Work Location: LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden, Baton Rouge, LA.
Position description: This position will report to the Horticultural Tree Specialist (arborist). The Burden Woods, adjoining wetlands, meadows, and Barton Arboretum serve as an outdoor laboratory and classroom for hands-on learning experiences, self-guided learning, research and demonstration. The RA will assist with growing and planting new trees and maintaining the mature trees in the gardens, arboretum and woodlands. This position is responsible for assisting with, identifying, and caring for the needs of all major and ornamental trees to assure proper form and optimum health. This position will assist faculty, staff and students with research projects studying the ecology of urban forests, wetlands, and meadows. This may include the development and implementation of research and educational programs that include the environmental and ecological aspects of these areas.
Qualification Requirements: A bachelor’s in plant sciences, horticulture, forestry or related discipline from an accredited college or university is required. Another degree may be accepted with experience or education related to job duties. Licensure as a Chemical Applicator and Arborist is expected to be obtained within one year of employment and maintained through proper testing, licensing, and ongoing professional course work. Must have a Louisiana State driver’s license or be able to obtain license within six months after start date.
This applicant must be capable of safe equipment and maintenance operations with tractors, track loaders, gators, dump trucks, dump trailers, and aerial lifts. Should also be coherent in small engine maintenance and operation such as chain saws, pole saws, blowers, and heavy-duty weed eaters. Must be familiar with arborist gear such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), ropes, saddles, rigging gear, mechanical advantage systems, etc. The applicant is expected to follow ANSI Z133 and OSHA standards when performing any type of tree-related work. This position requires you to follow all general safety guidelines in daily work duties. This applicant must be able to work in the outdoor elements and lift to a maximum of fifty pounds. This position will be expected to work some special events and work some nights and weekends.
Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Current benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.
Date Available: Upon completion of the selection process.
Application Deadline: October 25, 2024 or until a suitable candidate is identified.
Application Procedure: Apply online at https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching files containing a letter of application, curriculum vita, official university transcripts, and three letters of reference. Paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted, except that in lieu of attaching the reference letters online, they may be sent directly to:
Chase Breitenbach
LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens
4560 Essen Lane
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Phone : 225-763-3990
Fax : 225-763-3993
E-mail: cbreitenbach @agcenter.lsu.edu
Web Site: www.lsuagcenter.com
The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. An Equal Opportunity Employer.
