Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy

Title: Horticulture Operations Supervisor

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

Department: Horticulture

Salary Range: $82,000 - $88,000

The Greenway Conservancy, the non-profit responsible for the management and care of The Rose Kennedy Greenway, is seeking a highly motivated individual for a full-time position as the Horticulture Operations Supervisor to join our team. The Conservancy’s team of horticulture professionals care for nearly 17 acres of vibrant green space and extensive gardens including formal gardens, meadows, and native plantings, in the heart of downtown Boston using ecological and organic practices. The Conservancy has been a pioneer in ecological horticulture; among the first in the nation to care for a public park completely organically.

The Greenway Conservancy is committed to providing a park environment that is welcoming to racially, culturally, and economically diverse residents  and visitors. You can read more about our mission, vision, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion on our website.

Responsibilities

The Horticulture Operations Supervisor’s primary responsibilities are to manage capital improvement projects and budgets, contractor and service provider agreements, and purchases for the department - including plants, materials, tools and equipment - while supervising the Horticulturists, Gardeners, and Interns. This role ensures that The Greenway’s landscapes are maintained to the highest horticultural and ecological standards through professional leadership, operational excellence, and sound resource management. The position supports and advances the vision of the Director of Horticulture.

• Plan, schedule and coordinate, and oversee capital improvements, managing all contractor and service provider relationships for horticultural operations, including planting, landscape maintenance, tree care and removals, pest and rodent control, and irrigation. Coordinate with city and state agencies for water access, traffic, and lane-closure requirements. Maintain contracts, certificates of insurance, W9s, and associated documentation.
• Develop and manage operational budgets; oversee purchasing, invoicing, and accounts for services, tools, equipment, and plant materials. Plan for asset decommissioning, replacement, and future resource needs.
• Supervise, motivate, and support the Horticulture team; lead recruitment, onboarding, training, and professional development. Establish individual goals that align with the Director’s vision for The Greenway’s horticulture and design; approve schedules and timesheets, and ensure consistent coverage across operations.
• Oversee procurement and delivery of plant materials and supplies, ensuring quality standards are met; manage the green debris disposal program.
• Ensure accurate plant recordkeeping and mapping in coordination with departmental systems and standards.
• Develop, implement, and enforce safety policies and procedures; oversee PPE use, training, and compliance.
• Identify and assess plant health issues; recommend appropriate treatments and coordinate diagnostic testing when necessary.
• Collaborate with Horticulturists to develop management plans, operational policies, and team training opportunities.
• Partner with the Capital Project Manager and Maintenance Team Supervisor on planning and implementation; support the Public Art Project Manager and Programs team; and collaborate with Outreach on effective messaging and interpetation.
• Partner with the Maintenance and Supplemental Services teams to ensure high-quality park operations, including lawn care, seasonal cleanups, and debris management.
• Work directly with the Volunteer Manager and Horticulturists to plan volunteer projects that align with departmental priorities and The Conservancy’s mission; lead projects when needed.
• Facilitate departmental meetings, prepare agendas, and represent the Horticulture Department in internal and external meetings, tours, and workshops; support Outreach team with content as needed.
• Perform other duties as required to support horticulture and organizational goals.

Skills and qualifications

• Degree, certificate, or equivalent experience in horticulture or a related field; minimum of a BS in Horticulture, Arboriculture, or Landscape Architecture preferred.
• Minimum of six (6) years of progressive supervisory experience in project planning, management and budgeting, horticulture or landscape maintenance with a solid foundation in planting and follow up care that includes pruning; public garden or park experience preferred.
• Strong plant knowledge, including identification, nomenclature, and familiarity with landscape design principles.
• Understanding of organic horticultural practices and ecological management; experience caring for living collections a plus.
• Knowledge of plant diseases, pests, and diagnostic resources.
• Ability to read and interpret planting, irrigation, and construction plans.
• Effective leadership, communication, planning, prioritizing, and organizational skills.
• Experience working with volunteers is preferred.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; ability to engage and support diverse communities.
• OSHA 30-hour certification, MA Hoisting License (2A) and MA Pesticide Applicator’s license are required, or ability to obtain and maintain the following certifications within the initial year of employment. The Conservancy will financially support the successful candidate in obtaining any of these not already held.
• Computer proficiency, especially in Google for Work (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail) and Microsoft (Excel, PowerPoint, Word), knowledge of plant records and ArcGIS preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive Conservancy vehicles in downtown Boston to move supplies is required. Vehicle training will be provided.
• The accepted candidate will be required to have a successful completion of a CORI and motor vehicle background check.

Logistics

• Full-time, on-site position. Work week is Monday through Friday, 7:30 am - 3:30 pm; with paid 15-minute morning and 45-minute lunch breaks.
• Communications and supervisory shifts outside of regular hours can be expected when necessary.
• Must be able to work outside in all types of weather; rain and winter outfitting is provided.
• Must be able to safely lift up to 50 lbs.
• May be stationary and experience changes in position for periods of time.
• Safely ascending to various heights is part of the work experience.
• Recording observations are included in daily operations.
• We strongly encourage all incoming employees to be COVID-19 vaccinated.