This coming year (2012-2013) Nichols Arboretum will have caretaker positions available and we are now accepting applications. We will have openings in May 2012 and September 2012. Our "caretakers" work at least 10 hours a week at the Arboretum in exchange for housing at either the historic Burnham House/Reader Center at our Washington Heights entrance or at the Caretaker's Cottage near the center of the Arboretum. Typically caretakers assist in many facets of caring for the Arboretum property, while they may have one or two particular areas of focus. Caretaker applicants should have, first and foremost, a love for outdoor work. General duties include a mix of outdoor tasks, (such as trash pick-up and collection, weeding and planting garden areas, natural areas stewardship, clearing snow, etc.), assisting with events, leading workdays with volunteers, and may rarely include work on educational programs, publications, or other activities. Applicants should be able to drive a tractor (training will be provided) and to operate some maintenance equipment when necessary. We are particularly interested in good working knowledge of local plants and ecosystems, but other skills in areas such as trail building and repair and ecological restoration would also be valuable. We are interested in creating a diverse team among our five caretakers.

The period of appointment is approximately May 1, 2012 through April 30, 2012 or September 1, 2012 through August, 31 2013. Both apartments are unfurnished. Pets are not allowed. Parking is provided at the Field Office near the Caretaker's Cottage. Students must remain enrolled at the University during the term of the appointment.

If you are interested please send a cover letter and current resume with three references to:
 
Jan Stearns
jand@umich.edu
Phone: 734-647-8062