Arboretum Assistant at The University of Texas at Austin in Johnson Wildflower Center

Job description

Job Posting Title: Arboretum Assistant ---- Hiring Department: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center ---- Position Open To: All Applicants ---- Weekly Scheduled Hours: 19 ---- FLSA Status: Non-Exempt from FLSA ---- Earliest Start Date: Immediately ---- Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Dec 23, 2026 ---- Location: JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER ---- Job Details: General Notes The University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is committed to inspiring the conservation and cultivation of native plants through its gardens and programs. The Wildflower Center is the state botanic garden of Texas, a treasured Austin gem, and a national leader in the field of native plant education, gardening, sustainable landscapes, land restoration, plant conservation and research. It is home to the largest living collection of Texas native plants, welcomes 300,000 visitors annually, has over 18,000 member households and reaches more than 2 million people per year through its popular native plant database. The Center envisions thriving, native plant landscapes everywhere that nurture wildlife, uplift communities, and ensure ecological resilience for generations. Wildflower Center staff are University of Texas at Austin employees receiving all associated benefits as well as an annual membership to the Center, discounts on Center classes, access to Wildflower Center events, and discounts at the Shop and Gallery. An inspiring, collaborative and beautiful work environment with outstanding coworkers awaits you. Purpose Statement The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is looking for part-time seasonal help to assist with landscape maintenance and tree planting in the Texas Arboretum. The Texas Arboretum encompasses 20 acres within the Wildflower Center dedicated to growing a collection of trees native to Texas with a focus on Oaks. This position is a 19-hour per week position, Monday through Friday from 8:00am to Noon. Position is for 2 months through December 23, 2026, with a possibility of extension for up to 6 months total based on need and funding. Responsibilities Trail maintenance, mulching, mowing and edging, soil preparation and tree planting, installation of irrigation and cages for newly planted trees. Equipment operation to complete job duties including riding lawn mower, utility vehicles, leaf blower, string trimmer, skid steer, mini-excavator, and tractor. Soil preparation for tree planting with use of mini-excavator and tractor with tiller. Other duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Previous landscape maintenance experience including equipment operation. Must be able to perform strenuous manual labor in all weather conditions. Valid Texas Class C Driver License. Bending and lifting required. Lift/carry up to 50 Ibs. Push/pull up to 50 Ibs Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate. Preferred Qualifications Previous tree planting experience. Skill in the use and safe operation of grounds maintenance equipment such as riding mowers, string trimmers, skid steers, excavators, tractors, and hand tools. Driving Required This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident. Salary Range $20.00 per hour Working Conditions Must be able to perform strenuous manual labor in all weather conditions. Work Shift Monday through Friday, 8:00am to Noon, 19 hours per week Required Materials Resume/CV 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor Letter of interest Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any addition