Natural Resources Management Horticulturist - UMN Arboretum, Chanhassen MN

This horticulturist position is responsible for helping lead the holistic care of the Arboretum's Natural Resource Management areas including woodland, wetland, and grassland habitats and related garden spaces such as the Bennet-Johnson Prairie, Spring Peeper Meadow, Dayton Wildflower Garden, Green Heron Pond, and other key areas. The horticulturist strives for excellence in leading landscape maintenance and horticultural care tasks including: invasive plant and weed management practices such as mechanical, chemical, burning, and other control methods; overseeing plant health projects including pest and disease scouting, monitoring, and treatment along with soil testing, soil amendments, root system investigations, and other tree preservation measures; developing and building new trails and pathways; planting, pruning, weeding, watering, mulching, and mowing operations; proposing and executing natural resource management plans; and ensuring the safe operation and maintenance of equipment.

This position instructs, directs, trains, and oversees the work of senior gardeners, gardeners, assistant gardeners, student workers, interns, and volunteers in assigned tasks and the safe usage of tools and equipment. The position also manages volunteer recruitment, training, supervision, and retention for assigned areas and may support other departmental projects depending on priorities, including but not limited to greenhouse work, seasonal displays, landscape and arboricultural operations, and special group projects. The horticulturist may also assist in grant writing efforts.

This position is considered an essential employee responsible for maintaining essential operations, responding to weather events, and other landscape operations during weather related emergencies and other University closures.

This position is a full-time (12-month) Civil Service position. Hours are generally 7am to 3:30pm, M-F. Weekend and evening work is occasionally required.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Essential Functions
Horticulture and Natural Area Leadership: 65%

• Oversee natural area restoration and maintenance including vegetation, wildlife habitat, and trail maintenance in assigned areas
• Oversee and direct work of senior gardeners, assistant gardeners, volunteers, and others in assigned areas
• Lead weeding, mulching, and brush chipping in assigned areas
• Lead mowing, string trimming, and leaf cleanup in assigned areas
• Maintain and properly and safely use equipment.
• Maintain proper plant records in assigned areas
• Support teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, and cooperation among assigned team

Planting and Plant Health: 25%

• Oversee the safe application of pesticides and soil amendments, and maintain associated records
• Coordinate with plant health specialist to conduct pest and disease scouting, monitoring, and treatments and oversee other plant health practices
• Lead planting, pruning, and integrated pest management of trees, shrubs, and annual and perennial plant collections within assigned areas; conduct seed collection and assist in propagation of native plants

Additional Operational Support: 10%

• Perform snow removal operations including hand shoveling and equipment operation
• Serve as an essential employee for weather related response and other University closures
• Assist in Arboretum education and communication priorities by occasionally providing tours, contributing to Arboretum publications and marketing initiatives, assisting with educational programing, and interacting with visitors.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS in horticulture, arboriculture, conservation, or closely related field plus at least two years of experience; or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least six years
• Must have and maintain a valid MN driver's license.
• Within one year of employment, must possess and maintain a Minnesota Noncommercial Pesticide Applicator's license.
• Within one year of employment, must earn and maintain ISA Certified Arborist credential.
• Required to work in all weather conditions in all seasons and may require evening and weekend work as need
• Must be able to perform manual labor including frequent lifting/carrying/transporting loads up to 50 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five years experience in natural resource management, such as participating in controlled burns, invasive species removal, and tree care.
• Experience working in a public garden.
• Ability to operate equipment related to grounds management functions, including front-end loaders, tractors, and pickup truck mounted snow plows, leaf blowers, riding and push mowers, string trimmers, salt/sand spreaders, snow blowers, and dump trucks.

Pay Range: $34.46 a hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.