, and public programs as needed. Demonstrate responsible stewardship for the environment when planning and implementing all duties incorporated in job description. QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in Ornamental Horticulture or related field or equivalent training or experience required.
• Five years of horticulture work experience.
• A valid driver's license is required.
• Proven ability to direct staff and run work crews effectively and efficiently. Must be able to make sound decisions under pressure and in stressful situations.
• Organized, independent worker able to self-start and prioritize workloads.
• Experience working in private estate, high-end residential landscaping, or public horticulture is desired.
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant flora: New England and Mid-Atlantic natives, commonly used ornamental plants, invasive plants, common weed (or the ability and enthusiasm to learn).
• Ability to obtain a Pesticide Applicator License (Core) within one year of hire, understanding that applying pesticides may be required.
• Ability to obtain a Massachusetts Hoisting License 2A within one year of hire.
• MCA, MCH or ISA designation is a plus (not required).
• Ability to communicate successfully and tactfully with staff, outside vendors and contractors, lot owners, customers and visitors.
• Proficiency in basic computer skills and programs such as Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint or willingness and ability to learn.
• Bilingual communicator in Spanish a plus (not required), fluency in English required.

REQUIRED PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Heavy work that includes moving, adjusting, or carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds, including soil and mulch, without assistance.
• Ability to use and operate a variety of hand tools and power equipment such as hand pruners, handsaws, pole saw, pole pruners, power pruners, string trimmers, leaf blowers, etc.
• Position involves moving in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time and/or performing activities such as bending.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather.

Mount Auburn Cemetery is an equal-opportunity employer. It does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, national origin, age, pregnancy, citizenship status, physical or mental ability, military status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.