Walk Across Kentucky Native Plants Internship

Job Title
Walk Across Kentucky Native Plants Internship

Requisition Number
DU14348

Department Name
81115:Arboretum

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Salary Range
$14.00

Type of Position
Student

Position Time Status
Part-Time

Required Education

• Basic knowledge of horticulture, botany, ecology, landscape architecture and/or natural resources preferred
• High school degree
• Currently enrolled at UK

Required Related Experience

· Basic knowledge of horticulture, botany, ecology, landscape architecture and/or natural resources preferred

· Desire to work with native plants and ecological landscapes

· Demonstrated ability to work effectively and cooperatively in a team environment, as well as independently

· Strong work ethic

· Good verbal and written communication skills, including basic PC skills and familiarity with MS Office

· Demonstrated ability to interact positively with visitors and fellow staff members

Required License/Registration/Certification

n/a

Physical Requirements

· Ability to walk, reach, pull, push, grab, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

· Ability to work in challenging and adverse weather/environmental conditions, sometimes for extended periods of time

Shift

Part time hours in spring and fall. 32 hours a week during summer months.

Job Summary

Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky
*Perform seasonal landscape work including, but not limited to, mowing, weeding, watering, mulching, pruning, planting, and other horticultural tasks.

· Assist with curatorial activities including plant identification, documentation of plant records, and creating and maintaining plant labels.

· Help scout for pests and diseases.

· Assist with treatment of The Arboretum’s ash trees for Emerald Ash Borer.

· Safely operate gardening tools and small equipment.

· Help lead a weekly volunteer group in the management of the collection.

· Attend relevant events, educational classes and field trips with staff.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

• Must possess a current valid driver’s license
• Must pass a background check
• Willingness to learn to operate small equipment and gardening tools

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

Deadline to Apply
03/13/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.