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The Assistant Gardener is responsible for maintaining display gardens, research plots and greenhouses at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum located in Chaska, MN. This position is a full-time - seasonal (9-month) Teamsters Unit 3 position: typically beginning February 1st and ending on October 31st annually.

Job Description:
60% Perform maintenance work in assigned Arboretum display gardens and on the grounds:

• Plant and transplant bulbs, plants, shrubs, trees and lay sod.
• Prune trees and shrubs, stake and transplant trees;
• Prepare soil for new annual and perennial beds, maintain perennial beds
• Move ornamental rocks and other accessories into gardens, build garden fences, etc.
• Apply wood chips, mulch, mow grass, dig up turf when needed

20% Apply herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers

• Apply herbicides, insecticides, and liquid fertilizers with the use of a back-pack sprayer.
• Spread granular fertilizers and soil amendments using spreaders and measured amounts.
• Wear safety equipment as instructed by the label and supervisor.

10% Operate grounds maintenance equipment

• Operate gas powered weed whip, lawn mowers, blowers, club cars, dump truck and use other miscellaneous electrical tools to perform garden maintenance.
• Chainsaw and chipper operation training will be offered on site and necessary safety training provided.

10% Other grounds maintenance duties as assigned

Probationary period: 1120 straight-time hours

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent and one year of related training or experience in commercial gardening, grounds maintenance, and/or greenhouse work.
• Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather, climb 8-foot ladders, and be able to lift 50 pounds for extended periods of time. Must be willing to work 5 days per week or less due to weather and availability of funding: including alternate weekends.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License or equivalent out-of-state driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in Public Gardens.
• Pesticide Applicator License
• Greenhouse Production
• Plant Propagation

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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