New

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

The Pennsylvania State University
remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Aug 03, 2025
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS 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. What You'll Do Core 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 Professional Development Opportunities This apprenticeship goes beyond daily operations to build your career foundation through: 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 We're Looking For Essential Qualities 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 Preferred Background 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 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. Application Requirements Apply online at: https://hr.psu.edu/careers Position: REQ_0000070141 Pollinator and Bird Garden, and Natural Lands Assistant Application Deadline: 8/29/2025 Required Materials Cover letter specifically addressing how this fellowship will advance your career goals in sustainable landscape management Current resume or CV highlighting relevant experience and education For application assistance, visit: https://hr.psu.edu/content/frequently-asked-questions-careers BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines