Bonsai Assistant Horticulturist

How to Apply

A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of your experience. In the cover letter, one page or less, please let us know how this role aligns with your career aspirations and skills. Please also include relevant training, photos or a portfolio of relevant work. Submit everything as one file, due to system limitations.

Job Summary

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. 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. Visit our website HERE.

The Bonsai Assistant Horticulturist is a member of the Horticulture Team reporting to the Horticulture Lead and has collaborative relationships with MBGNA's Curators, Natural Areas, Education, and Visitor Experience teams. This position is a 60% (24 hours/week average) permanent position with responsibilities at both Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. The weekly work schedule may vary seasonally to fit organizational and individual schedules and will be determined in coordination with the Horticulture Lead and in accordance with University guidelines. The schedule will include occasional evenings and weekends and occasional travel.

What You'll Do

The Bonsai Assistant Horticulturist supports the care, artistry, and display of the Melvyn C. Goldstein Bonsai Garden: a diverse collection of bonsai including Satsuki Azaleas and shohin. This position assists the Bonsai Horticulturist with the development and management of living plant collections, primarily focused on the bonsai collection, to support teaching, research, public outreach, and conservation goals.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting, and the match after one year of employment
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses 

Responsibilities*

Operations and Coordination (70%):

• Provide care and maintenance of the Bonsai and Penjing collection including watering, fertilizing, repotting, pruning, wiring, de-wiring, 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
• Represent MBGNA at local, regional, and national bonsai related events and activities
• Understand the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and recognize, diagnose, and properly treat pest problems as needed
• Engage with and educate the general public

Leadership and Management (20%):

• Participate in bonsai collection program and event development and implementation
• Supervise and train students and volunteers to ensure proper care for the collection

Organizational Collaboration (10%):

• Assist with data management including plant records, label replacement, ensuring accuracy, mapping, and similar.
• Host programs and tours in coordination with Development, Education, and Visitor Experience Teams in alignment with MBGNA's mission
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications*

• 3+ years of experience practicing the art and science of bonsai
• Knowledgeable of bonsai design, technique, and terminology
• Understanding of horticultural principles and best practices as they relate to bonsai
• Experience managing volunteers and engaging with the public
• Possess a Michigan Department of Agriculture pesticide applicators license or complete certification within six-months of start date

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

Salary Information

The role is non-exempt, meaning you will be paid hourly. The annual salary range for this position is $28,000 - $30,000. This range reflects multiple factors involved in determining compensation, such as skills, experience, training, certifications, and other organizational needs.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.