(Temporary) Horticulture Assistant, Formal Gardens

(Temporary) Horticulture Assistant, Formal Garden

Step into a world where nature and community thrive together. Our beloved garden is searching for a passionate Horticulture Assistant to join team in the formal garden area. Here, you'll be surrounded by the splendor of meticulously curated landscapes, contributing to the beauty that captivates and inspires our staff, guests and members daily.

Pay will be $18 an hour.

Horticulture Assistants are temporary positions that can work up to 11 months in duration throughout the North Carolina Arboretum's Horticulture Department, but will specialize in the Formal Garden area. Horticulture Assistants generally work 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. although some rotational weekends and overtime may be assigned. The pay is $18 per hour.

Horticulture Assistants work alongside the Arboretum's team of professional Horticulturists and these positions will primarily be assigned/recruited for daily duty to the formal garden work crew. In addition to a work crew assignment, Horticulture Assistants also will be assigned occasional group work tasks.

The Horticulture Assistant, Formal Gardens, reports for daily supervision to the Gardens Crew Leader. The primary focus of this position is all aspects of garden maintenance to include planting, watering, mulching, weed removal, sheering, pruning, perennial cut back, leaf and litter removal, floral displays, grooming of perennial and annual plantings, equipment operation and light carpentry.

Preferred knowledge and/or experience: garden maintenance, floriculture and plant identification skills.

Physical Requirements:

The incumbent must be able to move a work load of 50 pounds of force occasionally. Typical activities include moving plants, trees and shrubs, lifting bags of soil, additives and mulch, mixing fertilizers, using ladders to place decorations, pulling water hoses, digging and planting with at least 60 percent of total work time involving some kind of physical activity. The Assistant will be exposed to much direct sunlight, heat and humidity, cold temperatures, machinery can make it a noisy environment and this role spends a significant amount of time standing on hard and/or uneven surfaces. Lifting, climbing ladders, squatting, twisting, using sprayers, walking on a variety of surfaces, digging, planting and exposure to the elements is commonplace. This role requires highly physical, finite visual attention skills, a high level of mental concentration and manipulation.

Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit
The Horticulture Department works to promote the stewardship and enjoyment of the wealth of plant life within the South Appalachians. This is done through designing, installing and maintaining world-renowned gardens and demonstrating cultivated and natural landscapes through Horticulture, Greenhouse and Bonsai exhibits. Horticulture supports activities including installation, maintenance and care of all gardens, landscape, turf, grounds and trails, the production within the greenhouse and nursery areas, and all other horticulture aspects relating to the use of the property. The specific program areas that are responsible for executing these activities are: Production, Plant Records, Bonsai Curation and Grounds and Gardens.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills
High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills
Preferred knowledge and/or experience: garden maintenance, floriculture and plant identification skills.

Competencies

• Classification: (Temporary) Horticulture Assistant, Formal Gardens
• Position Number: UNCSO-ATNCA5
• Appointment Type: Temporary
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Part-Time
• Location: 100 Fredrick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806 USA
• Posting Open Date: 4/11/2025
• Posting Close Date: 4/21/2025
• Posting Number: req576

EEO
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To claim veteran's preference, all eligible persons shall submit a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with a State Application for Employment (Form PD-107 or equivalent) to the appointing authority.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

EEO Contact Information
Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: recruiter@northcarolina.edu