Nursery-Orchard Technician/Horticulturist

Employment type: Part-Time
Application Due Date: May 1, 2025

Nursery-Orchard Technician/Horticulturalist
Hiring Organization: Michigan State University
Employment type: Full or Part Time
Job Location: MSU Main campus and Clarksville Research Center, Clarksville MI
Application Due Date: May 1, 2025
 
Job Description:
We are looking for one or two MSU undergrads/recent grads to construct and manage an apple seedling nursery
at the MSU-Horticulture Research Center near the MSU main campus, and to manage an existing, 2-acre apple orchard 
located in Clarksville MI, about a 45-minute drive. The jobs will begin during finals week and continue through mid-August.
Nursery construction will involve renovation of decrepit  hoophouse structures, installation of shade cloth, soil conditioning,
installation of irrigation and planting of apple seedlings. Orchard management will involve pruning, weeding, fruit hand-thinning,
scouting for pests, spraying of pesticides (if you are certified), training of trees, and other general orchard management exercises.
 
You are enthusiastically invited to apply for this position if you:
-Are smart, yet creative
-Have an interest in apples and/ or horticulture in general
-Have a good idea of how plants grow
-Have a good idea of how to grow plants and are good at this
-Have a strong work ethic, self motivated, with ability to work independently and quickly
-Are a fast learner who pays attention to details
-Can deal with work in all weather conditions and with various bugs without complaining
-Are physically fit
-Are an excellent problem solver
-Like to build things
-Have reliable transportation
 
Compensation:
$15-$25 per hour based on skills, experience, and references
 
To Apply:
Please send cover letter, resume, and evidence of creative activities be email to vannocke@msu.edu. Applications without all three components will not be
considered. Applications will be evaluated immediately and on a rolling basis, thus you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Direct questions to
Prof. Steve van Nocker, 517-775-5218 vannocke@msu.edu

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