Assistant Gardener - UMN Arboretum, Chanhassen MN

About the Job

Assistant Gardener, 9-Month Seasonal

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Bargaining unit consideration begins on 02/27/2026 and ends on

The Assistant Gardener is responsible for maintaining display gardens, research plots and greenhouses at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum located in Chaska, MN. This position is a full-time - seasonal (9-month) Teamsters Unit 3 position:
Monday - Friday's, typically beginning April 1st and ending on December 31st annually. Assist in care of the Trees and Shrubs collections within the public areas of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Ensure proper maintenance of the assigned gardens and collections within the MLA, snow removal, and equipment maintenance. Keep the Arboretum Mission statement and garden design intent in mind when fulfilling this role.

70% Perform maintenance work in assigned Arboretum Farm at the Arboretum and Learning Center, display gardens and on the grounds:

• Provide best management practices at the Arboretum with a Horticulturist at the Farm at the Arboretum and Learning Center.
• Maintaining around the Bee and Pollinator Center, event lawns and natural areas.
• Work with the Arboretum's PHS Specialist (Plant Health Specialist) on pest and disease prevention.
• Protect collections by assisting/maintaining weeds, planting pollinators.
• Plant and transplant bulbs, plants, shrubs, trees and lay sod.
• Prune and plant trees and shrubs, stake and water. Transplant trees.
• Prepare soil for new annual and perennial beds, maintain perennial beds.
• Move ornamental rocks and other accessories into gardens, build garden fences, etc.
• Apply wood chips, mulch, mow grass and remove turf when needed.

15% Greenhouse best management practices at our Learning Center - Pesticide control:

• Use of best management practices in our Learning Center greenhouse.
• Apply herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers. Using back sprayer and spreaders.
• Wear safety equipment as instructed by the label and supervisor.
• Maintain areas around the greenhouse - Green Play Yard, Children's Garden and landscape around the Learning Center.

15% Operate grounds maintenance equipment and duties as assigned:

• Participate in our safety training program and using safety equipment.
• Operate gas powered weed whip, lawn mowers, blowers, club cars, dump truck, tractors and use other miscellaneous electrical tools to perform garden maintenance.
• Snow removal.

Probationary period: 1120 straight-time hours.

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent and one year of related training or experience in horticultural care of formal display gardens and curated woody plant collections, including trees and shrubs.
• Must have and maintain a valid MN driver's license.
• May be required to possess and maintain a Minnesota Noncommercial Pesticide Applicator's license.
• Required to work in all weather conditions in all seasons and may require evening and weekend work as needed.
• Must be able to perform manual labor including frequent lifting/carrying/transporting loads up to 50 lbs.

Preferred:

• Associate or bachelor's degree in horticulture or related field.
• Experience working in a large scale agriculture.
• Experience working in a public garden.
• Experience working in educational horticulture.
• Ability to operate equipment related to grounds management functions, including front-end loaders, tractors, and pickup truck mounted snow plows, leaf blowers, riding and push mowers, string trimmers, salt/sand spreaders, snow blowers, and dump trucks.

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 a 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. A connection with the wonders of nature.

Pay Range: $24.23 - $28.18; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities…