Master Gardener

University of Texas at San Antonio; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 62,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at San Antonio seeks a Master Gardener to manage and maintain assigned gardens and landscape areas, coordinating horticultural operations and supporting educational programs and community outreach. The role requires leadership of staff, students, interns, and volunteers to uphold university standards and sustainable practices.

Core responsibilities include planning operating and planting plans, performing maintenance tasks, and ensuring accurate records and safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture or a related field.
• Five (5) years of related work experience.
• Valid Texas driver's license.
• This position may require adherence to Texas EO-GA-48 security requirements.

Responsibilities

• Plans and oversees care and enhancement of garden, landscape, and plant collections.
• Develops operating and planting plans to support campus beautification.
• Performs horticultural maintenance: planting, pruning, mulching, weed control, bed renovation.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Grounds maintenance knowledge

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture or related field

Job description

Master Gardener

Location: San Antonio, TX

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job ID: 16354

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Position Information

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT SanAntonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public researchuniversity that unites the power of higher education, biomedicaldiscovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As thethird-largest research university in Texas and a CarnegieR1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access andexcellence — advancing knowledge, social mobility and public healthacross South Texas and beyond. UT San Antonio serves approximately42,000 students in 320 academic programs spanning science,engineering, medicine, health, liberal arts, AI, cybersecurity,business, education and more. With 17,000 faculty and staff, UT SanAntonio has also been recognized as a Top Employer in Texas byForbes Magazine. Learn more online, on UT San Antonio Today or on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or LinkedIn.

Salary Range: $72,900 annualized.

Job Type: Full Time

Posting Close Date: Applications will beaccepted through 11:59 PM CDT on 10/12/2026. At the discretion ofthe hiring department, this posting may close once a sufficientnumber of qualified applications have been received.

Required Application Materials:

• Resume is required
• Cover Letter is preferred

Job Details

Job Summary

The Master Gardener manages and maintains assigned botanicalgarden and landscape areas by planning, implementing, and overseeing horticultural operations. This role coordinatesgarden development projects, plant collections management,integrated pest management activities, irrigation monitoring, andlandscape maintenance practices. The Master Gardener providesguidance to staff, student employees, interns, and volunteers whilesupporting educational programs, special events, exhibits, andcommunity engagement initiatives. This position ensuresassigned areas are maintained in accordance with universitystandards, horticultural best practices, and sustainabilityobjectives.

Core Responsibilities

1. Plans, coordinates, and oversees the care, maintenance, andenhancement of assigned garden, landscape, and plant collectionareas, including woody and herbaceous plant materials.
2. Develops and implements annual operating plans, planting plans,and landscape improvement projects that support departmentalobjectives, collection management strategies, and campusbeautification efforts.
3. Performs and oversees horticultural maintenance activities,including planting, transplanting, pruning, mulching, edging, weedcontrol, staking, thinning, bed renovation, and seasonal gardenpreparation.
4. Operates, inspects, and maintains horticultural tools,equipment, and machinery, including tractors, loaders, powerequipment, irrigation components, and specialized gardenmaintenance equipment.
5. Supports the planning, design, installation, and maintenance ofinterior and exterior displays, exhibits, special events, andseasonal landscape enhancements.
6. Maintains accurate records related to horticultural operations,plant collections, integrated pest management activities, training,safety procedures, and departmental initiatives.
7. Researches, recommends, and implements sustainablehorticultural practices that improve resource conservation,landscape performance, and environmental stewardship.
8. Assists with plant inventory management, plant identification,labeling, and documentation of botanical collections withinassigned areas.
9. Provides horticultural expertise and educational supportthrough presentations, workshops, tours, demonstrations,publications, and outreach activities for students, visitors, andthe community.
10. Promotes a safe, welcoming, and service-oriented environment bypositively interacting with campus visitors, universityconstituents, and the public.
11. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture or a related field.
• Five (5) years of related work experience.
• Additional experience may substitute for education on a oneyear for one year basis.
• Valid Texas driver's license
• This position may require the ability to maintain the security and integrity of UT San Antonio and its infrastructure per TexasEO-GA-48.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Verbal and Written Communication.
• Knowledge of methods, materials, tools, and equipment used ingrounds maintenance operations.
• Ability to assess site conditions and determine appropriatecorrective actions.

Working Conditions

• Ability to travel to and from meetings, training sessions, or other business-related events. Workdays, areas, and workhours may vary depending on the department's needs.

Physical Demands

• Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, carry, push,pull, or otherwise move objects. Extended periods of time standing,walking, pushing, bending, and kneeling. Working outdoorswith exposure to seasonal weather conditions. Exposure to hazardousmechanical equipment.

This position will work primarily on the Southwest and Downtown campuses, but must be flexible to work on the main campus asneeded. Travel and parking expenses are the employee's responsibility.

This position is contingent upon a successful background check.Verification of a valid driver's license and Motor Vehicle Record(MVR) may be completed as applicable. Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.

Equal Employment Opportunity

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative actionemployer, it is the policy of The University of Texas at SanAntonio to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for allindividuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetic information, and veteran status. The University iscommitted to the Affine Program in compliance with allgovernment requirements to ensure nondiscrimination.