Horticulture Supervisor

Brookline DPW's Parks & Open Space Division seeks a Horticulture Supervisor to lead and perform skilled horticultural, landscape, and plant health management work that supports and enhances the Town’s landscaped parks, open spaces, and streetscapes. The Horticultural Supervisor oversees daily horticulture operations, directs staff and contractors, develops design and maintenance plans, manages plant health programs, and ensures compliance with safety protocols, regulatory requirements, and Town standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead municipal horticulture crews and oversee specialized maintenance, landscape improvements, planting installations, and project scheduling.

• Plan, assign, and supervise horticultural work for Town and contracted crews, coordinating activities with other departments and user groups.

• Develop and implement horticultural designs involving irrigation, grading, drainage, masonry, soil preparation, and planting.

• Prepare specifications, cost estimates, and contract documents; obtain quotes, order materials, and manage multiple concurrent projects.

• Maintain and update horticultural maintenance and management plans, including seasonal planting and long-term care strategies.

• Oversee plant health for Town landscapes, including soil health, fertilization, pest and disease management, invasive species control, and plant vitality.

• Inspect work sites for safety, adherence to plans, and quality standards; maintain accurate work records and daily documentation.

• Train and mentor staff in horticultural practices, equipment operation, and safe work procedures; enforce workplace policies and safety protocols.

• Respond to public inquiries regarding landscape projects, plantings, and horticultural concerns.

• Ensure compliance with pesticide use, storage, transportation, and regulatory requirements.

• Operate horticulture equipment and perform physical landscape work; support emergency operations and seasonal assignments as required.

• Performs all other duties as required.

Qualifications

Requires extensive technical or specialized training such as an associate degree or two years of technical training and seven years of progressively responsible experience in parks, grounds maintenance, landscaping, or horticulture, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Required licenses and certifications include:

• Valid MA Hoisting Engineer’s License, Class 2B

• MA Pesticide Applicator License

• Preferred: Valid Commercial Driver’s License, Class B

The ideal candidate will demonstrate advanced horticultural knowledge, including plant identification, soil and turf care, irrigation and drainage systems, and plant health management. The candidate will be skilled in interpreting plans and diagrams, developing horticultural designs, and prioritizing tasks independently. Strong leadership, clear communication, and the ability to supervise crews in a safety-sensitive environment are essential. The ideal candidate will be able to troubleshoot work-site challenges, maintain accurate records, collaborate effectively with internal and external partners, and perform strenuous outdoor work in varied weather and terrain.

Pay and Benefits

Starting pay is $34.88 hourly. Brookline offers comprehensive benefits, including health and dental insurance, participation in the retirement pension plan, paid vacation and sick leave, and professional development opportunities.

To Apply:Please submit your resume and cover letter. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.