Salary: $10.00 Hourly
Location : Main Campus
Job Type: Student (Non-Work Study)
Job Number: 202600468
Org: SFA Arboretum-Creech
Opening Date: 06/01/2026
Closing Date: 10/1/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Primary Contact: Jordan Cunningham
Department Phone #: (936) 468-4404
Department Email: sfagardens@sfasu.edu
Salary Grade: 0
Projected Start Date: 06/01/2026
SUMMARY
JOB DESCRIPTION
This is a student position responsible for assisting gardens technicians in maintaining the SFA Gardens and/or plant nurseries in a manner that ensures the health of the plant collection and the safety of visitors. Assists with special events and projects as assigned. Performs repetitive manual work in the performance of various physically demanding tasks. Works under close supervision, with minimal latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
QUALIFICATIONS
The minimum education required for admittance as a student at Stephen F. Austin State University.
No direct experience is required. Training and instruction will be provided.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of and ability to perform plant identification.
- Experience working outdoors or in a garden setting.
- Experience with plants and landscaping.
- Experience with power tools including but not limited to zero-turn lawn mower, weedeater, and tractor.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Assists in maintenance of garden beds, including planting, mulching, weeding and trimming under the direction of supervisor.
- Maintains safe trails, including brush and debris removal and blowing leaves.
- Assists in lawn maintenance using equipment including but not limited to zero-turn lawn mower, weed-eater, and tractor.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- Assists in greenhouse and plant nursery productions, including plant propagation, weeding and watering.
- Assists in landscape maintenance, including planting, weeding, and watering.
- Assists in gardens operations, including inventory and recordkeeping.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESThe individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to understand and follow instructions.
- Ability to learn new skills quickly.
- Ability to communicate professionally and courteously with university faculty and staff, students, and the general public.
- Ability to perform work in varying environmental conditions outdoors year round, including heat, cold, rain, and other inclement weather conditions.
- Ability to work in areas with insects and wildlife.
- Physical condition adequate to permit full performance of duties.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Moderate physical exertion required; intermittent periods of frequent standing and occasional heavy lifting.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
A student must be enrolled in six or more semester hours to be eligible for student employment during the fall or spring semesters. To be eligible for student employment during the summer, a student must be enrolled in three or more semester hours or be registered for courses in the upcoming fall semester.
Student assistants may not hold any other type of position such as a graduate assistantship or temporary casual employment at the same time that they are employed as a student assistant.
SFA's breathtaking campus is located in the heart of East Texas in Did you know that if you live in the Houston or Dallas areas, Nacogdoches may actually be closer than Austin? It's true!
SFA's salary grade table can be found in the pay grade structure section on the
Stephen F. Austin State University, an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and Educator, is committed to excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, creed, color, age, national origin, religion or physical or mental disability as required by law. If, because of an impairment or disability, you need accommodation during any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) is committed to providing a safe environment for its students and the broader campus community. SFA's police department actively works to prevent and respond to criminal activity through various measures, including comprehensive reporting practices and emergency alert systems.The university's details on-campus crime statistics, including incidents of forcible sex offenses, burglary, motor vehicle theft, and aggravated assault.
This position is not eligible for benefits.
01
Which of the following best represents your current student classification?
- Entering Freshman
- Freshman
- Sophomore
- Junior
- Senior
- Graduate Student
02
What is your major?
03
Please select the option that describes your skill level as it relates to working outdoors in the elements.
- I have not performed this task or received training in this area.
- I have limited experience or have performed this task under supervision.
- I have performed this task independently and competently in a professional setting.
- I have mastered this task, perform it regularly, and may train or mentor others.
04
Please select the option that describes your skill level as it relates to plant identification knowledge.
- I have not performed this task or received training in this area.
- I have limited experience or have performed this task under supervision.
- I have performed this task independently and competently in a professional setting.
- I have mastered this task, perform it regularly, and may train or mentor others.
05
Please select the option that describes your skill level as it relates to working with small landscape power tools including but not limited to lawn mower and weed eater.
- I have not performed this task or received training in this area.
- I have limited experience or have performed this task under supervision.
- I have performed this task independently and competently in a professional setting.
- I have mastered this task, perform it regularly, and may train or mentor others.
06
Please select the option that describes your skill level as it relates to working with large landscape or farming equipment including but not limited to zero-turn lawn mower, chainsaw and tractor.
- I have not performed this task or received training in this area.
- I have limited experience or have performed this task under supervision.
- I have performed this task independently and competently in a professional setting.
- I have mastered this task, perform it regularly, and may train or mentor others.
07
Please select the option that describes your skill level as it relates to working outdoors, in a garden setting or landscaping.
- I have not performed this task or received training in this area.
- I have limited experience or have performed this task under supervision.
- I have performed this task independently and competently in a professional setting.
- I have mastered this task, perform it regularly, and may train or mentor others.
Required Question