Gardener

University of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player in horticulture is seeking passionate seasonal gardeners to nurture beautiful outdoor gardens. This role involves hands-on gardening tasks, engaging with visitors, and being part of a dedicated team committed to enhancing community green spaces. Ideal candidates will have a love for nature, effective communication skills, and a willingness to learn about horticulture. The position offers flexible scheduling, on-the-job training, and various perks, making it a rewarding opportunity for those who enjoy working outdoors. Join a vibrant team and contribute to the beauty of our gardens while gaining valuable experience in the field.

Benefits

UTA pass while employed

Discounts for campus events

Half-price discount on Garden classes

Employee discount in gift shop

Free concert tickets

Work shirts and gloves provided

On-the-job training

Flexible work schedule options

Qualifications

• Nine months of professional experience managing grounds or equivalent education.
• Valid driver’s license required and ability to operate gardening equipment.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent care to themed outdoor gardens and natural areas.
• Perform tasks like planting, weeding, and pest control.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Human relations skills

Problem identification and solving

Active listening

Team-building

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Experience in horticulture or landscaping

Tools

Gardening tools

Pesticide applicator’s license

Job description

Job Grade: B

FLSA Code: Nonexempt

Patient Sensitive Job Code: No

Type: Temporary

Standard Hours per Week: 29

Full Time or Part Time: Part Time

Shift: Day

Work Schedule Summary: Must be able to commit to working 16-29 hrs/wk beginning early March. Shifts are predominately during regular business hours, from mornings to mid-afternoons. May require occasional evening hours and/or weekend shifts. Exact schedule will be coordinated with supervisor upon hire. Season runs through November 25th.

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Pay Rate Range: $16.00 or more, depending on experience

Close Date: 04/23/2025

Job Summary

The Horticulture Department at Red Butte Garden is seeking seasonal gardeners to provide care for our outdoor themed gardens and Natural Areas. Do you enjoy working outdoors, learning about plants and nature, while working with people who are passionate about what they do? We strongly prefer people who are committed to the role of a Botanical Garden within the community, and want to be a part of a great team!

Perks of working at the Garden:

• UTA pass while actively employed at the U of U.
• Discounts for campus events and the campus store, as well as campus library privileges.
• Staff receive a half-price discount on Garden classes, an employee discount in our gift shop, advance registration opportunities for kids camps and concerts, and two free concert tickets for our Outdoor Concert series.
• Staff are provided work shirts and gloves, and on-the-job training.
• A variety of work schedule options, coordinated with supervisor upon hire.

Responsibilities:

Providing excellent care to our 10 themed outdoor Gardens and Natural Areas. Acts as steward for the Garden to greet and answer questions from garden guests.

Exact duties and schedules vary depending upon assigned team:

• Outdoor themed gardens – planting, weeding, mulching, deadheading, pruning, digging, raking, watering, fertilization, pest control, trash removal, sweeping, event support, working with volunteers, etc.
• Water Pavilion & Natural Area – same as above and including trail maintenance, fenceline monitoring and repair, and various tasks in natural plant habitats.

Minimum Qualifications:

Nine months professional work experience with the responsibility for five or more acres of grounds, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); a valid vehicle operator’s license required; and demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills required. Selected applicant will be expected to obtain a pesticide applicator’s license.

Preferences:

• A passion for gardening and working outdoors. Prior experience in landscaping, horticulture, farming, habitat management or botany strongly preferred.
• A working knowledge of horticulture, gardening, or botany, and a desire to learn more.
• Able to work effectively individually and in teams, and the willingness and ability to work cooperatively with a variety of people.
• At least 18 years of age, have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurability, and able to safely and proficiently operate equipment common to the trade.
• Able to safely and effectively perform all physical tasks essential to the position and understand the physical commitment required for gardening.
• Able to work safely in all climatic conditions, including full sun, heat, cold, precipitation, etc.
• Ability to identify problems, develop possible solutions and take appropriate course of action. Skills include active listening, analysis, research, creativity, communication, decision making and team-building.
• Proven written and spoken communication skills, a commitment to provide excellent customer service.

Special Instructions Summary:

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work).

This position may require the successful