Sustainable Hort Internship

As part of the Sustainable Agriculture Certificate Program participants complete a minimum of 315 Summer work hours with a diverse and energetic team. This
position provides hands-on, technical garden maintenance and labor with on-the-job training in sustainable vegetable production, in all weather conditions, at the following sites: Farm at the
Arb, Urban Research Outreach and Engagement Center (UROC) Growing Good community garden sites, and as assigned at other gardens at the Arboretum.

Responsibilities vary according to site, and include the following:

• Weeding, Watering, Seeding
• Post-harvest handling and storage of fruits and vegetables
• Reading crop plans
• Composting and soil cultivation
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and plant care
• Creating harvest lists
• Preparing deliveries of produce
• Sanitizing greenhouses and farm equipment
• Keeping detailed logs and records
  
  

Required Qualifications

• HS diploma/GED and interest in sustainable horticulture
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of professionals and support staff
• Basic math and writing skills for keeping daily journal entries
• Ability to work in all weather conditions
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds; 30 pounds throughout the week
• Ability to be on the feet all day
• Transportation access to arrive at listed work sites

Desired Qualifications

• Interest in pursuing work or a career in fruit and vegetable growing
• Interest in local food, community development, and working with a mentor

Physical Demands:

This job is at an outdoor farm site. This job requires frequent and regular lifting, driving, machine and hand tool operation, standing, walking, bending, listening, speaking, and reporting. Employees may need to safely operate a work truck (Class D license required), mower, golf cart and other various power tools. There will be use of shared office equipment. There will be requirements for lifting, pushing, or pulling items up to 50 pounds.
Schedules fluctuate depending on workload. The Arboretum is open Sunday-Saturday. (Seven days a week)

Pay Range: $15.25 - $18.50; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Student positions are a form of financial support while pursuing an education at the University of Minnesota.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).