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Garden Apprentice Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gardening Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Manage and maintain the raised garden beds, ensuring they are productive and well-maintained ... ASM offers paid apprenticeships led by professionals in the fields of arts, communications and ...

Modern and comfortable office area at the Business Garden in Poznań. * Gaining experience in the finance area. * Free access to our e-learning platform. * Friendly international working environment.

Modern and comfortable office area at the Business Garden in Poznań. * Gaining experience in the Accounting area. * Free access to our e-learning platform - over 1000 courses, including offerings ...

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Garden Apprentice information

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$12

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$37

How much do garden apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for garden apprentice in the United States is $22.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Garden Apprentice vs Garden Worker?

AspectGarden Apprentice
Required CredentialsTypically no formal credentials; on-the-job training or basic horticulture knowledge
Work EnvironmentLearning-focused, supervised, often seasonal or part-time
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by nurseries, botanical gardens, landscaping companies for training roles
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level training roles in gardening and landscaping

The main difference between a Garden Apprentice and a Garden Worker is that an apprentice is in a learning phase, often receiving training and mentorship, while a Garden Worker performs routine gardening tasks with less emphasis on training. Apprentices typically seek skill development, whereas workers focus on executing daily gardening duties.

What are some typical responsibilities and learning opportunities for a Garden Apprentice?

As a Garden Apprentice, you'll typically assist with planting, watering, weeding, and maintaining garden beds, while learning about plant care and sustainable gardening practices. You'll often work closely with experienced gardeners or horticulturists who provide mentorship on topics like soil health, pest management, and seasonal tasks. This hands-on role offers the chance to gain practical skills, observe garden planning, and understand the workflow of a professional gardening team. It's a great stepping stone for those interested in advancing to roles such as Garden Technician or Groundskeeper.

What are Garden Apprentices?

Garden Apprentices are individuals who work under the guidance of experienced gardeners or horticulturists to learn the fundamentals of gardening, landscaping, and plant care. They typically assist with tasks such as planting, weeding, watering, pruning, and maintaining outdoor green spaces. The role is hands-on and provides valuable practical experience for those interested in pursuing a career in horticulture or landscape management. Apprenticeships may also cover topics like soil health, pest management, and sustainable gardening practices. This entry-level position is ideal for those passionate about working outdoors and learning about plants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Garden Apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Garden Apprentice, you need basic horticultural knowledge, physical stamina, and a willingness to learn, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant coursework. Familiarity with gardening tools, irrigation systems, and possibly basic landscaping software is beneficial. Attention to detail, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are essential soft skills that set candidates apart. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality maintenance of gardens while supporting growth into more advanced horticultural roles.
What cities are hiring for Garden Apprentice jobs? Cities with the most Garden Apprentice job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Garden jobs? The most popular types of Garden jobs are:
What states have the most Garden Apprentice jobs? States with the most job openings for Garden Apprentice jobs include:
Infographic showing various Garden Apprentice job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,806 per year, or $22 per hour.
Gardening Instructor

Gardening Instructor

After School Matters

Chicago, IL • On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Temporary

Posted 17 days ago


After School Matters rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 196 rated education and training


Job description

Summary of Position: We are seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Gardening Instructor to lead our teen gardening program. The Gardening Instructor will be responsible for educating students in the art and science of gardening, including the cultivation of fruits and vegetables, the maintenance of our greenhouse, and the implementation of holistic gardening practices. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about teaching teens and committed to promoting environmental sustainability.
After School Matters is seeking instructors to begin working in Summer 2026. After School Matters is reviewing applications on a rolling basis.
The program will allow students to learn and engage in activities specific to the content area. An instructor will expose teens to a wide range of activities and concepts to meet measurable programmatic outcomes. The instructor will recruit, teach, and mentor teens and will also manage operational pieces such as program planning and budget creation.
Instructors must have a program curriculum plan. See ASM Program Planner
Program Sessions and Schedules:
  • Summer: Programming will run from June 22, 2026 to August 7, 2026, Monday through Thursday. Additional hours are allotted for planning, recruitment, professional development and meetings.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Gardening Education: Teach teens the fundamentals of gardening, including soil preparation, planting, growing, and harvesting fruits and vegetables.
  • Greenhouse Management: Oversee the care and maintenance of the greenhouse, including managing plant health, watering schedules, and environmental controls.
  • Holistic Gardening Practices: Introduce and implement holistic gardening methods that support plant health, environmental sustainability, and personal well-being.
  • Raised Beds: Manage and maintain the raised garden beds, ensuring they are productive and well-maintained throughout the growing season.
  • Harvesting and Processing: Educate teens on the harvesting process, including when and how to harvest produce, and how to process and store the harvested goods.
  • Student Engagement: Foster a positive and engaging atmosphere for teens, encouraging their participation and interest in gardening and environmental stewardship.
  • Safety and Maintenance: Ensure all gardening activities are conducted safely, and maintain equipment and tools in good working condition.
  • Student Engagement: Foster a positive and engaging atmosphere for teens, encouraging their participation and interest in gardening and environmental stewardship.
  • Safety and Maintenance: Ensure all gardening activities are conducted safely, and maintain equipment and tools in good working condition.
  • The instructor will develop, plan and implement high quality content related field trips, master classes, events and guest visits to enhance instruction and training.
  • Instructors will be expected to participate in the recruitment, interview and selection process of teen program participants. Instructors will also be expected to participate in planning and program dates such as instructor orientation, professional development workshops, meetings and other required sessions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • Supervise teens at an average of 15:1, instructor: teen ratio

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Strong understanding of gardening techniques, greenhouse management, and holistic gardening practices.
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion
  • Interest in working with teens

Qualifications:
  • Relevant certifications or educational background in horticulture, environmental science, or a related field preferred.
  • Certifications also accepted in lieu of a university degree.
  • Proven experience in gardening, horticulture, or a related field. Previous experience teaching or working with teens is a plus.
  • Familiarity with specific Chicago neighborhoods is required.
  • Experience teaching, specifically teenagers, is highly preferred.
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion is required.
  • Genuine interest in environmental sustainability and a passion for working with young people.

Compensation: $20-27 salary/per hour, depending on applicable experience and education
About Us: After School Matters is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that annually offers after-school and summer programs to nearly 19,000 Chicago high school teens to explore and develop their talents while gaining critical skills that will set them up for success in college and beyond.
ASM has engaged more than 450,000 Chicago teens and is the nation's largest and most successful provider of after-school and summer programs for high school teens.
ASM offers paid apprenticeships led by professionals in the fields of arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Our nationally respected youth development model has been replicated in cities across the country and earned us the City Livability Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Programs take place at community locations throughout the city, including four ASM buildings: downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts and Orleans, the Michael and Karyn Lutz Center in Belmont Cragin, and the Pullman community at Gately Park. Currently, After School Matters' annual operating budget is approximately $48M and employs approximately 500 staff across the organization.
EEO: After School Matters is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.