Student Job Opportunity for Edible Gardens Assistant

Join the Arboretum and Public Garden team to help cultivate the edible campus landscape. Work independently and with Arboretum staff, students, and volunteers in the Good Life Garden and other sites on annual and perennial vegetable, fruit and ornamental gardens. Develop experience designing, maintaining and mapping educational edible gardens as well as leading small groups toward these goals.

Job Description

Under the supervision of Arboretum horticulture staff, this student position will work in teams and independently to perform essential work in maintaining the asset of edible landscapes and plantings of the Arboretum. Perform horticultural tasks, such as weeding, planting, mulching, irrigating, pruning, raking, and digging. Assist with the maintenance vegetable and edible gardens, pathways, general equipment, signage, as well as plant records and mapping. Diligently maintain food safety protocols and procedures to ensure garden safety. Lead volunteer and student teams in garden maintenance. Monitor automatic irrigation systems and plant appearance, run small manual systems, and water by hand as needed. Use hand tools and operate light power tools such as leaf blowers and hedge trimmers. As a representative of the Arboretum, this position also provides general assistance to visitors.

Qualifications

Must be able to work at least 8 hours per week during the academic year. Previous practical edible gardening, pruning, maintenance and landscape plant identification experience preferred. Responsibility and reliability are critical. Passion for edible gardening and desire to lead teams and work independently. Good interpersonal skills necessary for communicating with staff, volunteers, and the general public. Ability and interest to learn scientific names of plants necessary. Ability to work out of doors in hot and cold temperatures, carry up to 40 pounds and use a variety of garden tools required. Must be able to perform all tasks in a safe manner and operate with care around valuable plant collections. Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions including rain, cold, wind, and heat. Must have availability on weekday mornings and early afternoons. Occasional weekends by arrangement. Undocumented students with or without work authorization are encouraged to apply.

Pay Rate: $15.50/hr

Start Date: ASAP

Application closes March 24, 2022, or after first 20 applicants.

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