Garden Assistant

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities. 

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:

The Wiess School of Natural Sciences is seeking a dedicated part-time Garden Assistant for the Betty and Jacob Friedman Holistic Garden. The Garden Assistant will be responsible for performing a variety of horticultural tasks and ensuring the proper care and maintenance of garden plantings and grounds. This role involves working closely with the Garden Manager and Director to help maintain the functionality of the garden, operate equipment, and assist with garden-related projects.

This is a part-time position (approximately 20 hours per week) one-year term limited position. 

Ideal Candidate Statement: 

The ideal candidate will have prior experience in gardening or farming and a strong enthusiasm for working outdoors. A functional understanding of organic gardening methods, botany, and environmental science is essential. They should be proactive, dependable, and able to collaborate effectively with team members. Additionally, the candidate should be capable of using and maintaining various gardening tools and equipment safely. Previous experience supervising students or volunteers is a plus.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change. Some early morning and evening hours may be required.

Work Environment: Primarily an outdoor work environment which includes exposure to temperature and weather extremes (heat, cold, rain, etc). 

Physical Demands: Moderate physical exertion required; intermittent periods of frequent standing and occasional heavy lifting.

Hourly Hiring Rate: $20.00 (20 hours a week)

Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Additionally, this position is funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of funding.

Minimum Requirements: 

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Three or more (3+) years of any work experience to include some garden experience 
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted

Skills: 

• Knowledge of organic gardening techniques, organic garden management, and protection of the natural ecosystem of which the garden is a part
• Functional knowledge of organic gardening methods, botany, and environmental science
• Ability to monitor the health of plants under all conditions
• Dependability 
• Ability to follow instructions
• Advanced knowledge of ground maintenance
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Advanced knowledge of proper equipment use and maintenance

Essential Functions:

• Perform general grounds and equipment maintenance activities as directed
• Contribute to the implementation and completion of garden projects in collaboration with the Garden Director and Manager
• Collaborate with Garden Director and Manager to coordinate assignments and work schedules and report areas of risk
• Work collaboratively with Garden Manager to administer garden operations
• Participate in horticultural maintenance; plants, irrigates, prunes, manages pests, and removes garden plantings; cleans, weeds, and mulches around fruit trees, vegetable and herb plantings, and specialty garden beds and plantings; prepares area, adds topsoil and compost, and manages the production of crops
• Remove debris from garden areas, walkways, and paths, ensuring the garden remains clean and accessible
• Operate and maintain various garden tools, equipment, and facilities, including the solar greenhouse. Provide guidance on their safe use and care
• Assist with the moving and storage of garden furniture, tools, and equipment as needed
• Provide functional supervision and guidance to designated student employees, fostering a collaborative work environment
• Maintain and repair garden tools, equipment, and related facilities to ensure safe and effective operation
• Ensure proper data tracking, including maintaining logs for rainwater usage, visitor attendance, and volunteer sign-ins
• Assist with the preparation and coordination of campus, community, and class events hosted in the garden
• Perform any additional duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the garden

Rice University HR | Benefits:https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at [email protected] for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at [email protected] . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.