Pollinator and Bird Garden, Natural Lands Assistant (PT)

The Arboretum is a living laboratory spanning 370 acres at the heart of Penn State’s campus. Our team manages both the renowned 30-acre H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens and 340 acres of natural lands, providing daily inspiration through beauty, purpose, and nature-based connection.

We host over 200 educational programs and events annually, recently enhanced by the opening of the Palmer Museum of Art—an $85M LEED-certified facility that beautifully integrates art, science, and nature.

The Pollinator and Bird Garden

Our crown jewel is the 3.5-acre Pollinator and Bird Garden (PBG), opened in 2021. This internationally recognized garden has won architectural design awards for landscape sustainability and sets new standards for ecologically-centered management. Designed by Emmanuel Didier of Didier Design Studio (Fort Collins, Colorado) with planting design by Claudia West of Phyto Studio (Arlington, Virginia), and developed in collaboration with Matt Wallace of Lake Flato Architects, the Center for Pollinator Research, and Penn State experts, it creates beautiful, research-backed habitats for pollinators and birds while serving as a model for sustainable practices.

What You’ll Do

Core Responsibilities

• Master sustainable landscape management through hands-on care of diverse native plantings including bulbs, grasses, perennials, and woody plants across naturalized and managed garden settings
• Execute seasonal horticultural operations including planting, pruning, cutting back, dividing, and transplanting in both ornamental and research contexts
• Monitor and maintain the award-winning Pollinator and Bird Garden, tracking plant performance, hardscape conditions, and research elements while contributing to ongoing data collection
• Conduct integrated pest management through regular scouting, risk assessment, and environmentally responsible intervention strategies
• Manage irrigation and plant establishment, ensuring optimal plant health through targeted watering and monitoring protocols
• Lead volunteer teams in meaningful conservation work, developing your skills in team management, education, and community engagement
• Collaborate on restoration projects across garden, prairie, and forest ecosystems while supporting educational programming
• Document and analyze daily operations, seasonal patterns, and long-term trends using the PBG Management Toolkit and professional reporting standards

Professional Development Opportunities

This apprenticeship goes beyond daily operations to build your career foundation through:

• On-campus professional development sessions with industry experts and Penn State faculty
• Field trips to leading botanical gardens, conservation organizations, and sustainable landscape projects
• Networking opportunities with professionals in public horticulture, landscape architecture, and environmental science
• Mentorship from experienced horticulturists and the Director of Horticulture and Operations
• Research participation in ongoing pollinator and ecosystem studies

What We’re Looking For

Essential Qualities

• Passion for sustainable, biodiverse horticulture and eagerness to learn ecosystem-based practices
• Collaborative spirit with strong interpersonal skills for working with diverse teams and public audiences
• Physical readiness for outdoor work involving standing, kneeling, and walking for extended periods in varying weather conditions
• Technical aptitude with hand tools, power equipment, and Microsoft Office 365 Suite
• Self-motivation balanced with ability to follow direction and work independently
• Flexibility for early morning starts (7:00 AM) and occasional weekend work to support natural lands volunteer sessions

Preferred Background

• Degree in horticulture, forestry, landscape management, plant science, agriculture, or related field, OR
• High school diploma plus 2+ years of relevant work experience managing landscapes, gardens or natural lands on a comprehensive level, OR
• Equivalent combination of education and experience