Horticulture Assistant (Bonsai Garden)

We are excited to expand our team with passionate and dedicated Horticulture Assistant (Bonsai Garden) who will support our mission of Cultivating Connections between People, Plants and Places.

Horticulture Assistant positions are term appointments up to 11 months in duration, working within The NC Arboretum's Horticulture Department. This position works predominantly Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5:30 with occasional rotational shift coverage and overtime as assigned. Pay is $18 per hour.

This position report for daily supervision to the Bonsai Curator. The primary focus of this position is cultivated plant maintenance, including plants grown in the landscape, as well as ornamental plants grown in containers. Work also includes activities in support of cultivated plant maintenance in both a formal garden setting and a nursery for containerized plants. Such activities include watering, weeding, grooming of herbaceous perennial and woody plants, leaf and litter removal, pesticide application, operation of light power equipment and rudimentary construction work relative to nursery operation. This position also includes clerical support to the Curator.

All Horticulture Assistants participate in group or individual task outside of daily work assignments as directed to benefit of the greater Horticulture Department or Institution as a whole. Examples of such task would be, but not limited to, Seasonal Landscape Display Installation, Brush Chipping, Sod Installation, Exhibit Installation, Painting, Landscape Installation and Construction, Event Support, etcetera.

These are predominantly hands-on positions working in all weather conditions performing Horticulture Activities Campus Wide. Tasks can require standing for long periods of time, kneeling, squatting, bending, lifting 50 pounds, the ability to work on slick or uneven surfaces and the ability to climb ladders and work at heights. Work is performed in a public space and often requires interacting with Arboretum Members and Guests.

Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit
By promoting the stewardship and enjoyment of the wealth of plant life within the South Appalachians through world-renowned gardens demonstrating cultivated and natural landscapes. Horticulture support activities include installation, maintenance and care of all gardens, landscape, turf, grounds and trails, the production within the greenhouse and nursery areas, and all other horticulture aspects relating to the use of the property. The specific program areas responsible for executing these activities are: Production, Plant Records, Azalea and Bonsai Curation and Natural Resources / Landscape, Grounds and Gardens.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills
Prior General Horticulture, Garden Maintenance, Nursery Operations, Clerical Assistance.

• Classification: Horticulture Assistant (Bonsai Garden)
• Position Number: UNCSO-ATNCA5
• Employment Type: Hourly
• Appointment Type: Temporary
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Part-Time
• Recruitment Salary Range:
• Location: 100 Fredrick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806 USA
• Posting Open Date: 3/21/2025
• Posting Close Date: 4/7/2025
• Posting Number: req572

EEO
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To claim veteran's preference, all eligible persons shall submit a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with a State Application for Employment (Form PD-107 or equivalent) to the appointing authority.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

EEO Contact Information
Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: ophiring@northcarolina.edu