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Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Job Summary

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is the oldest public arboretum in North America and one of the world's leading centers for the study of plants. Founded in 1872 and designed by America's first landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, and the Arboretum's first director, Charles Sprague Sargent, the 281-acre Arboretum is a historic landmark and one of the best-preserved of Olmsted's landscapes. A unique blend of beloved public landscape and respected research institution, the Arboretum provides and supports world-class research, horticulture, and education programs that foster the understanding, appreciation, and preservation of woody plants. Along with a horticultural library and herbarium encompassing some 1.5 million dried plant specimens, the Arboretum comprises one of the largest and best-documented woody plant collections in the world, with roughly 16,000 accessioned plants.

Reporting to the Head of Operations, the Facilities Manager is responsible for the management and maintenance of the built infrastructure and physical plant of the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University-North America’s oldest public garden. These facilities are central to organizational operations, and house critical assets essential to advancing the mission of the Arnold as a world-class arboretum, research institution, and beloved public park in the City of Boston.

Key facilities comprise just over 100,000 square feet and include the historic Hunnewell Building and maintenance garage, Weld Hill Research Building, Dana Greenhouse, 1090 Centre Street farmhouse, 163 Walter Street residence, and the Mobile Visitor Center. Associated building systems include but are not limited to mechanical, plumbing, electrical, structural, envelope, elevators, life safety, security, environmental monitoring, waste, and stormwater. The Facilities Manager also supports the oversight of select infrastructure across the Arboretum’s properties-such as utilities, sheds, storage units, and fueling equipment-and occasional upkeep of signage, fencing, bridges, benches, and gates.

This is an essential personnel position, requiring in-person response during emergencies and outside normal operating hours. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Boston, MA (Jamaica Plain and Roslindale), with a workday typically starting between 6am-8am.

Essential Functions

Staff and Operations Management

• Supervise two non-exempt staff and manage custodial contracts/staff.

Facilities Maintenance and Oversight

• Inspect buildings, manage digital records, and develop preventive maintenance plans using staff and contractors.
• Perform hands-on building repair and maintenance tasks, ensuring timely and efficient resolutions to facility issues.
• Manage and coordinate with staff and contractors for larger projects to maintain operational efficiency.
• Oversee service contracts, ensure ADA and code compliance, manage waste/hazardous materials, and support sustainability efforts.

Project, Program, and Budget Management

• Assist in planning and supervising facilities projects and minor capital improvements.
• Contribute to budgeting, proposals, and evaluating service needs.
• Manage donor bench fabrication and inventory.

Systems and Safety

• Oversee a variety of Building Management Systems and ensure regulatory and safety compliance.
• Maintain emergency plans, address incidents, and supervise wood shop operations and training.

Cross-Departmental Coordination

• Collaborate with department heads and Harvard units to support daily operations, project delivery, and capital project planning.

Working Conditions:

The Facilities Manager will operate in a combination of office settings and on-site locations. Regular field visits to assess facility conditions, manage maintenance tasks, and supervise staff are required. Must be able to access building systems remotely using a work-issued laptop.

The Facilities Manager will be required to work outside of standard business hours to oversee maintenance activities and respond to emergencies. On-call duties will be expected as part of ensuring facility operations continue smoothly. May require infrequent weekend work for a limited number of events and projects.

Physical Requirements:

The position requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform manual tasks, such as moving equipment or materials. This role may also involve working in various environments, including outdoor areas, mechanical rooms, and construction sites.

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:

• Five+ years of facilities management with at least two years of supervisory experience.
• Working knowledge of BAS, HVAC, MEP, and structural systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and SharePoint.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• College degree/engineering background preferred.
• Knowledge of sustainable operations and green building practices is highly desirable.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; familiarity with construction management.
• CFM, PMP, or similar certification and carpentry/woodshop experience preferred.
• Experience with building management systems.
• Knowledge of OSHA safety, ability to learn new tools, and trailer backing ability preferred.
• Fluent English.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Valid driver’s license

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and DMV. Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening.
• Other Information:
  • This position has a 3-month orientation and review period. 

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

About Harvard University

Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

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