If you are interested in joining our team here at UT Gardens, Knoxville please fill out the application below. Applications must be submitted to Holly Jones.
Student Tasks
Students often inquire about positions available in the UT Gardens. Inevitably their next question is “Just exactly what do you do down there?” There are many activities that are required to operate and maintain a public garden of the caliber of the UT Gardens. Some can be mundane while others are exciting and creative—although all are vital to the successful operation of the Gardens. Tasks can change daily, however, and a wide range of activity can be expected. Students are encouraged to express any particular interest they may have. The following list contains some of the important tasks students perform as volunteers and employees.
- Horticulture Duties: Planting, watering, weed control, mulching, tilling, pest control, pruning, turf grass management, mowing, string-trimming, edging, soil monitoring
- Greenhouse Duties: Sowing seeds, transplanting, watering, fertilization, greenhouse maintenance, pest control.
- Planning: Ordering seed and plants, planning theme displays.
- Plant Records: Maintaining plant collection databases, labeling, plant evaluations.
- Landscape Design: Designing display beds, containers, and hardscape features.
- Landscape Construction and Maintenance: Installing and maintaining hardscape features and irrigation systems.
- Garden Interpretation: Writing brochures and interpretive signs, creating and maintaining bulletin boards.
- Outreach and Communication: Giving Gardens tours, writing newsletter articles, performing television and radio spots, leading workshops and educational programming for school groups and the public, developing and maintaining websites.
- Special Events: Participating and organizing plant sales, Dig and Divide, UT Gardens member events.
- Volunteer Management: Organizing and managing volunteer corps, leading volunteer work days, appreciation days, and special volunteer events.
Student Benefits
The benefits of working in the UT Gardens often serve as a great complement to student course work and generally enrich the college experience. A few are listed here.
- Gain valuable résumé building experience.
- Gain experience in equipment operation and maintenance.
- Gain experience in hands-on horticultural, greenhouse, and gardening practices.
- Increase knowledge of plant material.
- Build a network with experienced Master Gardeners.
- Develop interpersonal and management skills.
- Make contacts with green industry professionals.
- Develop public speaking and written communication skills.
- Make connections and building friendships with other students with similar interests.
- Work in a beautiful outdoor setting.
- Receive course credit.
- Earn money while attending college.
- Receive letters of reference and recommendations for scholarships, internships, and jobs.
- Work flexible hours.
- Gain assistance in defining career goals.
- Interface with University faculty and staff.