Horticulture Apprentice - Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Horticulture Apprentice - Morris Arboretum & Gardens

The Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania inspires an understanding of the relationship between plants, people, and place through education, research, and horticultural display. The home to a collection of more than 13,000 woody plants and host to special and educational events, Morris Arboretum & Gardens is a hub for botany, horticulture, and urban forestry and a special part of Penn.

The Horticulture Apprenticeship is designed to prepare individuals with a strong passion for plants and their care for a career in public gardens. Working with a team of horticultural experts, Apprentices receive hands-on training in all aspects of garden management and care of the living collections, with specific emphasis placed on refining a wide range of practical horticulture skills. Apprentices will also gain management experience by assisting in supervising volunteers. Through monthly educational opportunities, Apprentices will gain knowledge and insight into other aspects of public gardens. Whoever is selected for this part-time position should expect to work upwards of 40 hours a week depending on operational need. This position pays $16.00 an hour.

Duties and Responsibilities :

• Assist with all garden tasks, including weeding, pruning, planting, mulching, and turf care.
• Learn to properly identify weeds and implement control methods.
• Demonstrate pruning skills using CODIT philosophy and assist in formative pruning of the Arboretum's plant collection.
• Demonstrate knowledge of proper pesticide use handling, mixing, applying, and clean-up of pesticide equipment.
• Take part in watering plants and containers on a rotating weekend schedule.
• Participate in the Horticulture Department's project days.
• Interact with visitors as garden ambassadors.
• Direct horticulture volunteers under the section leader's guidance.
• Learn to operate the following garden machinery : Small Equipment Operation - weed whacker, push mower, string trimmer, leaf blower, snow thrower; Large Equipment Operation - golf cart, riding mower, backhoe, tractor, dump truck; Arborist Equipment Operation - chainsaw, chipper.
• Perform additional duties as requested.

Qualifications / Requirements :

Work Environment :

The Horticulture Apprenticeship is a hands-on program that assists in the maintenance of the Arboretum's outdoor gardens, including the Rose Garden, woodland garden, ornamental gardens, and shade gardens. The apprentices work alongside the horticulture staff in all weather, rain or shine. Each Apprentice will rotate between the garden areas on a weekly basis and have some exposure to work in the natural areas as well.

Job Location : Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Pay Range : $7.25 - $16.00 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement :

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.