Assistant Curator

Job Summary: The Longenecker Horticultural Gardens (LHG) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum houses the largest and most diverse collection of woody plants in the state, containing over 2,600 different taxa and approximately 4,000 specimens spread over 40 acres.
The gardens have been an integral part of the arboretum since its inception in 1935 and host hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
Highlights include the 3rd largest public lilac collection in the country, a world-renowned flowering crabapple collection, over 100 accessions of magnolia, and an extensive conifer collection.
The longtime mission of LHG has been to evaluate woody plants for landscape and climate adaptation, as well as aesthetic merit, and to maintain a comprehensive collection of superior landscape plants for academic teaching, genetic resource preservation and educating the gardening public.
The position works under the general supervision of the Longenecker Garden Curator and is a member of the Arboretum Land Care Unit.
The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable in the cultivation of woody plants using best horticultural practices, including familiarity with proper planting techniques, pruning practices, integrated pest management, plant physiology and nutrition and basic soil biology.
In addition, the employee in this role will work under the direction of the Curator to maintain a botanical garden database.
This position requires manual dexterity and the ability to work for long periods in all weather conditions performing skilled and highly technical manual tasks.
Ability to stoop, stretch, bend, lift up to 50lbs on occasion, and safely operate power equipment is essential.
The employee will also seasonally assist with snow removal and plowing.
Occasional weekend and evening work for tours, snow removal and hazardous tree removal may also be required.
The Arboretum is committed to embracing social equity and intentional inclusivity as fundamental parts of everything we do, and to fostering connections to the land among diverse audiences.
Responsibilities: Supports research related to museum, gallery, teaching, and research collections to facilitate access for teaching, research, and public interest.
20% Serves as a subject matter expert and point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding collection information and access 25% Promotes and facilitates access to the collection for research and educational purposes 10% Provides input into development of collection plans, acquisition of collection items, exhibitions or displays, and educational resources 5% Contributes to the development of the section budget and provides subject matter expertise in support of funding requests 5% Assists with the design, development, and delivery of instruction related to the collection 15% Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of student workers and volunteers 20% Assist Curator in hands-on aspects of managing the collection as directed Institutional Statement on Diversity: Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison.
We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community.
We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
Education: Preferred Associate's Degree Qualifications: Minimum requirements: -Associate's degree in horticulture, botany, forestry or a related field plus 3 years professional experience in horticultural maintenance, or 5 years professional experience in horticultural maintenance -Experience in woody plant maintenance and general management of grounds, lawns and other landscapes -Ability to identify ornamental, native and invasive plants -Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, and visitors -Strong computer skills along with a familiarity with data management concepts and ability to maintain a botanical garden database -Proficiency with small power equipment commonly used for the maintenance of gardens, grounds, lawns and landscapes as well as experience with, or the ability to learn, the use of tractors, skid steers, dump trucks, etc.
Preferred requirements: -Experience working in a public garden -Familiarity supporting staff, researchers, and educators in the use of the living collection for conservation, scientific study, interpretation, and advancement.
-Experience providing tours to the public -Experience with plant labelling and plant labelling conventions Additional requirements: -Must possess a valid driver's license that meets standards of UW Risk Management in order to operate Arboretum vehicles.
-Certification as Wisconsin pesticide applicator, or ability to become certified within 12 months of hiring.
-Successful completion of chainsaw safety course, or ability to complete within 12 months of hiring.
License/Certification: Required Drivers License - Valid and Meets UW Risk Management Standards Preferred Pesticide Applicator - State Licensure Certification as Wisconsin pesticide applicator, or ability to become certified within 12 months of hiring Work Schedule: Regular work hours: M-F 7am-12pm & 12:30pm-3:30pm Additional and/or irregular hours may be required for tours, snow removal and hazardous tree removal.
Work Type: Full Time: 100% It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.
Appointment Type, Duration: Ongoing/Renewable Salary: Minimum $22.
00 HOURLY Depending on Qualifications How to Apply: To be considered, applications must be submitted online.
Please click on the "Apply Now" button to start the application process.
You will be required to upload a cover letter and resume.
Your cover letter should include all relevant education and/or work experience as it relates to this position.
Cover letters will be used as a writing sample to determine the best-qualified applicants.
Our search committee will review all application materials after the posted deadline.
We will notify applicants selected to participate further in the selection process directly.
We will notify all applicants once the search is completed and we have selected a top candidate who has accepted the position.
Contact: Josh Goldman josh.
goldman@wisc.
edu 608-890-4612 Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1.
See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
Official Title: Curator I(LM019) Department(s): A34-OVCR/ARBORETUM/ARBORETUM Employment Class: University Staff-Ongoing Job Number: 292482-CP The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies.
We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
Employment will require a criminal background check.
It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released.
See Wis.
Stat.
sec.
19.
36(7).
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