Horticulture Apprentice - 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.

Horticulture Apprentice - Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt

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 the Northwest section of the city, the Morris Arboretum & Gardens is a destination for plant lovers from Philadelphia and beyond. The home to a collection of more than 13,000 woody plants and host to special and educational events.

Morris Arboretum & Gardens is a hub for botany, horticulture and urban forestry and a special part of Penn.

The Horticulture Apprenticeship is designed to prepare individuals with a strong passion for plants and their care for a career in public gardens. Working with a team of horticultural experts, Apprentices receive hands‑on training in all aspects of garden management and care of the living collections, with specific emphasis placed on refining a wide range of practical horticulture skills. Apprentices will also gain management experience by assisting in supervising volunteers.

Through monthly educational opportunities, Apprentices will gain knowledge and insight into other aspects of public gardens.

Whomever is selected for this part‑time position should expect to work upwards of 40 hours a week depending on operational need. This position pays $16.00 an hour.

• Assist with all garden tasks, including weeding, pruning, planting, mulching, and turf care.
• Learn to properly identify weeds and implement control methods.
• Demonstrate pruning skills using CODIT philosophy and assist in formative pruning of the Arboretum's plant collection.
• Demonstrate knowledge of proper pesticide use—handling, mixing, applying, and clean‑up of pesticide equipment.
• Take part in watering plants and containers on a rotating weekend schedule.
• Participate in the Horticulture Department's project days.
• Interact with visitors as garden ambassadors.
• Direct horticulture volunteers under the section leader’s guidance.
• Learn to operate the following garden machinery:
  Small Equipment Operation – weed whacker, push mower, string trimmer, leaf blower, snow thrower
  Large Equipment Operation – golf cart, riding mower, backhoe, tractor, dump truck
  Arborist Equipment Operation – chainsaw, chipper
• Perform additional duties as requested

• A high school diploma or GED is required, and an associate's degree or bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Demonstrate a passion for horticulture, plants, and the natural world
• Be able and willing to communicate with diverse Arboretum visitors
• Be able and willing to work independently and as part of a team
• Be able and willing to work in all weather conditions
• Be able and willing to lift at least 25 lbs.
• A valid driver's license is required.

The Horticulture Apprenticeship is a hands‑on program that assists in the maintenance of the Arboretum's outdoor gardens, including the Rose Garden, woodland garden, ornamental…