Seasonal Gardener, Gabis Arboretum

Purdue University Northwest; Hammond (IN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

The Gabis Arboretum is seeking a knowledgeable, self-motivated seasonal gardener to care for the plant collections and assist with volunteer efforts in the gardens. The role requires knowledge of gardening practices and the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

This seasonal position runs March 15 to October 31, 2026, with a pay rate of $13.00 per hour and a schedule Monday through Friday, with some weekends.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of gardening practices and ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Maintains garden beds by watering, mulching, planting, weeding, deadheading, removing debris and litter.
• Edges around walkways, flower beds, etc.
• Assists in maintaining Gabis Arboretum’s large plant collections: Conifers, oaks, roses, and native plants
• Prunes shrubs and trees to shape
• Assists volunteers while fostering positive relationships and encouraging volunteer engagement in the gardens
• Assists in maintenance of trails, paths, turfs, and other areas of the property as needed
• Performs custodial functions of Gabis Facilities as needed
• Assists with events and facility rentals as needed i.e. set up and break down
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Gardening knowledge

Outdoor work in all weather

Volunteer coordination

Plant care

Education

High School Diploma/GED preferred

Job description

Job Summary

The Gabis Arboretum is seeking a knowledgeable, self-motivatedindividual as the seasonal gardener. This position is responsiblefor taking care of the Arboretum’s plants collections and assistingwith volunteer efforts in the gardens. Knowledge of gardeningpractices and ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions isrequired.

*Students May Apply

Pay:

• $13.00/hour

Schedule:

• Monday through Friday
• Some weekends

Position Duration:

• March 15 – October 31, 2026

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains garden beds by watering, mulching, planting, weeding,deadheading, removing debris and litter, etc.


• Edges around walkways, flower beds, etc.


• Assists in maintaining Gabis Arboretum’s large plantcollections: Conifers, oaks, roses, and native plants


• Prunes shrubs and trees to shape


• Assists volunteers while fostering positive relationships andencouraging volunteer engagement in the gardens


• Assists in maintenance of trails, paths, turfs, and other areasof the property as needed


• Performs custodial functions of Gabis Facilities as needed


• Assists with events and facility rentals as needed i.e. set upand break down


• Other duties as assigned

Education

• High School Diploma/GED preferred

Experience

• Minimum of 1-year related experience in garden care, pruning,and weed identification is required


• Knowledge or experience in tree and plant care andidentification throughout the various seasons is preferred


• Knowledge or experience with identifying native plants andinvasive species is preferred


• Training will be provided as necessary

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt