College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Horticulture

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.

Summary

The University of Michigan, Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum is looking for one full-time temporary Bonsai Technician. This position will be uniquely hired for Sep-Nov 2023, Feb-Nov 2024 and Feb-Nov 2025. This position will report to the Horticulture Lead and will assist the Bonsai Specialist with the development and management of living plant collections, primarily focused on the bonsai collection, to support teaching, research, public outreach, and conservation goals. This position is onsite 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday with occasional weekend and evening responsibilities.

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
 

Responsibilities*

Care and maintenance of the Bonsai and Penjing collection including seasonal care such as repotting, pruning, wiring, de-wiring, fertilizing, applying pesticides and other maintenance as needed throughout the year.

Maintain the Bonsai Garden landscape including planting, watering, weeding, fertilizing, apply pesticides, grooming paths, and similar landscape duties.

Answer questions and engage with the general public in a friendly, courteous manner including preparing and presenting educational programs and bonsai demonstrations.

Lead student staff and volunteers.

Participate in the weekend watering rotation and assist with conservatory and greenhouse operations including indoor watering, cleaning floors, removing compost, moving plants, operating vents and similar.

Work in multiple conditions and tolerate the physical challenges of a garden and greenhouse work environment.

Operate utility vehicles and power equipment as needed.
 

Required Qualifications*

Applicants should have an active interest in the art of bonsai and a basic understanding of plant care. 

Experience in horticulture, gardening, plant care and production, or public gardens.

A State of Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License or willingness to obtain one is required (MBGNA provides study materials and may cover certification expenses).

Occasionally moves and safely transports bonsai and penjing collections weighing up to 40 pounds

Additional Information

Compensation:  $18.50 per hour For more information about Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, please visit mbgna.umich.edu

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Job Detail