Arboretum Assistant

The University of Texas at Austin; United States; On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Center membership

Class discounts

Event access

Shop discounts

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center invites applications for an Arboretum Assistant. This part-time seasonal role supports landscape maintenance and tree planting across a 20-acre arboretum with a focus on native Texas species.

Work hours are 19 per week, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to Noon. The position spans about 2 months with potential extension up to 6 months, depending on needs and funding.

Qualifications

• Experience in landscape maintenance and equipment operation.
• Able to perform strenuous manual labor in all weather conditions.
• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
• Bending and lifting required.
• Lift/carry up to 50 lbs and push/pull up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Trail maintenance.
• Mulching.
• Mowing and edging.
• Soil preparation and tree planting.
• Installation of irrigation and protective cages for newly planted trees.
• Operate riding mower, utility vehicles, leaf blower, string trimmer, skid steer, mini-excavator, and tractor.

Skills

Landscape maintenance

Equipment operation

Manual labor

Driver license

Tools

Riding mowers

String trimmers

Skid steers

Excavators

Tractors

Hand tools

Job description

Job Posting Title: Arboretum Assistant

Hiring Department: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 19

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date: Immediately

Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Dec 23, 2026

Location: JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER

Job Details

The University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is committed to inspiring the conservation and cultivation of native plants through its gardens and programs. The Wildflower Center is the state botanic garden of Texas, a treasured Austin gem, and a national leader in the field of native plant education, gardening, sustainable landscapes, land restoration, plant conservation and research. It is home to the largest living collection of Texas native plants, welcomes 300,000 visitors annually, has over 18,000 member households and reaches more than 2 million people per year through its popular native plant database. The Center envisions thriving, native plant landscapes everywhere that nurture wildlife, uplift communities, and ensure ecological resilience for generations. Wildflower Center staff are University of Texas at Austin employees receiving all associated benefits as well as an annual membership to the Center, discounts on Center classes, access to Wildflower Center events, and discounts at the Shop and Gallery. An inspiring, collaborative and beautiful work environment with outstanding coworkers awaits you.

Purpose Statement

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is looking for part-time seasonal help to assist with landscape maintenance and tree planting in the Texas Arboretum. The Texas Arboretum encompasses 20 acres within the Wildflower Center dedicated to growing a collection of trees native to Texas with a focus on Oaks. This position is a 19-hour per week position, Monday through Friday from 8:00am to Noon. Position is for 2 months through December 23, 2026, with a possibility of extension for up to 6 months total based on need and funding.

Responsibilities

• Trail maintenance
• Mulching
• Mowing and edging
• Soil preparation and tree planting
• Installation of irrigation and cages for newly planted trees
• Equipment operation to complete job duties including riding lawn mower, utility vehicles, leaf blower, string trimmer, skid steer, mini-excavator, and tractor
• Soil preparation for tree planting with use of mini-excavator and tractor with tiller
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Previous landscape maintenance experience including equipment operation
• Must be able to perform strenuous manual labor in all weather conditions
• Valid Texas Class C Driver License
• Bending and lifting required
• Lift/carry up to 50 Ibs
• Push/pull up to 50 Ibs
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous tree planting experience
• Skill in the use and safe operation of grounds maintenance equipment such as riding mowers, string trimmers, skid steers, excavators, tractors, and hand tools

Salary Range

$20.00 per hour

Work Shift

Monday through Friday, 8:0 am to Noon, 19 hours per week

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following: E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and other applicable campus security requirements. If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

About the University

Start Here, Change the World At The University of Texas at Austin, tradition meets innovation in the heart of a city that frequents lists of the best places to live and work. Named by Forbes as one of America's Best Large Employers for the sixth year in a row in 2025, UT offers both a dynamic work environment and a gateway to vibrant local culture. Whether you're at the forefront of the student experience, conducting world-changing research or supporting the engine that drives Texas’ flagship university, working at UT means making a lasting impact on our city, our state and our world. Our more than 20,000 faculty and staff empower 55,000+ students to challenge ideas, pursue passions and shape their futures. Joining UT, you’ll become part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on campus and throughout the world.

Contact Information

Comments and Inquiries: Email comments to [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services. Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: Applying for Employment. For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at [phone], or toll-free at [phone]. UT Austin is a Tobacco-free Campus