Penn State Job Catalog

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Arboretum Operations

The Arboretum Operations Specialist oversees the day-to-day operations of the Arboretum. This role coordinates maintenance activities, facilities, on site teaching, and research activities; assists in the planning and oversight of special projects; directs horticultural and facilities maintenance; responsible for the development of new gardens and collections via landscape design and plant selection as well as curatorial oversight of plant collections documentation.

• Oversee the installation, operation, and maintenance of all gardens and facilities within the Arboretum
• Set and maintain overall horticultural maintenance standards and priorities; provide general guidance and oversight for routine garden work
• Provide horticultural guidance/leadership for large-scale Arboretum projects
• Design annual and seasonal plantings and communicate plant needs to nursery staff, Plant Records, and Horticulture Coordinator as appropriate
• Identify and stay abreast of all facilities maintenance, repair, and improvement needs
• Submit work orders for all facilities work; provide specific guidance/information for internal and external technicians to complete required tasks and projects
• Develop and continue to update guiding horticultural documents, including Arboretum Maintenance Manual
• Lead staff in planning and execution of seasonal outdoor art exhibition and related events
• Participate in the planning and marketing of events
• Directly oversee garden volunteers and natural lands work groups
• Provide horticultural training for Arboretum docents and greeters
• Collaborate with staff and volunteers on improvements to volunteer program and development of volunteer training materials

Level:

– Senior Supervisor

Base Description:

– Supervises direct reports, but primarily completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge to perform own work; spends majority of time on tasks related to own job responsibilities. May demonstrate subject matter expertise. Demonstrates intermediate to advanced planning, organizing, directing, and facilitating skills. Demonstrates the ability to coach assigned employees. Assigns and reviews completed work to verify accuracy, quality, and adherence to professional standards. Trains, coaches, mentors, and motivates staff. Anticipates potential problems, issues, and opportunities; researches and recommends solutions within defined policies. May develop creative recommendations for solving problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Typically oversees at least 2 full–time direct reports or equivalent team of part–time and/or student workers (for Professional track, performs work at the Senior Professional level or higher)

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– Monitors and tracks budgets for specific area and/or grant(s)
– May assist in planning and forecasting budgets

Problem Solving:

– Encounters moderately complex problems
– Applies general precedents and practices and specialized knowledge and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations and impact of potential solutions
– Anticipates potential problems and recommends possible solutions within general guidelines

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on moderately complex work assignments, reviews progress, and evaluates results
– Organizes work of direct reports and sets team priorities
– Reviews the work of others to verify accuracy, quality, and adherence to professional standards

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and the University
– Communicates with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Collaborates closely with team members; may interact with other staff outside of area
– Utilizes a communication style that is appropriate for a given situation
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 8
• Minimum – $51,000.00
• MidPoint – $62,500.00
• Maximum – $74,000.00