Temporary Part-Time UT Gardens Therapeutic Horticulture Program Assistant, Department of Plant Sciences: UTIA

The UT Gardens Therapeutic Horticulture Program Assistant will work with the UT Gardens Education and Therapeutic Horticulture Program Administrator to develop and implement therapeutic horticulture programs at the University of Tennessee Gardens, Knoxville location over a range of demographics. Work schedule is 2-4 days a week, Monday-Thursday, 9am - 4:30 pm.

• Assist with development and implementation for year-round garden therapeutic horticulture programs for the University of Tennessee Gardens.
• Assist with evaluating therapeutic horticulture programs. 
• Assist with recruitment, enrollment and retention of program participants.
• Provide communication about program details through various platforms.
• Assist with managing database for participant registrations.
• Conduct training for volunteers, and program staff.
• Work with students and interns to help implement therapeutic horticulture/education programming.
• Foster and maintain partnerships with program stakeholders.
• Provide leadership for a program of activities that meets the needs of all eligible clientele.
• Assume other duties as necessary or as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:

  • High school diploma or GED is required. 

• Experience:

  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Canva

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Knowledge of education program development best practices. 

  • Knowledge of therapeutic horticulture program development best practices

  • Skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, to diverse populations.

  • Knowledge of and skill in basic horticultural techniques and practices is required.

  • Ability to work on weekends or evenings as needed.

  • Ability to use electronic and in-person communication techniques.

  • Ability to work media and press to communicate program offerings.

  • Ability to work with various populations.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree is preferred.

• Experience: 

  • CTRS certificate is preferred

  • Teaching experience is preferred.

  • Two to three years of experience with planning and leading therapeutic horticulture/horticultural therapy programs for various audiences to include youth and adults with disabilities, and individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's is desired.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Knowledge of program evaluation and reporting methods preferred.

 

Work Location:

• Location: UT Gardens, 2518 Jacob Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996
• Onsite/Remote (Working at Senior Facilities from time to time.)

 

Compensation and Benefits:

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

 

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before May 11, 2026.

 

• Resume

• Cover Letter

   

 

About The College/Department/Division:

The Department of Plant Sciences, part of the Herbert College of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, addresses agricultural and environmental challenges through teaching, research, and Extension. We offer programs in plant sciences and landscape design, conduct research in crop production, genetics, plant physiology, and sustainable agriculture, and support growers and industry partners across Tennessee.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service. 
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.  
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone. 
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.  
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!