Part-Time UT Gardens Therapeutic Horticulture Program Assistant/Extension 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 Coordinator to develop and implement therapeutic horticulture programs at the University of Tennessee Gardens, Knoxville location over a range of demographics. Work schedule is four days a week 32 hours per week.

• Therapeutic Horticulture Program Planning and Delivery: Assist with development, coordination, and implementation of year-round therapeutic horticulture programming for diverse audiences. Prepare materials, facilitate activities, maintain therapeutic gardening spaces used for programming, support participant engagement during sessions, and assist with special events and educational activities.
• Therapeutic Horticulture Program Planning and Delivery: Assist with development, coordination, and implementation of year-round therapeutic horticulture programming for diverse audiences. Prepare materials, facilitate activities, maintain therapeutic gardening spaces used for programming, support participant engagement during sessions, and assist with special events and educational activities.
• Volunteer, Student, and Intern Coordination: Assist with training, scheduling, and supporting volunteers, students, and interns involved in therapeutic horticulture and educational programming. Provide work direction for assigned activities and ensure program procedures are followed.
• Program Outreach, Communications, and Partnerships: Develop and distribute program communications through various platforms, assist with marketing efforts, respond to inquiries, foster relationships with community partners and stakeholders, and promote awareness of therapeutic horticulture opportunities.
• Program Administration and Operational Support: Maintain participant registration databases and records, assist with program logistics, prepare materials and supplies, support departmental initiatives, and perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:  

  • High School diploma or GED

• 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

  • CTRS certificate is preferred

• Experience:

  • 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, Knoxville, TN
• Onsite

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 October 23, 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.