Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum — one of the world’s premier plant science institutions — is seeking a dedicated Plant Technologist to join its Weld Hill Research Facility in Boston, MA. This part-time, benefits-eligible role supports a world-class 281-acre living museum of trees and temperate woody plants, providing hands-on plant care, greenhouse facility maintenance, pest management, and direct research support to Harvard faculty and scientists.
About Harvard University — Arnold Arboretum
Founded: 1872 — One of the world’s oldest and most respected arboreta
Campus Size: 281 acres within the Boston Parks system — free and open daily
Annual Visitors: 3–4 million guests from around the world each year
Research Facility: 6,800 sq ft greenhouses + 33,000 sq ft outdoor common garden
Collection: World’s most biodiverse temperate woody plant collections
Why This Plant Technologist Role Is Special
Prestigious Employer: Harvard University — globally ranked #1 research institution
Unique Environment: Work inside state-of-the-art greenhouses, growth chambers, and outdoor gardens
Research Impact: Support world-changing plant science studies and teaching programs
Benefits Included: Medical, dental, vision, retirement, tuition assistance and more — even part-time
Position Overview
The Plant Technologist at Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum will work 18 hours per week at the cutting-edge Weld Hill Research Facility, caring for research and teaching plants, maintaining greenhouse and growth chamber environments, and supporting a diverse range of scientific projects. Operating under the supervision of the Plant Growth Facilities Manager, this two-year term role is ideal for a horticulture professional who wants to combine a passion for plants with meaningful contribution to world-class botanical research right in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts.
Why This Role Matters: As a Plant Technologist at Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum, you will care for one of the world’s most scientifically significant plant collections, directly support Harvard faculty and visiting researchers in groundbreaking studies, maintain state-of-the-art greenhouse and growth chamber environments, apply advanced pest management and cultural practices to preserve rare plant species, and contribute to a 150+ year legacy of botanical excellence that continues to teach the world about plants.
Key Responsibilities
Plant Care & Research Support
- Establish and maintain healthy plants in coordination with growth facility staff and active researchers
- Provide routine care for a wide variety of plant species including daily watering, fertilization, and sanitation protocols
- Determine and apply appropriate growth parameters and cultural practices for each plant species in care
- Administer special project-based care to research plants as directed by faculty and the Plant Growth Facilities Manager
Pest Management & Plant Health
- Assess, diagnose, and coordinate targeted treatments for pest and disease issues across all facility plants
- Conduct cultural and biological pest control measures to maintain pest-free research plant collections
- Perform regular plant health scouting and record all pest and disease findings accurately and promptly
- Ensure safe and compliant use of sanitizers, fertilizers, and soil preparation materials using protective equipment
Greenhouse & Growth Facility Maintenance
- Monitor daily operation of greenhouses, growth chambers, and outdoor garden spaces for any issues or irregularities
- Report promptly to the Plant Growth Facilities Manager on matters involving equipment, supplies, safety, security, and maintenance
- Ensure the entire growth facility remains clean, safe, well-organized, and operating smoothly at all times
- Maintain accurate plant facility records, inventory logs, and operational documentation throughout the term
Team Coordination & Communication
- Coordinate effectively with fellow staff members, faculty, students, researchers, vendors, and administrators
- Build and maintain productive professional relationships with all facility constituents through tactful communication
- Collaborate across departments to support a full range of research and teaching activities at the Arboretum
- Work one weekend day per week and half of Harvard’s University holidays as part of the essential staff schedule
Compliance & Safety Adherence
- Ensure full compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations governing greenhouse and growth chamber operations
- Follow Harvard University policies on safety, materials handling, and facility management at all times
- Work effectively in hot, humid, cold, and outdoor seasonal conditions as required by the position
- Perform physical tasks including bending, lifting up to 50 lbs, climbing ladders, and standing for extended periods
Qualifications & Requirements
Basic Qualifications
- Minimum two years of hands-on horticultural experience — this is a firm minimum threshold for all applicants
- Demonstrated experience with pest management principles and integrated pest control practices
- Practical knowledge of plant propagation and cultural methods across a variety of species
- Experience with soil and growth media preparation for greenhouse and research plant environments
Additional Skills & Experience
- Proven experience using hand tools and power tools in a horticultural or facilities environment
- Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to fine detail across multiple concurrent projects
- Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and perform well under deadline pressure in a research setting
- Strong verbal and written English communication skills for clear interaction with faculty, staff, and vendors
- Ability to ensure ongoing compliance with all applicable university, state, and federal facility regulations
Licenses & Screening
- Must obtain a valid driver’s license within 3–4 months of hire — an RMV background check is required
- Pre-employment screening includes identity verification and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review
- Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this specific position
About Harvard University Central Administration
Harvard University’s Central Administration supports over 5,000 employees across one of the world’s most celebrated academic institutions. The Arnold Arboretum, founded in 1872, is a 281-acre living museum and research center dedicated to the study of temperate woody plants. As part of the Boston Parks system, it welcomes 3–4 million visitors annually and maintains one of the most biodiverse plant collections on Earth. Joining Harvard means joining a community dedicated to innovation, inclusion, and world-changing discovery.
Benefits Highlights: Harvard offers medical, dental, and vision insurance from day one, generous paid time off, retirement contributions, tuition assistance, mental health resources, commuter benefits, and professional development support — even for part-time benefits-eligible roles like this one.
Who Should Apply?
- Horticulture Professionals: Candidates with 2+ years of practical plant care and greenhouse experience in a research or institutional setting
- Botanical Garden Staff: Those currently working in arboreta, botanical gardens, or university plant collections seeking a prestigious Harvard career
- Plant Science Graduates: Recent graduates with hands-on horticultural skills and a genuine passion for plant biology and research
- Greenhouse Technicians: Individuals experienced in growth chamber operations, climate monitoring, and integrated pest management
- Research Support Specialists: Professionals who enjoy contributing to world-class scientific research through expert plant care and facility management
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