Announcement Details
Open Date 01/16/2026
Requisition Number PRN16694N
Job Title Gardener
Working Title Seasonal Gardener (Outdoor Garden Maintenance)
Career Progression Track B
Track LevelFLSA Code Nonexempt
Patient Sensitive Job Code? No
Type Non Benefited Staff / Student
Temporary? Yes
Standard Hours per Week 29
Full Time or Part Time? Part Time
Shift Day
Work Schedule Summary Must be able to commit to working 16-29 hrs/wk beginning mid-February/early-March. Shifts are predominately during regular business hours, from mornings to mid-afternoons. May require occasional evening hours and/or weekend shifts. Exact schedule will be coordinated with supervisor upon hire. Season runs through November 25th.
Is this a work study job? No
VP Area President
Department 00340 - Red Butte Garden & Arboretum
Location Campus
City Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment External Posting
Pay Rate Range $16.50 or more, depending on experience
Close Date 04/15/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)Job SummaryRed Butte Garden and Arboretum is one of the largest botanical gardens in the Intermountain West, a regional center for plant-based science education, conservation and research, and cultural enrichment. As part of a state arboretum that encompasses the University of Utah campus, the Garden cultivates an essential urban forestland of over 2,000 trees in 456 different taxa. The Garden has welcomed guests since 1985 and consists of over 20 acres of developed gardens, and approximately five miles of hiking trails winding through an extensive 80-acre natural area.
Community-funded, the Garden is renowned for its diverse plant collections, themed gardens, and spectacular mountain setting, with nearly 600,000 springtime blooming bulbs, award-winning horticulture-based educational programs, and an iconic outdoor summer concert series. Guests come to the Garden for a myriad of reasons: to connect with nature, to participate in cultural programs, concerts, and wellness activities, and to attend lectures, classes and workshops. Innovative children's education programs promote environmental sustainability, and educate the next generation of botanists and naturalists, while engaging classes inspire adults to remain lifelong learners.
The Horticulture Department at Red Butte Garden is seeking seasonal horticulturists to provide care for our outdoor themed gardens and Natural Areas. Do you enjoy working outdoors, learning about plants and nature, while working with people who are passionate about what they do? We strongly prefer people who are committed to the role of a Botanical Garden within the community, and want to be a part of a great team!
Perks of working at the Garden, a department of the University of Utah:
- UTA pass while actively employed at the U of U.
- Discounts for campus events and the campus store, as well as campus library privileges.
- Staff receive a half-price discount on Garden classes, an employee discount in our gift shop, advance registration opportunities for kids camps and concerts, and two free concert tickets for our Outdoor Concert series.
- Staff are provided work shirts and gloves, and on-the-job training.
- A variety of work schedule options, coordinated with supervisor upon hire.
Red Butte Garden is accessible via several bus routes that stop in Research Park and at the University Medical Center, as well as the Trax Red line, followed by a short walk or on-demand university campus shuttle. The campus shuttle offers a direct line to Red Butte Garden via the Sunnyside Route. For more information see:
https://commuterservices.utah.edu/uta/ https://commuterservices.utah.edu/campus-shuttle/ https://www.redbuttegarden.org/directions/Responsibilities Providing excellent care for our 10 themed outdoor Gardens and Natural Areas. Acts as steward for the Garden by greeting and answering questions from garden guests.
Exact duties and schedules vary depending upon assigned team:
- Outdoor themed gardens - planting, weeding, mulching, deadheading, pruning, digging, raking, watering, fertilization, pest control, trash removal, sweeping, event support, working with volunteers, etc.
- Water Pavilion & Natural Area - same as above and including trail maintenance, fenceline monitoring and repair, and various tasks in natural plant habitats.
Minimum Qualifications Nine months professional work experience with the responsibility for five or more acres of grounds, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); a valid Utah vehicle operator's license required; and demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills required. Selected applicant will be expected to obtain a pesticide applicator's license.
PreferencesFor this seasonal, non-benefited position, prior experience is preferred, not required; a Pesticide Applicators license will not be required'- A passion for gardening and working outdoors. Prior experience in landscaping, horticulture, farming, habitat management or botany strongly preferred.
- A working knowledge of horticulture, gardening, or botany, and a desire to learn more.
- Able to work effectively individually and in teams, and the willingness and ability to work cooperatively with a variety of people.
- At least 18 years of age, have a valid driver's license, and able to safely and proficiently operate equipment common to the trade.
- Able to safely and effectively perform all physical tasks essential to the position and understand the physical commitment required for gardening.
- Able to work safely in all climatic conditions, including full sun, heat, cold, precipitation, etc.
- Ability to identify problems, develop possible solutions and take appropriate course of action. Skills include active listening, analysis, research, creativity, communication, decision making and team-building.
- Proven written and spoken communication skills, a commitment to provide excellent customer service.
- Able to commit to working 16-29 hrs/week beginning mid-February/early-March, with shifts predominately during regular business hours, from mornings to mid-afternoons.
Special Instructions SummaryAdditional Information The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information can be located on the University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu.
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. It also provides information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
