Steward the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve and other rural and urban-wildland on the UC Davis campus through weeding, watering, pruning, planting, trail clearing and more, while also supervising and training student interns and volunteers. Apply to be a naturalized lands technician at the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, where every career employee receives extremely competitive health and retirement benefits including:

• Three weeks vacation at start, holidays and paid sick leave
• One of our state's best pension benefits and a retirement savings program
• An impressive selection of medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Plus, much more...

LEARN MORE and APPLY by Oct. 8

EXPLORE UC Davis' Competitive HEALTH and RETIREMENT Benefits

What's Special About Working for the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden?

Full Position Description

Job summary

This position is supervised by the Assistant Director of the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden (APG) under a Museum Scientist lead and is part of a team that provides outdoor maintenance support to the campus. This position’s primary assignment is to perform land stewardship and maintenance within the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve, west and south campus rural lands, including road edges and urban-wildland interfaces. This position performs all functions necessary to maintain land health and visitor safety, including path and trail clearing, weed control, vegetative fuel load reduction, watering, pruning, planting, maintenance of signage, irrigation systems and other infrastructure, and equipment maintenance. The position supervises and trains student interns and teams of volunteer gardeners to assist with landscape stewardship and maintenance.

APG is visitor-centered organization. Through the UC Davis GATEways Project (Gardens, Arts and The Environment), the APG envisions the entire campus landscape as a showcase of environmental sustainability and a resource for life-long education and community engagement. Visitor safety and comfort are essential for a positive, educational visitor experience in the landscape. This position serves as an ambassador for the organization and friendly, helpful presence to support the visitor experience. As part of the APG, the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve, campus naturalized lands, urban-wildland interface, and rural roadsides provide wildlife habitat, public recreation, teaching and research space, storm water sediment capture, and water infiltration. The APG Naturalized Lands Technician position plays a key role in the care and conservation of the land and the stewardship of sustainable landscapes.

Physical Demands

• Walk, lift, stoop, bend, crawl and push
• Work in tight, confined areas.
• Carry a pack sprayer weighing up to 50 pounds on back
• Traverse steep banks carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds
• Climb ladders, machinery and equipment.

Work Environment

• Subject to completion of a pre-placement medical exam provided by Occupational Health Services.
• Work in areas of noise odors, vibration, dirt and dust.
• Subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy.
• Perform tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety shoes, hearing protection devices, protective clothing and gloves
• May, at times, require the individual to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present. Specific hazards include but are not limited to: cleaning materials, pesticides, fuels, solvents, infectious materials and wastes, biological hazards, and other materials labeled hazardous.
• Employee is personally responsible for following safety guidelines/instructions.

Smoke and tobacco free work environment: The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space and University vehicles.

Minimum Qualifications

Additional Minimum License/Certification         

• Valid CA driver’s license required.
• Participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System.

Minimum Education/Experience                             

• A minimum of one year of experience in grounds maintenance, gardening, naturalized land management, or habitat restoration; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in the identification, cultivation, and care of a broad diversity of naturalized and native plants. Knowledge of pruning standards and best practices.
• Experience and skill to safely operate a variety of landscape tools and light construction tools, tools used in machine maintenance, gasoline and electrical power equipment, and spray equipment. Skill to instruct others in standard safety techniques.
• Experience working with community volunteers or students. Interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills to clearly and effectively interact with a diverse group of individuals to secure and/or provide information to clarify situations, resolve problems, and negotiate services and/or agreements.
• Knowledge of pest control laws and regulations regarding safe chemical application and pesticides used. Experience in the operation and maintenance of spray equipment for weed and pest control. Experience in irrigation maintenance and minor repairs.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of weed and pest identification and control methods used.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Preferred License/Certification         

• Degree or certification in Horticulture, Plant Science, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science, or related field.

Preferred Education/Experience             

• Experience working in a campus, public garden, or natural area setting.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of landscape construction techniques including grading, drainage, path construction, retaining walls, irrigation, fencing, and basic carpentry.
• Skill in the management of volunteers and/or student interns

Special Requirements

• Background Check: This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks. This position is subject to the California Department of Motor Vehicles Pull Notice System.
• COVID-19 Vaccine: The University of California has implemented a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Policy (ucop.edu) covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, employees must submit proof of vaccination or a University-approved exception or deferral.

LEARN MORE and APPLY by Oct. 8

EXPLORE UC Davis' Competitive HEALTH and RETIREMENT Benefits

What's Special About Working for the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden?