Job Details

Seasonal Gardener (Turf, Irrigation, Equipment)

Position Number: 6878125
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Agriculture - Horticulture & Landscape Architecture

Seasonal Gardener (Turf, Irrigation, Equipment)

Job Summary

Red Butte Garden and Arboretum is one of the largest botanical gardens in the Intermountain West, a regional center for plant-based science education, conservation and research, and cultural enrichment. As part of a state arboretum that encompasses the University of Utah campus, the Garden cultivates an essential urban forestland of over 2,000 trees in 456 different taxa. The Garden has welcomed guests since 1985 and consists of over 20 acres of developed gardens, and approximately five miles of hiking trails winding through an extensive 80-acre natural area.

Community-funded, the Garden is renowned for its diverse plant collections, themed gardens, and spectacular mountain setting, with nearly 600,000 springtime blooming bulbs, award-winning horticulture-based educational programs, and an iconic outdoor summer concert series. Guests come to the Garden for a myriad of reasons: to connect with nature, to participate in cultural programs, concerts, and wellness activities, and to attend lectures, classes and workshops. Innovative children's education programs promote environmental sustainability, and educate the next generation of botanists and naturalists, while engaging classes inspire adults to remain lifelong learners.

The Horticulture Department at Red Butte Garden is seeking seasonal gardeners to provide care for our outdoor gardens and Natural Areas. Do you enjoy working outdoors, learning about turf care, irrigation and equipment maintenance, while working with people who are passionate about what they do? We strongly prefer people who are committed to the role of a Botanical Garden within the community, and want to be a part of a great team!

Perks of working at Red Butte Garden, a department of the University of Utah:

UTA pass while actively employed at the U of U.
Discounts for campus events and the campus store, as well as campus library privileges.
Staff receive a half-price discount on Garden classes, an employee discount in our gift shop, advance registration opportunities for kids camps and concerts, and two free concert tickets for our Outdoor Concert series.
Staff are provided work shirts and gloves, and on-the-job training.
A variety of work schedule options, coordinated with supervisor upon hire.

Red Butte Garden is accessible via several bus routes that stop in Research Park and at the University Medical Center, as well as the Trax Red line, followed by a short walk or on-demand university campus shuttle. The campus shuttle offers a direct line to Red Butte Garden via the Sunnyside Route.

For more information see:

https://commuterservices.utah.edu/uta/
https://commuterservices.utah.edu/campus-shuttle/
https://www.redbuttegarden.org/directions/

Responsibilities
Providing excellent care for our outdoor Gardens. Acts as steward for the Garden by greeting and answering questions from garden guests.

General maintenance of turf, underground irrigation system, outdoor fountains, and equipment, including: mowing, trimming, weed-eating, digging, raking, irrigation system maintenance/repairs, monitoring/testing chemical levels on the interactive fountain, snow removal and applying ice melting products.
Light equipment maintenance and monitoring including: fueling, ensuring proper fluid levels, lubrication, tire pressures, general safety and correct operation of equipment, includes some moderate to heavy lifting.
Other duties assigned to support the mission of the Garden.

Minimum Qualifications
Nine months professional work experience with the responsibility for five or more acres of grounds, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); a valid Utah vehicle operator's license required; and demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills required. Selected applicant will be expected to obtain a pesticide applicator's license.

Preferences
For this seasonal, non-benefitted position, prior experience is preferred, not required; a Pesticide Applicators license will not be required.

A passion for gardening and working outdoors. Prior experience in landscaping, irrigation, horticulture, lawn care, farming, or related field strongly preferred.
A basic knowledge of horticulture, gardening, or botany, and a desire to learn more.
Able to work effectively individually and in teams, and the willingness and ability to work cooperatively with a variety of people.
At least 18 years of age, have a valid driver's license, proof of insurability, and able to safely and proficiently operate equipment common to the trade.
Able to safely and effectively perform all physical tasks essential to the position and understand the physical commitment required for gardening.
Able to work safely in all climatic conditions, including full sun, heat, cold, precipitation, etc.
Ability to identify problems, develop possible solutions and take appropriate course of action. Skills include active listening, analysis, research, creativity, communication, decision making and team-building.
Proven written and spoken communication skills, a commitment to provide excellent customer service.
Able to commit to working 16-29 hrs/week beginning in March, with shifts predominately during regular business hours, from mornings to mid-afternoons.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN16716N
Full Time or Part Time? Part Time
Work Schedule Summary: Must be able to commit to working 16-29 hrs/wk beginning mid/late March. Shifts are predominately during regular business hours, from mornings to mid-afternoons. May require occasional evening hours and/or weekend shifts. Exact schedule will be coordinated with supervisor upon hire. Season runs through November 25th.
Department: 00340 - Red Butte Garden & Arboretum
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $16.50 or more, depending on experience.
Close Date: 4/22/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/195482