Careers @ MSU

Position Summary

Oversees the daily operation in the MSU Horticulture Gardens, including but not limited to the Judith Delapa Perennial Garden and 4-H Children’s Garden. Designs and installs new beds or coordinates their design; acquires and propagates new plant material; including annuals, perennial and vegetables. Monitors and evaluates progress of plant growth; prepares planting beds by spraying herbicides, edging, adding organic material, and rototilling; assists in the maintenance of the water feature. Provides assistance for daily operation of the PSSB teaching greenhouses; supervises and trains students, temporary employees and volunteers in horticultural methods and procedures; maintains records; performs routine maintenance, painting, and general repairs; orders materials and supplies; assists in selection and production of plants for fundraising plant sales; conducts visitor tours and garden workshops; assists with welcome center duties; gives presentations to garden clubs; assists with MSU Horticulture Garden-sponsored conferences, workshops, and events; assists in producing interpretive materials such as brochures and handouts. 

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Botany, Landscape Design or Horticulture; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in landscape design and maintenance, plant propagation, plant material identification; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and may require an Ornamental or Turf Pesticide Applicators Certificate. 

Desired Qualifications

Experience in training and supervising personnel (students, temporary employees, volunteers); experience garden design; proficiency with gardening and landscaping tools and equipment; retail experience; diverse knowledge of annual, perennial, and woody plants, commercial pesticide applicator license in categories 3A and 3B, 6 or ability to acquire such license within 90 days of hire.

Computer processing skills including Microsoft Word and Excel; valid driver's license. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Cover letter
Resume
Name of three professional references

Work Hours

Work hours are typically Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with occasional evening and weekend hours.

Description of End Date

This is an off-dated position funded for one year from date of hire, with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Website

HRT.msu.edu

Summary of Physical Demands

Duties associated with this position involve working in variable weather conditions. significant physical exertion, including lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, pushing/pulling, climbing ladders, digging, pruning, hand-weeding, and watering.   

Summary of Health Risks

Occasionally wearing a respiratory, possible commercial pesticide application. 

Bidding eligibility ends September 10, 2024 at 11:55 P.M.