MN Landscape Arboretum 9-Month Assistant Gardener

This position is located at the U of M Horticultural Research Center in Victoria, MN. This position is a full-time (9-month) Teamsters Unit 3 position; typically beginning March 1st and ending on November 30th annually. The position is responsible for maintaining apple trees and other fruit plants from greenhouse to research nurseries and orchards at the Horticultural Research Center.

Job Description:
50% Plant, prune, stake, transplant, irrigate, and perform other duties required to produce and grow apple trees and other plants needed at the Horticultural Research Center.

10% Identify and control pests and weeds. Apply herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, fertilizer and other materials as needed to maintain good growing conditions. Hand weeding and mulch application as needed.

15% Manage, train and grow young fruit trees in nursery and research plots and orchards. Assist in bud-grafting and other forms of propagation needed to reproduce and grow fruit trees. Assist in the harvest of apples and other fruit grown at the Horticultural Research Center.

20% Assist in the breeding and evaluation of new fruit varieties, primarily apples but to include other fruits such as apricots, pears, plums and blackberries.

5% Adhoc projects as assigned

Additional Information:

Must be willing to work 5 days per week or less due to weather and availability of funding; including occasional weekends. Schedule will vary.

*** This job description describing the current responsibilities of this position is subject to change.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED and one (1) year of related training or experience in commercial gardening/ orchard care, grounds maintenance, and/or greenhouse work or caring for fruit trees, particularly at a research facility

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather, climb 8-foot ladders, and be able to lift 50 pounds for extended periods of time.
• Pesticide applicator's license may be required for some positions.

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is more than 1,200 acres of gardens and tree collections, prairie and woods and miles of trails. The Arboretum's beautiful gardens and plant collections, nature-inspired exhibits, innovative learning, and events make it a valued community resource and top attraction. Founded more than 60 years ago, in 1958, the Arboretum is part of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota, the Arboretum is located approximately 30 miles west of the Twin Cities Campus along Hwy 5, just west of the City of Chanhassen. As a non-profit organization, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is committed to sharing institutional information with the public, including visitors, members and other constituents who support the Arboretum's mission. A beautiful in-town getaway, an escape to reflect, re-energize or plan for the future. A connection with the wonders of nature.

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum strives to provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, services, gardens, operations and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. We recognize and value the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the experience of our employees, donors, members, volunteers, and visitors and in supporting the Arboretum mission. We are committed to attracting and engaging employees, members, donors, volunteers and visitors with varying identities and backgrounds. As an institution committed to demonstrating excellence through diversity, we are committed to hiring a diverse faculty and staff, and actively encourage candidates from historically underrepresented groups to apply.

Our benefits include:

• Health & Dental insurance
• A defined benefit plan through MN State Retirement System as well as Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) and a section 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Substantial time off including sick time, 11 paid holidays at start and vacation accrual
• Free Arboretum membership
• Free and discounted tickets to programming, as available
• Discounts on dining and in our Arboretum Shops
• Employee Assistance Program
• Working just steps from the beautiful gardens and displays
• Free or discounted admission to other cultural institutions across the United States

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University's Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit:

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.