Master Gardener

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence — advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond. UT San Antonio serves approximately 42,000 students in 320 academic programs spanning science, engineering, medicine, health, liberal arts, AI, cybersecurity, business, education and more. With 17,000 faculty and staff, UT San Antonio has also been recognized as a Top Employer in Texas by Forbes Magazine. Learn more online, on UT San Antonio Today or on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or LinkedIn.

Salary Range: $72,900 annualized.

Job Type: Full Time

Posting Close Date: Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM CDT on 10/12/2026. At the discretion of the hiring department, this posting may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

Required Application Materials:

•    Resume is required
•    Cover Letter is preferred

Job Summary

The Master Gardener manages and maintains assigned botanical garden and landscape areas by planning, implementing, and overseeing horticultural operations.   This role coordinates garden development projects, plant collections management, integrated pest management activities, irrigation monitoring, and landscape maintenance practices.  The Master Gardener provides guidance to staff, student employees, interns, and volunteers while supporting educational programs, special events, exhibits, and community engagement initiatives.  This position ensures assigned areas are maintained in accordance with university standards, horticultural best practices, and sustainability objectives.

Core Responsibilities

1. Plans, coordinates, and oversees the care, maintenance, and enhancement of assigned garden, landscape, and plant collection areas, including woody and herbaceous plant materials.
2. Develops and implements annual operating plans, planting plans, and landscape improvement projects that support departmental objectives, collection management strategies, and campus beautification efforts.
3. Performs and oversees horticultural maintenance activities, including planting, transplanting, pruning, mulching, edging, weed control, staking, thinning, bed renovation, and seasonal garden preparation.
4. Operates, inspects, and maintains horticultural tools, equipment, and machinery, including tractors, loaders, power equipment, irrigation components, and specialized garden maintenance equipment.
5. Supports the planning, design, installation, and maintenance of interior and exterior displays, exhibits, special events, and seasonal landscape enhancements.
6. Maintains accurate records related to horticultural operations, plant collections, integrated pest management activities, training, safety procedures, and departmental initiatives.
7. Researches, recommends, and implements sustainable horticultural practices that improve resource conservation, landscape performance, and environmental stewardship.
8. Assists with plant inventory management, plant identification, labeling, and documentation of botanical collections within assigned areas.
9. Provides horticultural expertise and educational support through presentations, workshops, tours, demonstrations, publications, and outreach activities for students, visitors, and the community.
10. Promotes a safe, welcoming, and service-oriented environment by positively interacting with campus visitors, university constituents, and the public.
11. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture or a related field.
• Five (5) years of related work experience.
  • Additional experience may substitute for education on a one year for one year basis.
• Valid Texas driver's license
• This position may require the ability to maintain the security and integrity of UT San Antonio and its infrastructure per Texas EO-GA-48.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Verbal and Written Communication.
• Knowledge of methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in grounds maintenance operations.
• Ability to assess site conditions and determine appropriate corrective actions.

Working Conditions

• Ability to travel to and from meetings, training sessions, or other business-related events.  Workdays, areas, and work hours may vary depending on the department's needs.

Physical Demands

• Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Extended periods of time standing, walking, pushing, bending, and kneeling.  Working outdoors with exposure to seasonal weather conditions. Exposure to hazardous mechanical equipment.

This position will work primarily on the Southwest and Downtown campuses, but must be flexible to work on the main campus as needed. Travel and parking expenses are the employee's responsibility.

This position is contingent upon a successful background check. Verification of a valid driver's license and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) may be completed as applicable. Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.

Equal Employment Opportunity

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, it is the policy of The University of Texas at San Antonio to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetic information, and veteran status. The University is committed to the Affirmative Action Program in compliance with all government requirements to ensure nondiscrimination.