Summary:

General Job Description: Caretakers assist in caring for the Arboretum property for at least 10 hours a week in exchange for lodging 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 vacancy). This position is onsite and will report to the Natural Areas Lead.

Job Duration: August 2025 - August 2026, positions may be renewed annually until graduation. Dates are approximate and can often flex based on schedules.Compensation: Expenses paid lodging and utilities at the Arboretum. The fair market value of lodging is considered taxable income.

Who We Are:

University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (MBGNA) stewards over 840 acres of land and water across four properties in and around Ann Arbor. Click here to view our Strategic Plan. With more than 500,000 annual visitors, MBGNA is committed to becoming a transformative force for social and ecological resilience through the lands and waters we steward. We put that commitment into action by:  

Positioning humans as active participants within the natural world and compelling the university community and our publics to negotiate the full complexity that entails

Advancing partnerships, programs, user experience, and all that we steward to catalyze equity and justice in a radically changing world

Emerging as University of Michigan’s premier partner for research, teaching, and public impact in sustainability, climate-forward practices, and biocultural diversity

Promoting healthier communities, cultures, and ecosystems through active care and cultivation of the gardens, fields, natural habitats, and dynamic systems that sustain our world.

Responsibilities:

Routine scouting of trails and grounds, invasive plant removal and herbicide application, trail maintenance, answering questions and informing visitors of rules, trash pick-up and collection, tool maintenance, garden and natural areas stewardship, clearing snow and other tasks as assigned.

Assist with classes and special events, weddings, runs, Walk to Remember, Shakespeare in the Arb and more. Responsibilities may include set up, clean up, driving golf carts and parking lot/kiosk attendance for these events. 

Lead volunteer eco-restoration workdays at the Arboretum and Matthaei Botanical Gardens location with help from other Caretakers and Seasonal Staff.

Required Qualifications:

U-M Graduate student with a good work ethic, enthusiasm for teamwork, and a willingness to learn. Undergraduate students in their 3rd year or above may be considered.

A passion for outdoor work, sustainability, and the environment.

A good working knowledge of local plants and ecosystems. 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 independently with minimal staff supervision. Additionally, the ability to live respectfully with others in shared housing. 

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 utility vehicle (training will be provided) and to operate additional maintenance equipment (chainsaws, brush cutters, etc.). Valid driver's license is also required.

Other Considerations: Both apartments are unfurnished. Motor vehicle parking for both locations is provided at the Field Office near the Caretaker Cottage. Bicycles should be kept locked on a bike rack or inside the bike shed at the Burnham house / Reader Center. Bike racks are located at the Washington Heights entrance, the Geddes entrance and the Nichols Drive entrance. Pets are not allowed. You should be comfortable living and working with people of diverse backgrounds. 

Additional Information:

Compensation:  Expenses paid lodging and utilities at the Arboretum. The fair market value of lodging is considered taxable income.

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

How to Apply: Please email a cover letter and current resume with three references to: MBGNA HR at [email protected] with "Nichols Arboretum Caretaker 2025" in the subject line.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.