Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

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:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 7
• Minimum – $46,400.00
• MidPoint – $56,800.00
• Maximum – $67,300.00