Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Conservancy

Position: Superintendent of Horticulture
Posted: January 2008

In 2007 the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway opened to the public as the long-awaited benefit of Boston's mega-project, the Central Artery/Tunnel Project, also known as "The Big Dig". Families, workers and visitors can now walk through the Greenway's plazas, enjoy its gardens and gaze at the changing fountain displays. With the demolition of the overhead highway that stood for fifty years, neighborhoods are being physically and psychologically rejoined to one another, to downtown, and to Boston.

The Greenway encompasses linked parks, plazas and green space that extend for more than a mile through downtown. Unified by a grand, tree-lined boulevard, three named parks totaling about eight acres are complete, including Chinatown Park, North End Parks and Wharf District Parks. A fourth open space/garden segment of 4.5 acres is planned for 2008.

The high quality of park maintenance will be crucial to the ultimate success of the Greenway as an important civic space in the reinvention of downtown Boston. Within the next six to eighteen months, the Conservancy will ramp up to assume daily responsibilities for the maintenance and operations of the parks while the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, the public agency that built the Greenway parks, wraps up its responsibilities for construction and early maintenance. The Conservancy is committed to ensuring that the Greenway parks will be maintained at the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, management and beauty. We are committed to environmentally responsible practices using organic landscape management techniques.

Summary

The Superintendent of Horticulture is responsible for the effective, efficient, sustainable, and safe operation of the horticulture staff as they maintain the highly specialized plantings in the public parks and open spaces of the Greenway. The Superintendent of Horticulture is equally responsible for the public's safety as it relates to horticultural work, plantings, etc. The Superintendent is responsible for decisions regarding the maintenance of all plantings in the public spaces of the Greenway. The plantings are to be maintained in first-class condition utilizing advanced sustainable practices. The Superintendent is also responsible for the implementation of a Sustainable Practices policy that reduces use of non-renewable resources, minimizes environmental impact, and connects people with the natural elements of the Greenway's environment. This position will recruit, train and supervise approximately 12 full time staff positions including the Horticulture Foreman, horticulture workers, additional seasonal employees, Conservancy apprentices and interns, and contracted staff.

The Superintendent of Horticulture will serve as a model for safety, lead by example and mentor staff in conduct and in the proper stewardship of the Parks. The ideal candidate for this position will not only excel at professional management of the field staff but will also be able and willing to work with youth apprentices in a Conservancy initiative that will expand over time. The Superintendent will play a key role in mentoring our young workforce as they participate in the apprenticeship program. Workforce training is a significant piece of the management role and will be shared with staff in the Education Department.

Job Description

This position reports to the Director of Park Operations. The Superintendent of Horticulture will have a significant responsibility during the first years of operation of the Rose Kennedy Greenway to shape its success and reputation. Initially, the Superintendent will help structure an effective transition between the Conservancy and the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority horticultural staff. The Superintendent will be expected to be a "hands-on" leader of the horticultural staff spending the majority of time in the field. The Conservancy is seeking an experienced and knowledgeable individual with a strong background in management of public parks, public gardens, and/or open spaces to become a senior member of its management team. Desired start date is approximately March 15, 2008, yet is flexible. Ten primary task areas are outlined below:

To establish the Horticulture Department's goals and priorities for the season, the year and the long term. To develop and manage an annual budget for the department based on those goals. To participate in senior staff meetings to establish goals and priorities for the entire organization. The Superintendent of Horticulture will report annually to the Conservancy's Board of Directors on the Sustainable Practices Policy's impact on capital and operating costs, and overall Greenway sustainable practices.
To coordinate long- and short-range horticultural operations. It also involves serious observation and analysis of the plantings. This Superintendent chairs weekly staff planning sessions, "hands-on" daily troubleshooting, and takes the long view in the planting process. He or she also coordinates horticultural operations with other departments. The Superintendent will share information with Horticulture staff gained at meetings outside and inside the organization. He or she must not only be receptive to staff suggestions but also be able to make a firm decision at the appropriate time. The Superintendent will also manage time sheets for horticulture staff.
To develop, implement and manage a Sustainable Practices Policy. The policy will include guidance on the procurement of goods and services, operations, quality management, with the overall result to reduce system-wide operational and maintenance costs, Increase the comfort, health, and safety of parks visitors and building occupants, Increase the (local) ecological function of landscape, and aquatic resources, reduce initial and ongoing adverse (global) impacts to the environment, and demonstrate cost-effective green strategies that area residents can employ.
To serve as a leader for horticulture staff; providing a good example for others to follow and ensuring good morale. To supervise, coach and appraise the skill development of staff members. To encourage the staff to continue their professional education both formally and informally. To direct the hiring and orientation of new staff members. To provide clear and concise staff evaluations. To terminate staff members who are not performing up to standards.
To manage the diverse group of plantings ranging from street trees to herbaceous borders, from field turf to bamboo plantings). Must be able to handle all aspects thoroughly and to manage by using sustainable methods.
To ensure that all vehicles, tools, materials, plants, equipment and other resources are procured and available when necessary and used safely, effectively and efficiently. To ensure that these resources are well maintained, well organized and reordered promptly. To develop, implement and oversee an inventory control system. To manage soil testing throughout the parks.
To plan for, write requests for proposals, write specifications for contracts and supervise all horticultural contractors working on site. To ensure that the written specifications are fulfilled and work is conducted in a safe manner. To manage outside (non Conservancy) contracts as necessary.
To represent the Conservancy to the community and other outside organizations. To participate in professional organizations as a representative of the Conservancy.
To lead the horticulture staff in public education; work with the Director of Park Programming to present tours and other educational programs, coordinate local community gardeners, and develop opportunities for volunteer work.
Act as "snow tsar" for team to coordinate snow and ice removal process, including the use of plows, snow shovels, "ice breakers", snow blowers and de-icing spreaders on an emergency and non-emergency basis during weekdays and weekends (24/7, year-round).

Additional Responsibilities

Perform other duties as required in the scope of the job as designated by the Executive Director or Director of Park Operations.

Qualifications

This position requires a minimum of eight to ten years of horticultural experience with a minimum of five years in a hands-on supervisory capacity with demonstrated senior experience in organic landscape practices. Significant experience in management of an urban public park and/or gardens is desired.

Must have excellent leadership, communication (both verbal and written in English [second language a plus]), interpersonal, organizational, project management, development, technical and analytical skills (such as non-toxic pest control and organic landscape management practices). Capable of working additional hours, under pressure and independently as necessary as well as handling a diverse range of responsibilities. Work as a team member of the horticultural department maintaining positive work relations with staff. Accreditation (or ability to become Accredited) as a NOFA Accredited Organic Land Care Professional. Must be able to operate all tools, vehicles, and equipment required for use by the Horticulture Department. Able to interact with all levels of management and staff. Good computer skills are required (Microsoft Word/Excel preferred). Must have a valid MA pesticide applicators license. Must have a valid US driver's license. This Position is Exempt as defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Education

B.A./B.S. degree in Horticulture preferred.

Candidates should send a resume and cover letter that explains their interest and most relevant qualifications and/or experience. Include current salary range. Responses by email are encouraged and should be sent to info@rosekennedygreenway.org. No telephone inquiries, please.