Job Description

Arboriculture Manager

Location: Cambridge/Watertown, MA
Salary:

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/plant masses overall.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsible for care of the tree collection (accredited Level III Arboretum by Arbnet) across 175 acres of historic and still active cemetery. Manages the two arborists who care for the collection, working with them as needed. Must be able to do climbing/pruning work. Manages daily assignments, scheduling of rotational pruning, tracking data, pest monitoring, pesticide application, tree removals, budget management, and more. Reports to Director of Landscape Operations, works with them as well as Plant Collections department for tree succession planning and planting plans.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees maintenance and care of Mount Auburn’s extensive and diverse tree collection of over 5,000 specimens, dating back more than 200 years. Ensures efficient pruning rotation, hazard response, pest management, accessioning/de-accessioning and other requirements for maintaining Level III arboretum status. Assigns work to crew of (two) in-house arborists, contracts vendor work as needed.
• Supervises and manages a team of two arborists, including daily work and project assignments, payroll approvals, time off requests, staff safety, evaluations, hiring, training, professional development opportunities, and more. Will be expected to work out in the field with arborists, climbing as needed, approximately 30% of work time.
• Oversees arboriculture vendors and contractors when on site, for example crane removals of trees.
• Oversees tool inventory of the arboriculture team, including ordering, and tracking as well as arboriculture budget.
• Works with mechanic to ensure proper maintenance of heavy equipment. Is expected to work with arborists to maintain all tools properly.
• Will be expected to scout for pests, and apply pesticides, both organic and chemical, as needed, as well as maintain all relevant records, notifications and reporting.
• Participate in snow removal operations including outside regular work hours.
• Must be able to collaborate with other departments to successfully carry out duties and responsibilities, as well as support work across the organization.
• Perform all other duties as requested by the Vice President of Horticulture & Landscape to assist other horticulture teams or other departments.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Minimum five years’ experience (past or present) with tree climbing and pruning, 8+ years preferred, preferably at arboreta, botanic garden or similar environment.
• Two years’ experience in successfully managing staff. Must be able to make decisions efficiently and confidently, sometimes in urgent or emergent situations.
• Certified ISA arborist, or able to obtain certification within 6 months of hire.
• TRAQ certified, or willingness to obtain certification within 12 months of hire.
• Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License in "Shade Trees and Ornamentals" (Category 36) or willingness to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Massachusetts Hoisting License 2A required, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Valid driver's license required
• Ability to carry out heavy work that includes moving, adjusting or carrying objects weighing up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis.
• Ability to communicate successfully with staff, outside vendors and contractors, lot owners, customers and visitors
• Proficiency in basic computer skills and programs such as Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, or ability to learn.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills a must.
• Position involves moving in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments for extended periods of time including, without limitation, remaining in a stationary position and/or performing activities in tight and confined spaces.
• Ability to use and operate, or willingness to learn, a variety of hand tools and power equipment such as pole pruner, leaf blower, weed wacker, snow blower, backhoe, etc. Experience driving a snow plow (on pickup truck) a plus.
• Ability to work outdoors in all seasons including harsh weather conditions.

To apply, please visit

Job Tags

For contractors, Immediate start, Outdoor, Gangs,

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