Temporary Horticulture Assistant, Formal Gardens

Overview

Step into a world where nature and community thrive together. Our beloved garden is searching for a passionate Horticulture Assistant to join our team in the formal gardens area. Here, you'll be surrounded by the splendor of meticulously curated landscapes, contributing to the beauty that captivates and inspires our staff, guests and members daily.

Pay will be $18 an hour. Horticulture Assistants generally work 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Some rotational weekends and overtime may be assigned, weather or seasonally dependent.

Horticulture Assistants are temporary positions that can work up to 11 months in duration throughout the North Carolina Arboretum’s Horticulture Department. Your work will mainly specialize in the Formal Gardens area and on occasion you will be assigned to additional group work tasks within the horticulture department.

The Horticulture Assistant, Formal Gardens, reports for daily supervision to the Formal Gardens Crew Leader. The primary focus of this position is all aspects of garden care and maintenance to include planting, watering, mulching, weed removal, sheering, pruning, perennial cut back, leaf and litter removal, floral displays, grooming of perennial and annual plantings, equipment operation and light carpentry.

The incumbent must be able to move a work load of 50 pounds of force occasionally. Typical activities include moving plants, trees and shrubs, lifting bags of soil, additives and mulch, mixing fertilizers, using ladders to reach the upper limits of plants while pruning and shearing, place decorations, pulling water hoses, digging and planting with at least 60-70 percent of total work time involving some kind of physical activity.

This role spends a significant amount of time standing on hard and/or uneven surfaces while working. Lifting, climbing ladders, squatting, twisting, using sprayers, walking on a variety of surfaces, digging, planting and exposure to the elements is commonplace. This position will work in an environment with direct exposure to sunlight, heat, humidity, cold temperatures and the use of machinery can make it a noisy environment.

This role requires highly physical, finite visual attention skills, a high level of mental concentration and manipulation.

The Horticulture Department promotes stewardship and enjoyment of the rich plant life of the Southern Appalachian Mountains through the design, installation, and care of world-renowned gardens and exhibits. These cultivated and natural landscapes are showcased through horticulture, greenhouse, and bonsai displays. The department supports all aspects of garden and landscape operations, including the installation, maintenance, and care of gardens, landscapes, turf, grounds, and trails, as well as plant production in greenhouse and nursery areas.

These efforts are carried out through the following program areas Production, Plant Records, Bonsai Curation, Grounds and Gardens.

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred knowledge and/or experience: garden maintenance, floriculture and plant identification skills.

• Position Number: UNCSO-ATNCA5
• Appointment Type: Temporary
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Part-Time
• Location: 100 Fredrick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806 USA
• Posting Open Date: 2/2/2026
• Posting Close Date: 2/16/2026
• Posting Number: req
  678

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran. The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To claim veteran's preference, all eligible persons shall submit a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with a State Application for Employment (Form PD-107 or equivalent) to the appointing authority. The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: recruiter