Assistant Gardener - Core Gardens & Collections Team

Apply for Job Job ID370386 LocationAll Other -See Job Description Job FamilyLR-Service/Maintenance/Labor Full/Part TimeFull-Time Regular/TemporaryRegular Job Code6040 Employee ClassTeamsters Local 320 Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job About the Job This assistant gardener position is responsible for assisting gardeners, senior gardeners, and horticulturists in the holistic care of the Arboretum's Core Gardens and Collections areas including, but not limited to, the Perennial Garden, Japanese Garden, Chinese Garden, Home Demonstration garden, herb gardens, rose gardens, tree and shrub collections, and other key areas. Assistant gardeners perform landscape maintenance and horticultural care tasks such as planting, pruning, weeding, watering, mulching, and mowing operations; invasive plant and weed management including mechanical, chemical, and other control methods; plant health care including pest and disease scouting, monitoring, and treatments; garden space renovation including assisting with bed preparation, planting, and establishment of new plant material, and garden layout; and the safe operation and maintenance of equipment. This position is also part of the Arboretum's snow management operations, requiring work outside of regularly scheduled hours including occasional early morning, evening, and weekend operations. Assistant gardeners may instruct, direct, and oversee work of student workers, interns, and volunteers in assigned tasks and the safe usage of tools and equipment. This position may also provide support to other teams outside of the Core Gardens and Collections areas depending on departmental priorities, including but not limited to greenhouse work, seasonal displays, landscape and arboricultural operations, natural lands management, and special group projects. In addition, this position may assist with education and outreach activities, special events (e.g. Plant Sale, Spring Flower Show, etc.) and other institutional programs. This position is considered an essential employee responsible for maintaining essential operations, responding to weather events, and other landscape operations during weather related emergencies and other University closures. This position is located in Chaska, MN. Schedule: This is a fulltime, 9 month position beginning April 1st and ending December 31st. Hours are 7am-3:30pm, either Sunday to Thursday, Monday to Friday, or Tuesday-Saturday. Essential Functions Horticultural Care 75% Weed, mulch, and chip brush in assigned areas Mow, string trim, and clean up leaves in assigned areas Maintain and properly and safely use equipment Planting and Plant Health: 15% Plant, prune, and provide care for trees, shrubs, and perennial and annual plant collections Safely apply pesticides and soil amendments and assist with associated records Additional Operational Support: 10% Oversee work of volunteers, and student workers Perform snow removal operations including hand shoveling and equipment operation Serve as an essential employee for weather related response and other University closures Qualifications Required Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent and one year of related training or experience in horticultural care of formal display gardens and curated woody plant collections, including trees and shrubs. Must have and maintain a valid MN driver's license. May be required to possess and maintain a Minnesota Noncommercial Pesticide Applicator's license. Required to work in all weather conditions in all seasons and may require evening and weekend work as need Must be able to perform manual labor including frequent lifting/carrying/transporting loads up to 50 lbs. Preferred Qualifications Associate or bachelor's degree in horticulture or related field. Experience working in a public garden Ability to operate equipment related to grounds management functions, including front-end loaders, tractors, and pickup truck mounted snow plows, leaf blowers, ri ing and push mowers, string trimmers, salt/sand spreaders, snow blowers, and dump trucks Pay and Benefits Pay Range: $23.18; depending on education/qualifications/experience Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.) Position Type:Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts University HSA contributions Disability and employer-paid life insurance Employee wellbeing program Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity Financial counseling services Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area How To Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your

Created: 2025-11-01