Job Details

Propagator/Grower; Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Position Number: 6819006
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Position Type: Agriculture - Horticulture & Landscape Architecture

Propagator/Grower; Morris Arboretum & Gardens

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title
Propagator/Grower; Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Job Profile Title
Propagator

Job Description Summary
The Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania-one of America's oldest and most respected arboreta-seeks an experienced, full-time Plant Propagator with a passion for plants, public horticulture, and advancing botanical knowledge. Located in the beautiful Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, the Arboretum maintains extensive living collections and is home to a 10,000-square-foot greenhouse complex and a -acre nursery.

The Plant Propagator is responsible for producing a diverse range of woody and herbaceous plants for research, public display, and institutional programs. The role requires technical expertise in propagation, exceptional record-keeping, the ability to meet production goals, and the capacity to guide part-time staff, interns, and volunteers.

Job Description

Duties

Propagate and grow plants to support Arboretum collections, displays, research, and distribution needs.
Maintain detailed, accurate propagation and production records.
Source plant material and meet production targets set in collaboration with horticultural and research staff.
Supervise part-time staff, interns, and volunteers in propagation and nursery-related activities.
Implement the integrated pest management (IPM) program for the nursery.
Coordinate procurement and distribution of plants for Arboretum staff and the annual member dividend program.
Operate and monitor the greenhouse physical plant and the historic fernery.
Teach or lecture for Morris Arboretum, Penn, and other amateur or professional audiences when appropriate.
Perform occasional weekend work as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in horticulture or a closely related field.
Experience: Minimum of three years in plant propagation and nursery production; experience in a public garden setting is strongly preferred.
Skills: Strong teaching and writing abilities are highly desirable. Proficiency in operating machinery is a plus.
Licenses: Valid driver's license required; Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator's License must be obtained upon employment.
Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, work outdoors in all weather conditions, and perform tasks involving walking, standing, and stooping for extended periods.

About the Morris Arboretum & Gardens

The Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania is a historic public garden and interdisciplinary center for research, education, and horticultural display. Located in the scenic Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, the Arboretum is one of America's oldest arboreta and is recognized for its extensive living collections, award-winning landscapes, and contributions to plant science and conservation. As the official arboretum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it serves as a valued resource for the University, the region, and the broader public-advancing Penn's mission through research, teaching, and community engagement.

Learn more: www.morrisarboretum.org

About the Division of Business Services

The Division of Business Services (BSD) supports the individual and collective needs of the Penn community by promoting a hospitable, customer-focused campus environment and providing mission-critical services and essential operations. BSD's mission is to deliver high-quality service in a fiscally responsible manner while enhancing the daily experience of students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

The Division is currently focused on three major strategic initiatives:

Revenue growth and retention through improved marketing efforts, expanded services, and new distribution channels.
Driving productivity for the Division and its customers through enhanced use of technology.
Strengthening service offerings through facility upgrades and program expansions.

For more information on BSD, visit: https://www.business-services.upenn.edu

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Morris Arboretum

Pay Range
$50,000.00 - $60,000.00 Annual Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family-whatever your personal needs may be.
Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you're newly hired, you won't have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That's why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University's libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There's always something going on at Penn, whether it's a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you're right in the middle of the excitement-and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

To apply, visit https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/Morris-Arboretum/Propagator-Grower--Morris-Arboretum---Gardens_JR00114966