Part-Time Pollinator and Bird Garden, and Natural Lands Assistant

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

38d • $20

About The Position

Grow Your Career in Sustainable Horticulture Are you passionate about environmental stewardship and eager to build expertise in cutting-edge sustainable landscape management? Join our intensive 56-week fellowship program and gain hands-on experience working with award-winning gardens while advancing Penn State's land grant mission. Program Structure This immersive fellowship consists of two 28-week intensive phases with a mandatory 10-week break between phases , allowing you to gain seasonal experience across a full year while having time to process learning and potentially pursue additional training or rest. Compensation: Up to $20/hour based on experience and qualifications About The Arboretum at Penn State The Arboretum is a living laboratory spanning 370 acres at the heart of Penn State's campus. Our team manages both the renowned 30-acre H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens and 340 acres of natural lands, providing daily inspiration through beauty, purpose, and nature-based connection. We host over 200 educational programs and events annually, recently enhanced by the opening of the Palmer Museum of Art—an $85M LEED-certified facility that beautifully integrates art, science, and nature. The Pollinator and Bird Garden Our crown jewel is the 3.5-acre Pollinator and Bird Garden (PBG), opened in 2021. This internationally recognized garden has won architectural design awards for landscape sustainability and sets new standards for ecologically-centered management. Designed by Emmanuel Didier of Didier Design Studio (Fort Collins, Colorado) with planting design by Claudia West of Phyto Studio (Arlington, Virginia), and developed in collaboration with Matt Wallace of Lake Flato Architects, the Center for Pollinator Research, and Penn State experts, it creates beautiful, research-backed habitats for pollinators and birds while serving as a model for sustainable practices.

Requirements

• Passion for sustainable, biodiverse horticulture and eagerness to learn ecosystem-based practices
• Collaborative spirit with strong interpersonal skills for working with diverse teams and public audiences
• Physical readiness for outdoor work involving standing, kneeling, and walking for extended periods in varying weather conditions
• Technical aptitude with hand tools, power equipment, and Microsoft Office 365 Suite
• Self-motivation balanced with ability to follow direction and work independently
• Flexibility for early morning starts (7:00 AM) and occasional weekend work to support natural lands volunteer sessions
• Degree in horticulture, forestry, landscape management, plant science, agriculture, or related field, OR High school diploma plus 2+ years of relevant work experience managing landscapes, gardens or natural lands on a comprehensive level, OR Equivalent combination of education and experience

Nice To Haves

• Special consideration will be given to candidates who can articulate how this fellowship aligns with their career goals in sustainable landscape management and demonstrate introductory experience with diverse plant care.

Responsibilities

• Master sustainable landscape management through hands-on care of diverse native plantings including bulbs, grasses, perennials, and woody plants across naturalized and managed garden settings
• Execute seasonal horticultural operations including planting, pruning, cutting back, dividing, and transplanting in both ornamental and research contexts
• Monitor and maintain the award-winning Pollinator and Bird Garden , tracking plant performance, hardscape conditions, and research elements while contributing to ongoing data collection
• Conduct integrated pest management through regular scouting, risk assessment, and environmentally responsible intervention strategies
• Manage irrigation and plant establishment , ensuring optimal plant health through targeted watering and monitoring protocols
• Lead volunteer teams in meaningful conservation work, developing your skills in team management, education, and community engagement
• Collaborate on restoration projects across garden, prairie, and forest ecosystems while supporting educational programming
• Document and analyze daily operations, seasonal patterns, and long-term trends using the PBG Management Toolkit and professional reporting standards

Benefits

• On-campus professional development sessions with industry experts and Penn State faculty
• Field trips to leading botanical gardens, conservation organizations, and sustainable landscape projects
• Networking opportunities with professionals in public horticulture, landscape architecture, and environmental science
• Mentorship from experienced horticulturists and the Director of Horticulture and Operations
• Research participation in ongoing pollinator and ecosystem studies

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees