University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Posted Job Title

Part-Time Operations Assistant, Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Job Profile Title

Services Assistant A

Job Description Summary

The Operations Assistant is a part-time, essential staff position that supports the daily operations of Morris Arboretum & Gardens. This role is responsible for custodial services, event support, maintenance of water features, visitor assistance, and helping ensure the security and safety of University assets across the grounds.

The Operations Assistant works both independently and as part of a team, contributing to a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for visitors, members, staff, and event guests. This position requires physical activity, flexibility in scheduling, and the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including evenings and weekends.

Job Description

Responsibilities

• Perform custodial work across Arboretum buildings and outdoor areas.
• Clean and maintain water features throughout the garden.
• Provide courteous and professional customer service to visitors, members, and staff.
• Support the security and safety of University assets on Arboretum grounds.
• Assist with set-up, breakdown, and operational support for Arboretum events.
• Monitor public spaces to ensure cleanliness, safety, and readiness for visitors.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support Arboretum operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in custodial, housekeeping, facilities, or security-related work preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; must be a responsible, self-starting individual.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting 30–50 lbs. on occasion.
• Ability to work outdoors in all areas of the garden and in all weather conditions.
• Availability to work weekday, evening, and weekend shifts as required by operational needs.
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and attention to safety.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

About the Division of Business Services

The Business Services Division (BSD) supports the individual and collective needs of the Penn community by promoting a hospitable, customer-friendly campus environment and providing mission-critical services and essential operations. BSD is dedicated to delivering high-quality service in a fiscally responsible manner. Currently, the Division focuses on three major initiatives:

• Revenue growth and retention through improved marketing efforts, extended services, and new distribution channels
• Driving productivity through the effective use of technology
• Enhancing service offerings through facility upgrades and expansions

For more information about the Division of Business Services, visit:

https://www.business-services.upenn.edu

About Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania inspires an understanding of the relationship between plants and people through education, research, and horticultural displays. Located in the Northwest section of Philadelphia, Morris Arboretum is a destination for plant enthusiasts and is home to a collection of more than 13,000 woody plants. The Arboretum also hosts special and educational events and serves as a vital part of Penn and a hub for botany, horticulture, and urban forestry.

For more information about Morris Arboretum & Gardens, visit:

https://www.morrisarboretum.org

Department / School

Morris Arboretum

Pay Range

$17.12 - $18.60 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements 
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health and Life: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. 

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.