Horticulture Apprentice - Morris Arboretum & Gardens

About the role

The Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania is a destination for plant lovers located in the Northwest section of Philadelphia. It is a hub for botany, horticulture, and urban forestry.

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 various 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), and arborist equipment operation (chainsaw, chipper).
• Perform additional duties as requested.

Qualifications/Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED is required, and an associate's degree or bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Demonstrate a passion for horticulture, plants, and the natural world.
• Be able and willing to communicate with diverse Arboretum visitors.
• Be able and willing to work independently and as part of a team.
• Be able and willing to work in all weather conditions.
• Be able and willing to lift at least 25 lbs.
• A valid driver's license is required.

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

Job Location - City, State: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Department / School: Morris Arboretum

Pay Range

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.

Special Requirements

A background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

Health and Life: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare.

Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.