Natural Resources Management Horticulturist - UMN Arboretum, Chanhassen MN

About the Job 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 (mechanical, chemical, burning), plant health projects (pest and disease scouting, monitoring, treatment, soil testing, soil amendments, root system investigations), tree preservation measures, trail and pathway development, planting, pruning, weeding, watering, mulching, mowing operations, natural resource management planning, and ensuring safe operation and maintenance of equipment. Essential Functions Horticulture and Natural Area Leadership (65%) Oversee natural area restoration and maintenance including vegetation, wildlife habitat, and trail maintenance. Direct work of senior gardeners, assistant gardeners, volunteers, and others in assigned areas. Lead weeding, mulching, brush chipping, mowing, string trimming, and leaf cleanup. Maintain and properly use equipment safely. Maintain plant records in assigned areas. Support teamwork and mutual respect among the assigned team. Planting and Plant Health (25%) Oversee 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; 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 educational and communication priorities by occasionally providing tours, contributing to publications and marketing initiatives, assisting with educational programming, and interacting with visitors. Required Qualifications BA/BS in horticulture, arboriculture, conservation, or a 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. Valid MN driver’s license. Within one year of employment, possession and maintenance of a Minnesota Noncommercial Pesticide Applicator’s license. Within one year of employment, earn and maintain ISA Certified Arborist credential. Must be able to work in all weather conditions during all seasons and may require evening and weekend work as needed. Must be able to perform manual labor, including frequent lifting, carrying, and 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 accessory vehicles (snow plows, blasters, mowers, trimmers, spreaders, loaners, dump trucks). Pay and Benefits Pay Range: $34.46 per hour; dependent on education, qualifications, and experience. Benefits include: 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. Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. The university presumes prospective employees are eligible to work in the United States. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify finalists. We are an equal opportunity employer. The University of Minnesota provides equal access 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Minnesota