Anticipated Start Date: July 1, 2026

Estimated Pay: $16 per hour

Number of Jobs Available: 1

Schedule: Weekend position (Saturdays and Sundays).  The position runs year-round. 

April through mid-May and mid-August through late August: Approximately 2+ hours per day (4+ hours per weekend)

Remainder of the year: Approximately 1+ hour per day (2+ hours per weekend)

Employees must arrive no later than 10:00 a.m. each scheduled day.

Location: University of Delaware Botanic Gardens (UDBG), Newark, DE 

About the Department:

The University of Delaware Botanic Gardens (UDBG) serves as a living laboratory and classroom, promoting an understanding and appreciation of plants through education, extension, research, and engagement within our campus, community, and horticultural industry. As part of this mission, UDBG offers opportunities for individuals interested in gaining hands-on experience in public gardens, arboreta, or other horticultural institutions.

Role Description:

The Weekend Watering Assistant is responsible for the weekend care and maintenance of plant material in UDBG’s production areas. This includes portions of the greenhouse and the entire outdoor nursery.

Primary responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

Assess and maintain appropriate moisture levels for all containerized plants, ensuring they are not stressed by drought or overwatering. 

Upright plant material that has tipped over, and verify watering needs based on container weight. 

Confirm irrigation systems are functioning properly, where applicable, and that they are timed correctly and adequately reaching all plants. 

Report hours worked and any pertinent updates, site or facility issues to the UDBG Nursery and Collections Manager via email within 24 hours of last shift. Urgent or immediate issues may be communicated by phone. 

Maintain consistent visitation times, arriving no later than 10:00 am each morning.

Qualifications:

Ability to work independently and responsibly with minimal supervision.

Strong attention to detail and observational skills.

Dependable with the ability to maintain a consistent weekend schedule.

Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform light physical tasks, including watering and moving plant containers.

Effective communication skills and the ability to report observations and issues promptly.

Applicats must be undergraduate students at the University of Delaware. Work study eligibility can be found here. Applicants not enrolled as undergraduate students at the University will not be considered for this position. Employment Limitations and Exceptions