Job Details

Part Time Assistant Gardener, Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Position Number: 6582252
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Position Type: Agriculture - Horticulture & Landscape Architecture

Part Time Assistant Gardener, Morris Arboretum & Gardens

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Posted Job Title
Part Time Assistant Gardener, Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Job Profile Title
Services Assistant A

Job Description Summary
The Morris Arboretum & Gardens is seeking a Part-Time Assistant Gardener to support all aspects of garden and grounds maintenance. Reporting to the Lead Horticulturist, this position works closely with the horticulture team, volunteers, and Arboretum guests to uphold the highest standards of horticultural excellence. The Assistant Gardener will participate in daily landscape care, assist with seasonal maintenance, and operate a variety of garden equipment. Occasional weekend work is required.

Job Description

Duties

Assist with garden maintenance tasks including weeding, planting, mulching, pruning, turf care, and seasonal leaf clean-up.
Learn to identify weeds and apply appropriate control methods.
Support weekly mowing and trimming operations during the growing season.
Participate in Horticulture Department "Team Day" projects.
Assist with snow removal during winter months, as needed.
Operate or learn to operate a range of horticultural equipment, including: push mower, string trimmer, leaf blower, snow thrower, golf cart, riding mower, backhoe, tractor, dump truck, and chipper.
Interact courteously with Arboretum visitors and volunteers.
Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required; 1-2 years of horticulture or groundskeeping experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Associate degree or two-year college coursework in horticulture or a related field preferred.
Ability and willingness to communicate with Arboretum visitors in a friendly, professional manner.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
Ability to lift and carry at least 25 lbs.
Valid driver's license required.

This position averages 30 hours per week with a seasonal schedule:

20 hours/week in March and December
40 hours/week April through November
No hours January and February

About the Morris Arboretum & Gardens

The Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania inspires an understanding of the relationship between plants, people, and place through education, research, and horticultural display. Located in Philadelphia's Chestnut Hill neighborhood, the Arboretum is home to a living collection of more than 13,000 woody plants and serves as a hub for botany, horticulture, and urban forestry. As one of America's oldest arboreta, the Morris Arboretum is a destination for plant lovers and a special part of Penn.

Job Location - City, State
Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Morris Arboretum

Pay Range
$16.83 - $17.95 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
Background checks 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.
Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family-whatever your personal needs may be.
Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you're newly hired, you won't have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That's why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University's libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There's always something going on at Penn, whether it's a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you're right in the middle of the excitement-and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

Equal Employment 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.
To apply, visit https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/Morris-Arb-Flourtown/Part-Time-Assistant-Gardener--Morris-Arboretum---Gardens_JR00111911