The Arboretum at Penn State is offering a hands-on, 56-week fellowship for a passionate individual to join our team as the Part-Time Pollinator and Bird Garden, and Natural Lands Assistant. You'll gain practical training in sustainable horticulture, ecological land stewardship, and plant collections management within our award-winning gardens, which serve as a 370-acre 'living laboratory' where nature, public horticulture, and research meet.
What You'll Do
- Execute seasonal horticultural operations including planting, pruning, cutting back, dividing, weeding, deadheading, and transplanting.
- Monitor and maintain invasive plant presence, track plant performance and hardscape conditions, and contribute to ongoing data collection.
- Document daily operations and seasonal patterns using dedicated management toolkits.
- Support and sustain the birdfeeder program within the Pollinator and Bird Garden landscape.
- Conduct integrated pest management through regular scouting, risk assessment, and environmentally responsible interventions.
- Manage irrigation and plant establishment, ensuring optimal plant health through targeted watering and monitoring.
- Use trade tools such as pruners, hand saws, shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, and powered equipment.
- Operate a utility vehicle across the Arboretum property.
- Assist with Arboretum events as needed.
- Assist in maintaining plant records using botanical-recordkeeping software and other technology.
- Document and report plant removals, additions, and transplants in an official capacity.
- Conduct seasonal plant field inventories in the Pollinator and Bird Garden to monitor dynamic collections.
- Collect GPS field data using mobile mapping applications and GIS technology for plant records, mapping, and research.
- Contribute to the Arboretum’s public plant finder tool via content creation and data collection.
- Contribute to collections management procedural documentation for the Pollinator and Bird Garden and Natural Lands.
- Assist with restoration projects in the Hartley Wood, prairie, and surrounding natural lands by leading volunteer workshop sessions.
- Lead volunteer groups in conservation activities and develop team leadership and community engagement programs.
- Conduct plant field inventories and risk assessment walkthroughs in the natural lands.
- Work with university researchers and staff as needed.
What We're Looking For
- A valid driver's license.
- Ability to lift up to 50lbs independently, kneel, crouch, bend, and move across uneven surfaces and terrains.
- Physical readiness for outdoor work involving standing, kneeling, and walking for extended periods in varying weather across all four seasons.
- Passion for sustainable, biodiverse horticulture and eagerness to learn ecosystem-based practices.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse staff, volunteers, and the public.
- Technical aptitude with hand tools, power equipment, and Microsoft Office 365.
- Working plant identification knowledge or a strong desire to learn.
- Self-motivation balanced with the ability to follow direction and work independently.
- Flexibility for early morning starts (7:00 a.m.) and occasional weekend assignments.
Nice to Have
- Degree in horticulture, forestry, landscape management, plant science, agriculture, or a related field; OR
- High school diploma plus 2+ years of experience in landscapes, gardens, or natural lands; OR
- An equivalent combination of education and experience.
Technical Stack
- Botanical-recordkeeping software
- Microsoft Office 365
- Mobile mapping applications
- GIS technology
Team & Environment
You will work closely under the guidance of Pollinator and Bird Garden horticulturists and the Director of Horticulture, and will assist the Curator of Living Collections. The Arboretum provides a space dedicated to beauty, education, and environmental connection, where the Pollinator and Bird Garden sets a new standard for ecological adaptive management.
Benefits & Compensation
- Professional development sessions on campus, learning from Penn State faculty and industry leaders.
- Visits to regional botanical gardens and conservation organizations to see best practices in action.
Work Mode
This is an onsite position located on the Penn State campus.
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer.
