Horticulture Therapist - Mendota Mental Health Institute

Introduction

The Department of Health Services (DHS) , Mendota Mental Health Institute (MMHI) is recruiting for a Horticulture Therapist . This position will work Monday through Friday with daytime hours; however, some evenings may be required.

MMHI is located on the north side of Madison and offers a beautiful campus environment, convenient free parking and an onsite workout facility. MMHI is an inpatient psychiatric facility, with one outpatient program. MMHI is an integral part of the entire Wisconsin mental health service delivery system. Our overall service delivery goal is to provide specialized services in treatment, research, training and consultation.

As an employee of the State of Wisconsin, you'll have access to an amazing benefits package .

• 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays and ample sick time ; limitations may apply for leave time usage in the first six months.
• Top rated health plan options starting at $45/month for single plans and $111/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service.
• Exceptional pension plan with a 7.2% employer match in 2026 with lifetime retirement payment. Plus, a tax advantaged supplemental retirement savings plan which allows you to save money directly from your paycheck for retirement. Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!
• Several flex spending accounts: medical, dependent care, commuter, parking and High-Deductible Health Savings.
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program.
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program employer.

MMHI is part of the Division of Care and Treatment Services (DCTS). DCTS is committed to helping all state residents live their best lives through an interconnected web of behavioral health services. Watch this video to learn more about the work of DCTS strives to protect and promote the health and safety of all people of Wisconsin through the efforts of a dedicated and diverse workforce. DHS works to ensure access to individuals, families, and communities to achieve positive health outcomes in the areas of abuse prevention, mental health, public health, family care, long-term care, and much more.

Position Summary

As the Horticulture Therapist, you will:

• consult, coordinate, develop, and implement the horticultural therapy program.
• oversee and evaluate the horticultural therapy program.
• provide oversight, supervision, and direction for the greenhouse program.
• participate as a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team.
• serve as a member of the Rehabilitation Services Department.
• train Rehabilitation Service students and volunteers, program evaluation and research.

Salary Information

This position may be filled at the entry or senior level. Level of position will be determined based on the qualifications of the selected candidate at the time of hire.

The starting pay for the Therapist is between $29.00 and $32.75 per hour ($60,300 and $68,100 per year), depending on experience, plus excellent benefits. The pay schedule/range is 11/05.

The starting pay for the Senior level is between $34.00 and $41.26 per hour ($70,700 and $85,800 per year), depending on experience, plus excellent benefits. The pay schedule/range is 11/04.

A 12-month probationary period is required for both levels. Pay for current or former state employees is set based upon the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction.

Job Details

All applicants who may be appointed to this position will be required to allow DHS to conduct a background check to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled.

All appointees will be required to receive a TB test, which will be administered by MMHI or medical personnel approved by the facility prior to their start date.

DHS does not sponsor work visas for this position, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire. DHS is not an E-Verify employer nor a STEM-OPT eligible employer.

Successful completion of the Intervention Options Continuum (IOC) training is required within 3 months of appointment for applicants. Physical requirements are part of the training and will include but not limited to kneeling, bending, lifting, hands on intervention involving an act of aggression by a patient, etc.

Qualifications

Minimally qualified applicants will have all of the following:

• Experience obtaining, growing, treating or maintaining plants.
• Experience managing a greenhouse including purchasing greenhouse supplies and equipment and managing a budget.
• Education or training in plant science.
• Experience, education, or training assessing and documenting patients' therapeutic needs and strengths.

Well-qualified applicants will also have one or more of the following:

• Experience developing a horticulture therapy program.
• Certified or eligible for certification in Horticulture Therapy in Wisconsin. For more information, see the American Horticulture Therapy Association website.
• Experience integrating knowledge of multicultural issues, ethnicity, diversity, and individual differences into horticulture programming.
• Education, training, or experience in horticulture therapy or providing horticulture therapy-based activities to individuals.

Your letter of qualifications is limited to one (1) page. For a guide on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here .

How To Apply

Applying is easy! Click "Apply for Job" to start your application process. Sign in to your account or create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.

Helpful Information:

• Once your application is submitted, no changes are allowed. Click "Save" to allow changes to your application as needed before submitting by the deadline.
• You may want to save a copy of the job posting for referencing after the deadline.
• Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts according to the qualifications above.
• Please monitor your email for communications related to this position.
• Current or former permanent, classified, state employees must complete the online application process to be considered.
• If viewing through an external site, please apply directly at Wisc.Jobs .
• For technical assistance and general information, please see Frequently Asked Questions . For questions about the position, to request a copy of the full position description, or for other employment inquiries, please contact Rachel Libera in Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io .

DHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on veterans' hiring programs with the WI Department of Veteran's affairs, click here .

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply is June 18, 2026 at 11:59pm.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to allow ample time to finalize their applications keeping in mind that technical assistance is only available Monday through Friday 7:45 am - 4:30 pm. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.