College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Horticulture

Summary

The University of Michigan, Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum (MBGNA) is looking for a full-time temporary Conservatory Assistant. You will report to the Conservatory/Greenhouse Manager to support the development and management of living plant collections in the Conservatory to support teaching, research, public outreach, and conservation goals of the U-M MBGNA. This is a one year position and begins July 1st, 2022 and ends June 30th, 2023. This position is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday with occasional weekend, evening and holiday hours.

Responsibilities*

• Work alone or as part of a team to maintain plant specimens and collections, assist with conservatory stewardship and operations.

• Tend conservatory plants; pruning, weeding, planting, watering, fertilizing and assisting with integrated pest management (IPM) and routine cleaning.

• Lead student interns, student workers, and volunteers in maintaining conservatory plant specimens and collections.

• Ability to work in different conditions and tolerate the physical challenges of greenhouse work.

• Ability to move or transport up to 40lbs.

Required Qualifications*

• Associate's degree or higher in a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• One or more years of experience in a conservatory, greenhouses, or horticulture

• Previous knowledge or willingness to learn a variety of horticultural tools, equipment and techniques.

• Hold a State of Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License or willingness to obtain one (MBGNA provides study materials and may cover certification expenses)

• Willingness to apply pesticides as part of our IPM.

Desired Qualifications*

• One or more years of experience with either of the following: tropical plants and indoor plant care.

• Ability to use Excel/Sheets for recordkeeping.

• One or more years of experience with watering needs of different types of plants.

• Previous leadership experience working with students and volunteers.

Additional Information

Compensation: $18.50 per hour

This temporary position may meet eligibility requirements for health care benefits. For more information, please see the eligibility section for temporary employees here.

For more information about Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, please visit mbgna.umich.edu

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended. Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employe