College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Horticulture

Position Summary

This position oversees the daily operation of the Trial Garden in the MSU Horticulture Gardens; coordinates and reports to garden manager and Faculty coordinator for Trial Gardens

• sows seed, transplants seedlings, grows plant materials, and monitors and evaluates progress of trial materials

• prepares planting beds by spraying herbicides, edging, adding organic material, and rototilling; organizes, prepares, installs, and evaluates trial material

• prepare reports in collaboration with Faculty coordinator for Trial Garden clientele

• assists in selection and production of plants for yearly plant sales

• designs and installs display beds

• supervises and trains students/temps and volunteers in horticultural methods and procedures

• maintains records; orders materials and supplies

• conducts visitor tours and garden workshops, gives presentations to garden clubs

• assists with MSU Horticulture Garden-sponsored conferences and workshops

• assists in producing interpretive materials such as brochures and handouts.

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Botany, Landscape Design or Horticulture; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in landscape design and maintenance, plant propagation, plant material identification; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; valid vehicle operator's license.

Desired Qualifications

Experience in coordinating students, employees, and volunteers; proficiency with gardening and landscaping tools and equipment; experimental design and data collection; writing skills; design skills; commercial pesticide applicator license in categories 3A and 3B or ability to acquire such license within 90 days of hire.