Grounds Supervisor/Manager

Green-Wood Cemetery, an accredited Level III Arboretum, National Historic Landmark, and 478-acre cultural landscape, seeks a forward-thinking Director of Landscape Operations to oversee the preservation, care, and stewardship of its historic grounds. Reporting to the Vice President of Landscape, this role combines operational management with ecological stewardship, leading turf, grassland, waterbody, and irrigation operations. The Director of Landscape Operations supervises union staff and contractors, collaborates with internal specialists (Director of the Living Collection, Director of Restoration and Preservation), and partners with external researchers to advance sustainability, biodiversity, and climate-adaptive practices. This is a unique opportunity to shape the ecological and cultural future of one of New York City’s most significant green spaces.

Success Traits of the Individual:

• Strategic and systems-oriented thinker with strong analytical skills
• Passionate about ecological stewardship, sustainability, and climate-forward landscape practices
• Collaborative leader who develops people, processes, and culture
• Skilled at integrating technology, GIS, and data analytics into operations
• Excellent communicator who can unify diverse stakeholders

Initial Priorities of the Position:

• Evaluate and modernize turf, meadow, and grassland programs to improve ecological outcomes, resilience, and reduce emissions
• Integrate GIS and data-driven tools into operational planning and daily workflows
• Strengthen team structure, training, and accountability across union staff and contractors
• Assess irrigation, water reuse, and natural waterbody systems for efficiency and sustainability
• Lead transition toward low-emission equipment, electric tools, and enhanced green waste management

Key Responsibilities, Knowledge, Skills, and Aptitude:

Landscape and Ecological Stewardship

• Develop and implement standards for turfgrass, meadows, grasslands, soil health, and natural waterbodies
• Oversee maintenance operations by union staff and contractors, including aeration, overseeding, pest and disease management, and Perpetual Care responsibilities
• Lead leaf management, including mulching, composting, and minimizing off-site waste
• Utilize GIS and landscape data analytics for planning, scheduling, and reporting
• Develop and manage invasive species strategies, both chemical and non-chemical, ensuring compliance and documentation
• Manage irrigation systems and water reuse programs for efficiency and sustainability
• Experiment with seed mixes, sustainable mowing, and climate-adaptive management practices
• Collaborate with internal specialists to align meadow and grassland initiatives with the broader Arboretum strategy
• Oversee procurement, budgeting, inventory, and contracts for landscape materials and services
• Guide the transition to low-emission practices, battery-powered tools, and sustainable equipment strategies
• Address visitor inquiries and chronic landscape challenges in coordination with administrative staff

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate union staff and contractors
• Establish clear work plans, schedules, and expectations
• Coordinate seasonal operations, including Perpetual Care, irrigation, waterbody maintenance, and specialized horticultural projects
• Promote a strong safety culture and ongoing professional training
• Foster partnerships with educational institutions, research organizations, and community groups

Cross-Departmental Collaboration and Public Engagement

• Align landscape operations with organizational goals and department priorities
• Facilitate communication between field operations and internal teams
• Support positive visitor experiences through well-maintained landscapes
• Contribute to research, interpretation, and public programming initiatives

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agronomy, plant sciences, ecology, or related field (preferred)
• 3–5+ years supervisory experience in landscape or turf management
• Valid NYS Pesticide Applicator’s License (required)
• OSHA-10 certification (preferred)
• Proficiency in GIS and data management (preferred)
• Experience in union environments (preferred)
• Spanish language skills are a plus
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary Range: $115,000 – $125,000 (commensurate with experience);
• Paid Time Off (Front-Loaded Annually; pro-rated at date of hire*):
• 15 Vacation Days
• 4 Personal Days
• 15 Sick Days
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Health Insurance: Medical and Vision (90% employer paid); Dental (100% employer paid)
• Medical Waiver Credit: Taxable annual credit if waiving Green-Wood’s health plan
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA): Employer-funded annual contribution (for enrolled employees; pro-rated at time of hire)
• Life Insurance & AD&D: Employer-paid coverage
• Short- and Long-Term Disability (STD & LTD): Employer-paid income protection
• Portable Life Insurance Options: Basic Life and AD&D available
• Retirement Plan (401k): Eligible after 1 year of service; 2.5% employer match + year-end variable vesting
• Parental Leave: Paid bonding leave inclusive of all family structures
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential 24/7 support
• Commuter Benefits: Pre-tax transportation savings
• Free On-Site Parking: Designated areas available during work hours
• Wellness & Cultural Perks: Employee discounts, arboretum access, recognition programs, and burial benefits

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work outdoors in varied conditions, navigate uneven terrain, and occasionally lift or move materials
• Duties may involve kneeling, climbing, stooping, and operating landscape equipment
• Willingness to occasionally work outside regular hours to support programs or events

About Green-Wood:

Green-Wood is a living cemetery that brings people closer to the world as it is and was, honoring the dead while bringing to life the art, history, and natural beauty of New York City. As a historic landmark, accredited Level III arboretum, and cultural institution, Green-Wood connects community, culture, and nature across its 478 acres.

At Green-Wood, we embrace a shared vision of unity and purpose, bringing together our diverse roles as a National Historic Landmark, arboretum, living cemetery, and cultural institution. We preserve history, foster spaces for reflection, and build a legacy that connects culture, nature, and community.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Green-Wood is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.