Assistant Gardener

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

Located in the beautiful Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, the Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania is one of America’s oldest arboretums. We are seeking a Part Time Assistant Gardener to join our team.

The Assistant Gardener works closely with all members of the Horticulture Department and performs general turf and gardening duties to ensure the highest standards of horticultural excellence. Reporting to the Director of Horticulture and the Horticulture Section Leaders, the Assistant Gardener supports all aspects of garden and grounds maintenance at the Arboretum, regularly interacts with guests and volunteers, and occasionally works on weekends.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities:

Garden & Grounds Maintenance

• Assist with all garden tasks, including weeding, pruning, planting, mulching, and turf care.
• Learn to properly identify weeds and implement control methods.
• Work with Horticulture team members to mow and string trim the Arboretum on a weekly basis during the growing season.
• Assist with leaf clean-up in the fall.

Equipment Operation

• Learn to operate garden machinery, as follows:
  • Small equipment: push mower, string trimmers leaf blower, snow thrower.
  • Large equipment: golf cart, riding mower, backhoe, tractor, dump truck.
  • Arborist equipment: chainsaw, chipper.

Team & Visitor Engagement

• Participate in Horticulture Department Team Day projects.
• Work in the garden on a rotating weekend schedule, as needed.
• Interact with Arboretum guests and volunteers in a welcoming, professional manner.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Work Environment

This is a part-time, primarily outdoor position at the Morris Arboretum, requiring work in all weather conditions and occasional work on a rotating weekend schedule.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED and 1–2 years of experience in horticulture work, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Associate degree or two-year college equivalent in Horticulture or a related field preferred.
• Ability and willingness to communicate effectively with Arboretum visitors and to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Job Location - City, State

Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania

About the Division of Business Services:

The Division of Business Services (BSD) supports the individual and collective needs of the Penn community by promoting a hospitable, customer-focused campus environment and delivering mission-critical services and essential operations. BSD’s mission is to provide high-quality service in a fiscally responsible manner.

The Division is currently focused on three major strategic initiatives:

• Revenue growth and retention through improved marketing, expanded services, and new distribution channels
• Driving productivity for the Division and its customers through enhanced use of technology
• Enhancing service offerings through facility upgrades and expansions

Learn more: https://business-services.upenn.edu/

About 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 the Northwest section of the city, the Morris Arboretum & Gardens is a destination for plant lovers from Philadelphia and beyond. It is home to a collection of more than 13,000 woody plants and hosts special and educational events. The Morris Arboretum & Gardens is a hub for botany, horticulture and urban forestry and a special part of Penn.

Learn more: https://www.morrisarboretum.org

Department / School

Morris Arboretum

Pay Range

$17.12 - $18.25 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 protectedunder 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.