Assistant Director - Horticulture/Grounds

About the Opportunity This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. JOB SUMMARY Reporting to the Director of Horticulture and Grounds. the Assistant Director of Horticulture and Grounds supervises and coordinates the maintenance schedules and operations at all Northeastern facilities, including: - Implement zonal management system on the Boston Campus. - Assist in enforcing standards and protocols for landscape maintenance programs at all university locations. Evaluate results. - Meet regularly with Director to assess and prioritize requirements of all campuses. - Assist in the planning, development, bid process and coordination of arborist, landscape, and plant health outside services, including preparation of cost estimates, maintaining current rate sheets for vendors. - Assist in performing a variety of administrative duties critical to project management; tracking ongoing projects, assuring the necessary bid requirements are met and the bills are handled in a timely manner. - Oversee successful execution of all Boston Campus snow and ice treatment operations. The Assistant Director of Horticulture and Grounds will prioritize horticultural programs in accordance with seasons and university calendars to achieve optimum levels of design, appearance, and quality control. Assisting in delegating responsibilities to grounds supervisors and recommend plans of action to attain appropriate horticultural and plant collections standards.The Assistant Director will also provide professional technical landscape expertise; and help to develop curriculum and administer training programs for maintenance worker. Provide training and supervision for student workers, volunteers, and community outreach programs as well as develop and offer tours of the Northeastern Arboretum. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s Degree in plant science/horticulture or related field with five years of proven experience in a horticulture or plant collections environment required; including supervisory experience. Must possess a Massachusetts pesticide license. Within six months of hire, must possess and maintain an arborist certification (ISA or MCA). Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with a diverse community. Proven leadership skills that demonstrate the ability to train and influence personnel. Ability and willingness to handle multiple assignments simultaneously and manage multiple contractors. Must have a valid Massachusetts driver's license. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES 1) Supervise and direct the activities of the Landscape Maintenance Supervisor and the daily actives of the Landscape Maintenance Workers. Create and implement a landscape maintenance plan consisting of a zonal management system, including all suburban campuses. 2) Select and supervise the activities of all contractors who engage in plant collections related activities such as landscape, arborist, and plant health companies. Assure that all standards are met and work is complete to satisfaction. Prioritize horticultural programs in accordance with seasonal and university calendars to achieve optimum levels of design and appearance. 3) Coordinate with the Assistant Director of Landscape and Hardscapes to assure that all capital projects are properly coordinated with the activities of the Landscaped Maintenance Team. 4) Provide professional technical landscape expertise; and help to develop curriculum and administer training programs for maintenance workers and athletic facilities personnel. Provide training and supervision for community outreach programs. 5) Under the direction of the Senior Director of Building Services coordinate, direct and supervise all in-house/contractor snow/ice removal operations for the Boston, Dedham, Burlington and Nahant Campuses. Ensure all staff have been properly trained in the operation of equipment and practices. Monitor all inclement weather situations that may affect University operations and issue timely Weather Alert Bulletins to Senior leadership and associated partners. Position Type Facilities Additional Information Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.