Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum is looking to hire up to 8 Natural Areas, Woody Plants and Trails Assistants to work with our permanent natural areas staff. Job duties may include: cutting woody invasive plants, chipping brush, seed collection and cleaning; pruning, planting, mulching and caging trees and shrubs; brushing, trimming and erosion control work along trails and other tasks. Work is performed outside in all seasons and during a range of weather conditions. We would like students who can work at least 10 hours per week when possible. 

• Compensation: $15/hour

• For more information about Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, please visit mbgna.umich.edu

How to Apply

Applications are welcomed and encouraged from all qualified individuals regardless of background and identity. A one-page cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in this position and outline experience that directly relates to it.

Who We Are

University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (MBGNA) stewards over 840 acres of land and water across four properties in and around Ann Arbor, with Nichols Arboretum and Matthaei Botanical Gardens serving as its two anchor locations. Click here to view our Strategic Plan. With more than 500,000 annual visitors, MBGNA is committed to becoming a transformative force for social and ecological resilience through the lands and waters we steward. We put that commitment into action by:

• Positioning humans as active participants within the natural world and compelling the university community and our publics to negotiate the full complexity that entails

• Advancing partnerships, programs, user experience, and all that we steward to catalyze equity and justice in a radically changing world

• Emerging as University of Michigan’s premier partner for research, teaching, and public impact in sustainability, climate-forward practices, and biocultural diversity

• Promoting healthier communities, cultures, and ecosystems through active care and cultivation of the gardens, fields, natural habitats, and dynamic systems that sustain our world.

MBGNA seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitments to serve the diverse people of Michigan and sustain the excellence of University of Michigan.

University of Michigan student with a good work ethic, enthusiasm for teamwork and a willingness to learn.  Requires the ability to transport up to 40 pounds, work independently and a willingness to work in varied environments.  Experience in natural areas stewardship, landscaping and/or outdoor work is desired. Transportation assistance may be available. Students must be eligible for federal work study.