Seasonal Gardener (Turf, Irrigation, Equipment)

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

Job summary

Join a vibrant horticulture team at a renowned botanical garden! As a Seasonal Gardener, you will immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while caring for outdoor gardens and natural areas. This role is perfect for individuals who love working outdoors and are eager to learn about turf care, irrigation, and equipment maintenance. You'll engage with passionate colleagues and contribute to a community-focused environment. Enjoy flexible hours, hands-on training, and a variety of perks that enhance your experience. If you're ready to cultivate your passion for gardening and make a positive impact, this opportunity is for you!

Benefits

UTA pass

Discounts for campus events

Half-price discount on Garden classes

Employee discount in gift shop

Work shirts and gloves provided

On-the-job training

Qualifications

• Nine months of experience managing 5+ acres of grounds required.
• Valid driver's license and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Maintain outdoor gardens and assist guests with inquiries.
• Perform turf care, irrigation maintenance, and equipment upkeep.

Skills

Effective communication

Active listening

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Irrigation systems

Gardening equipment

Job description

Working Title: Seasonal Gardener (Turf, Irrigation, Equipment)

Job Grade: B

FLSA Code: Nonexempt

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: 04/27/2025

Job Summary

The Horticulture Department at Red Butte Garden is seeking seasonal gardeners to provide care for our outdoor gardens and Natural Areas. Do you enjoy working outdoors, learning about turf care, irrigation, and equipment maintenance, 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 for our outdoor Gardens and acting as a steward for the Garden by greeting and answering questions from garden guests.
• General maintenance of turf, underground irrigation system, outdoor fountains, and equipment, including mowing, trimming, weed-eating, digging, raking, irrigation system maintenance/repairs, monitoring/testing chemical levels on interactive fountain, snow removal, and applying ice melting products.
• Light equipment maintenance and monitoring including fueling, ensuring proper fluid levels, lubrication, tire pressures, general safety, and correct operation of equipment, which includes some moderate to heavy lifting.

Minimum Qualifications

Nine months of 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.

*For this seasonal, non-benefited position, prior experience is preferred, not required; a Pesticide Applicators license will not be required.

Preferences

• A passion for gardening and working outdoors. Prior experience in landscaping, horticulture, farming, habitat management, or botany strongly preferred.
• A basic 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, with a commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• Able to commit to working 16-29 hrs/week beginning in early March, with shifts predominately during regular business hours, from mornings to mid-afternoons.

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). Contact Human Resources at [phone] for information.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• How did you hear about this position?
• What type of garden-related experience do you have? Specifically mention if you have experience in any of the following areas: garden bed maintenance, farming, planting, pruning, plant identification, small engine maintenance, trail maintenance, soil preparation, and/or site restoration.
• What are your favorite aspects of working outdoors?
• Are you able to commit to working 16-29 hours a week beginning in March?
• Do you anticipate being able to commit through mid-November?
• What days/times per week are you available to work?
• Are you able to commit to a position that is physically demanding and involves working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures?
• Do you have a valid driver's license?
• Are you at least 18 years of age?
• Are you currently or recently employed at the University of Utah? If so, what department and how many hours/week?

Required Documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume

University Human Resource Management
250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Contact us: [phone] By Email: [e-mail]