Ground Maintenance

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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.

Job Summary

The University of Michigan, Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum is seeking a full-time temporary Groundworker to help maintain our grounds, hardscapes and exterior structures to support the teaching, research, public outreach, and conservation goals of the U-M MBGNA. You will report to the Facilities Lead with daily work coordinated by the Facilities team. Employment begins Monday, April 15th, and ends Friday, October 18th. This position is onsite in Ann Arbor, Michigan, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.

Who We Are

Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum is a transformative force for social and ecological resilience through the waters and lands we steward. We turn this 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 access and impact 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*

  • Inspection and monitoring of exterior buildings, infrastructure, systems, hardscapes and grounds
  • Mowing, aeration, trash collection, trimming, weeding
  • Routine cleaning and organizing, power washing, painting, and light repairs
  • Occasionally move and safely transport up to 50 pounds 
  • Use a variety of systems and equipment
  • Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications*

  • Demonstrated experience with any of the following: turf maintenance, mowing, or trail maintenance
  • Familiarity with irrigation systems, road maintenance, landscape equipment, outdoor water features, handiwork, large equipment and trucks, or responsible waste management
  • Can work in different conditions and tolerate the physical challenges of working on equipment, in greenhouses and outdoors
  • A valid Driver's License and motor vehicle record (MVR) check is required

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

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 at least seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled at any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.