Student Job Opportunity for Waterway Landscape Assistant

Join the Arboretum’s student staff team to steward our campus landscapes and the Arboretum Waterway while gaining valuable hands-on experience. Help us prepare for the implementation of our new $7.9 M project to redesign the Arboretum Waterway for flood protection and habitat enhancement. Work with and learn from horticulturists, landscape architects, engineers and habitat restorationists on storm water management, land stewardship and management, gardening, scientific monitoring and habitat re-creation. Position duration: April - Dec 2022 with the potential to extend and grow in the position in 2023 as part of the Arboretum’s Learning by Leading program. Apply by March 25. 

Job Description

Under the supervision of Arboretum staff, this position will work in teams and independently to maintain and develop diverse sustainable landscapes and plantings in the Arboretum and Arboretum Waterway. Perform horticultural tasks, such as weeding, planting, mulching, irrigating, pruning, raking, and digging. Remove trash, debris and invasive weeds in and adjacent to the water. Monitor water quality, water level, and waterway circulation and aeration systems. Assist with the maintenance of plants, meadows, gardens, pathways, general equipment, and signage. Monitor automatic irrigation systems and plant appearance, run small manual systems, and water by hand as needed. Use hand tools and operate light power tools such as string trimmers and mowers. As a representative of the Arboretum, this position also provides general assistance to visitors.

Qualifications

Must be able to work at least 20-30 hours per week during the summer and 5-10 hours per week during the academic year. Previous practical gardening, pruning, maintenance and plant identification experience required. Good interpersonal skills necessary for communicating with staff, volunteers, and the general public. Ability to learn scientific names of plants preferred. Ability to work out of doors in hot and cold temperatures, carry up to 40 lbs and use a variety of garden tools required. Must be able to perform all tasks in a safe manner and operate with care around valuable plant collections, on steep slopes, and in the water. Must be able to work safely outdoors in all weather conditions including rain, cold, wind, and heat. Must have availability to work on weekday mornings and early afternoons. Undocumented students with or without work authorization are encouraged to apply.

Pay Rate: $15.50/hr

Application Deadline: March 25, 2022.

Start Date: mid-April 2022

How to Apply: Submit this application and your resume to Nina Suzuki, Waterway Steward, UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden.

Waterway Landscape Assistant Application