Job Openings

Shakespeare in the Arb Production Assistant

Learn More and Apply for the Shakespeare Position

Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum is seeking a student production assistant to work with regular staff to support the 2020 production of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This year Shakespeare in the Arb celebrates its 20th anniversary. The event draws thousands of community members to see this unique performance that takes place outdoors at various locations throughout Nichols Arboretum.

Click here to apply for the Shakespeare in the Arb Production Assistant position .

The production assistant is an important member of the Shakespeare in the Arb team and helps to ensure a safe and efficient production. The duties will include staffing performances, training and managing volunteer ushers, preparing tickets, managing the audience at each performance, assisting the cast and director with production needs, assisting with the cast party, and other logistical tasks as assigned.

This position will last for six weeks beginning May 27, 2020 through June 28 and return September 3 through September 7, 2020 for the Labor Day Revival during U-M Welcome Week. The Production Assistant will report to the Events Supervisor.

Hours: 40 hours per week, 6 weeks, Wednesdays – Sundays, May 27-31, June 3-7, June 10-14, June 17-21, June 24-28, and Thursday – Monday, September 3-7.

Required Qualifications:

Must be available to staff and watch every production in the 2020 season. Thursday through Sunday from 4:00 pm to approximately 10:00 pm, June 3-28 as well as the Labor Day Weekend revival 4- 9 pm September 6 – 7.
Must assist with a volunteer orientation the Wednesday before each performance from 5 pm to approximately 8 pm
Must be able to be outside for multiple hours and have the ability to navigate the paths and terrain in Nichols Arboretum
Must have strong communication skills
Must have the ability to operate a golf cart (valid driver’s license required)

Student Work-Study Positions:

Each academic year, we hire dozens of work study students for paid positions in all areas of our organization- Visitor Engagement, Natural Areas/Horticulture, Facilities/Grounds, Education, Campus Farm, GIS and more! To see current openings for work-study positions at Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum please visit the UM Student Employment website. Find our postings by filtering your search to show Work-Study positions for Botanical Gardens and Arboretum.

We believe diversity strengthens our ability to achieve our mission. The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Student Caretaker Position at Nichols Arboretum. Live and Work in the Arb!

Learn More and Apply for the Caretaker Position

General Job Description: Caretakers work at least 10 hours a week at the
Arboretum in exchange for free lodging (with the exception of internet/cable) at
either the historic Burnham House/Reader Center at our Washington Heights
entrance or at the caretaker cottage near the center of the Arboretum (depending on
which has current vacancy).

Caretakers assist in many facets of caring for the Arboretum property:

• Invasive plant removal and herbicide application, trail maintenance, visitor rule
enforcement, trash pick-up and collection, tool maintenance, garden and natural
areas stewardship, clearing snow, lawn mowing, and other tasks as assigned.
• Assisting with special events, such as Shakespeare in the Arb and plant sales.
• Leading bi-monthly, and other eco-workdays, with volunteer groups at the
Arboretum and Matthaei Botanical Gardens location.

• Job Duration: May 18, 2020- May 18, 2021, positions may be renewed annually
until graduation. Dates are approximate and may flex a bit based on schedules.

• Compensation: Free lodging and utilities (with the exception of internet/cable) at
the Arboretum.

Required Qualifications:

U-M graduate student with a good work ethic, enthusiasm for teamwork,
and a willingness to learn. Junior, senior class may be considered.
A passion for outdoor work, sustainability, and the environment.
A good working knowledge of local plants and ecosystems (native to
Eastern US). Other skills in areas such as trail building and repair and
ecological restoration would also be valuable.
An ability to work as a team, with the public, and often independently with
minimal staff supervision.
An ability to perform manual labor, including some transporting over 40 lbs
Prompt and clear communication with all team members and supervisor.
Applicants should be able to drive a tractor (training will be provided) and
to operate additional maintenance equipment (chainsaw, mower, etc) when
necessary. Valid driver’s license also required.
Other Considerations: Both apartments are unfurnished. Parking is provided at the field office near the caretaker cottage. We will consider married couples who both want to work as caretakers.

The caretakers’ cottage in Nichols Arboretum.

The Reader Center at Nichols Arboretum.

Additional Information

Our Vision: We will be the center for rich and diverse nature-based experiences for the University of Michigan and its surrounding communities. We will provide exceptionally beautiful gardens and natural areas for enjoyment. We will train a new generation of
environmental leaders in sustainability, conservation and ecological restoration and engage research that deepens our understanding of plants, ecology, and the role of nature in our lives.

Our Mission: Promoting environmental enjoyment, stewardship and sustainability through education, research and interaction with the natural world.

We believe diversity strengthens our ability to accomplish this mission. For more information about Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, please visit mbgna.umich.edu.

U-M EEO/AA Statement The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

How to Apply:

Please email a cover letter and current resume with three references to: HR & Financial Coordinator, Rachel Bernecker rlpowers@umich.edu with “Nichols Arboretum Caretaker 2020” in the subject line