The Hamilton Horticulture Apprenticeship provides an immersive, educational, hands-on working experience in the unparalleled setting of Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens. Apprentices will acquire specialized skills and practical knowledge that will benefit them in pursuit of a career in horticulture, botany, biology, or environmental resource management.                

Successful applicants will work as part of the horticulture team and partner with the administrative staff in diverse aspects of public garden management. In addition to practical horticultural management experience, Apprentices will gain experience in volunteer management, plant propagation, greenhouse management, plant collections curation, and many facets of landscape maintenance. Apprentices will also gain experience in public outreach by leading tours, giving lectures, writing articles, and assisting with educational programs and special events.
               
Candidates may be diverse in their educational backgrounds and future career goals and will be considered regardless of race, gender, or educational background. Candidates pursuing a career in horticulture, botany, biology, or environmental resource management are encouraged to apply. Previous education or practical experience in horticulture is desirable but not required.

Obligations and Duties
Working closely with the Head Horticulturist and other horticulture team members, the Apprentice assists in the numerous activities required to maintain the Arboretum & Gardens on a year-round basis. Routine groundskeeping and horticultural duties include planting, pruning, weeding, and mowing as well as assisting with non-routine duties such as snow removal. Additionally, Apprentices must have the ability to learn and responsibly operate small power equipment such as backpack blowers and golf carts. Ability to perform physical duties in all weather conditions and lift 50 pounds or more is required.
               
Apprentices will work with the Director of Horticulture to design, initiate, and implement a special project in furtherance of Jenkins’ mission. In addition, Apprentices gain experience in developing and delivering educational presentations to Jenkins’ volunteer group. They are required to occasionally lead plant tours, teach classes, and write articles for the public. Finally, Apprentices will have an opportunity to develop leadership skills by assisting in the supervision of volunteers and Horticulture Interns.

Housing, Benefits, and Compensation
Residency on the grounds at Jenkins is a requirement of the Apprenticeship. As the job duties are full-time, there are some additional “caretaker” responsibilities during some evenings and weekends. Housing is provided at no cost for a single, non-shared efficiency dwelling with a bedroom, bath, kitchen, and living space. Apprentices are paid a starting wage of $15/hour with increases aligned with time, skills, and achievements. This role is eligible for overtime. In addition, an educational stipend is provided to allow the Apprentice to participate in professional development opportunities. Apprentices are eligible to participate in Jenkins’ medical insurance and retirement program, plus a competitive full-time employee benefit package that includes personal time off package (PTO) and 10 paid holidays.

Additional Background Information
The Apprenticeship at Jenkins provides an exceptional opportunity to learn about two specialties:

Native plants and naturalistic landscape design: Training in environmental horticulture and Jenkins’ ecological approach to gardening. Gardening in an ecological context is the best long-term strategy for responsible stewardship of land, effective conservation of species, and sustainable landscape design.

Rhododendrons, azaleas, and related species: Jenkins’ collections of both Rhododendron and Kalmia are nationally accredited through the American Public Gardens Association’s Plant Collection Network. Work is currently being done to collect, propagate, and expand our native azalea and rhododendron collections.

About
Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens is a 48-acre public garden located in Devon, Pennsylvania. Since its inception in 1976, Jenkins has celebrated the wonder of plants and place, serving as a destination for education, conservation, and community connection. Jenkins is open daily and is free of admission.