Director of Horticulture

Type of Position: Full-time, Exempt
Reports to: Executive Director
Department: Horticulture

Summary

The Greenway Conservancy is seeking a highly motivated individual for a full-time position as Director of Horticulture. The person in this position will be responsible for leading the Horticulture Team in sustainably managing the highly specialized landscapes of The Greenway, utilizing an organic and ecological approach. This is an opportunity to join a dynamic organization and help to engage the public with a premier public space.

Once the site of a noisy, polluting highway, The Greenway is restored land in the middle of Boston. The Conservancy manages the horticultural care of The Greenway to the highest standards of ecological excellence. We focus on organic soil management, ecological resilience, and resource conservation to mitigate the impacts of climate change, urban heat island effect, and to reduce our carbon footprint.

The Director is a critical member of the Leadership management team, helping to shape the Conservancy’s vision and mission. The Director’s vision must align with and further the Conservancy’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to our values of transparency, excellence, and innovation. 

Responsibilities

  • Strategy
    • Lead the Horticulture team in using best ecological practices to maintain the unique landscapes of the park including diverse gardens, naturalized plantings, and high-traffic lawns, completely organically.
    • Envision and provide long-term planning to manage an urban canopy of almost 1,000 trees, and to adapt areas of The Greenway ripe for revitalization through redesign and replanting.
    • Leverage volunteer assistance to support horticultural goals, providing meaningful and engaging volunteer experiences. 
  • Execution
    • Hire, manage and mentor a team of five year-round staff, plus seasonal staff and interns.
    • Collaborate and coordinate with all other departments to collectively support achieving organizational goals.
    • Develop, negotiate, and manage horticultural contracts.
    • Prepare and manage the Horticulture Department budget and annual goal setting.
  • Outreach
    • Present updates at Board of Directors meetings.
    • Support horticulture-related philanthropic efforts by collaborating with the Development Department on donor relations, funding proposals, and events.
    • Coordinate with the Outreach Department on horticulture-related media opportunities. 
    • Coordinate with the Programs Department on event scheduling and horticulture-related programs.
    • Coordinate with the Public Art Department on installation and deinstallation of public art projects, collaborate on select projects. 
    • Represent the Conservancy externally by liaising with other parks and speaking at conferences and panels, both locally and nationally.

Skills and Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required, preferably in the field of Horticulture, Plant Science, Environmental Studies or Landscape Architecture.
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in horticulture and at least 5 years experience as a supervisor. 
  • Demonstrated knowledge of organic and ecological landscape practices, preferably in the management of an urban public park or garden.
  • Ability to monitor, diagnose, and manage a complex irrigation system in good working order, and plan for capital improvements.
  • Ability to read and comprehend planting plans and specifications.
  • Experience working with GIS maps preferred, or ability to learn.
  • Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
  • Possess experience and skill in:
  • Working productively and professionally with a wide range of individuals (e.g., designers, architects, consultants, clients, contractors, community organizations, volunteers, and public agencies)
  • Good judgment and professional initiative
  • Ensuring results within complex and dynamic circumstances
  • Planning and collaborating with cross-functional teams
  • Experience working in a diverse and inclusive organization is a plus.
  • Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license in good standing
  • Familiarity with Boston and the Rose Kennedy Greenway is a plus

Logistics

  • This is a full-time (40 hours a week) position with full benefits. 
  • The work hours of the Horticulture Department are generally Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 3:30pm, but flexibility is necessary. 
  • Must be able to maintain an effective balance between indoor administrative tasks and outdoor fieldwork oversight.
  • All incoming employees will be required to comply with the Conservancy’s COVID-19 vaccination policy.

Salary Range

$95,000-$110,000/year

Application process

  • Please email one-page cover letter, resume and 3 references to: [email protected] with job title in the subject line. Each file name should begin with the applicant’s last name.
  • The Greenway Conservancy invites and encourages minority group members, veterans, disabled individuals, women, and people of all gender identities to apply.
  • No phone calls, please.

About The Greenway and the Greenway Conservancy

The Greenway is a contemporary public park in the heart of Boston. The Greenway welcomes millions of visitors annually to gather, play, unwind, and explore. The Greenway Conservancy is the non-profit responsible for the management and care of The Greenway. The majority of the public park’s annual budget is generously provided by private sources. 

To learn more about The Greenway and the Conservancy, please visit our website and blog and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

The Greenway Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression (including transgender) or any other characteristic protected by law.