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How to Apply

Applications are welcomed and encouraged from all qualified individuals regardless of background and identity. A one-page cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in this position and outline experience that directly relates to it.

Job Summary

The University of Michigan's Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum is looking for two full-time temporary (6 months) Nichols Arboretum Temporary Stewardship Assistants to work at Nichols Arboretum. You will report to the Natural Areas Program Lead and will help with the stewardship of Nichols Arboretum. This position is onsite 40 hours per week, February 2026 - July 2026, Monday through Friday with occasional weekend responsibilities.

Who We Are

University of Michigan's Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (MBGNA) stewards over 840 acres of land and water across four properties in and around Ann Arbor, with Nichols Arboretum and Matthaei Botanical Gardens serving as its two anchor locations. With more than 500,000 annual visitors, MBGNA is committed to becoming a transformative force for social and ecological resilience through the lands and waters we steward. We put that commitment into action by:  

Positioning humans as active participants within the natural world and compelling the university community and our publics to negotiate the full complexity that entailsAdvancing partnerships, programs, user experience, and all that we steward to catalyze access and impact in a radically changing worldEmerging as University of Michigan's premier partner for research, teaching, and public impact in sustainability, climate-forward practices, and biocultural diversityPromoting healthier communities, cultures, and ecosystems through active care and cultivation of the gardens, fields, natural habitats, and dynamic systems that sustain our world
 Responsibilities*Work alone or as part of a team outdoors at Nichols ArboretumHelp with forest management, including: oak seedling planting, caging and canopy thinning, and removing tree species uncharacteristic of the dry-mesic southern forestHelp lead volunteers during the week and on weekend eco-workdays (occasional weekend work) Locate and identify native and exotic invasive plants in Arboretum natural areasUse GPS/GIS to navigate, collect, and manage spatial dataPull, bag, and apply herbicides to control exotic invasive plants Operate power equipment and hand tools including: tractors, mowers, utility vehicles, chainsaws, brush cutters, loppers, handsaws, wood chipperParticipate in MBGNA prescribed burnsHelp with maintenance and repair of Arboretum paths and trailsHelp with tree and shrub collections care and maintenance
 Required Qualifications*1+ years of experience with landscaping, botany, ecology or ecological restoration Familiarity with GIS and data collection Must be willing and able to work outdoors in inclement weather, tolerate biting insects, work around poison ivy, and manage other challenges of field workA State of Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License or willingness to obtain one and ability to apply herbicides (MBGNA provides study materials and will cover certification expenses) A valid driver's license and ability to pass a motor vehicle record check The ability to move and transport up to 40 lbs
 Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.