Turn Your Passion for the Outdoors into a Career

ABOUT US

Do you come alive on the trail? Love hiking, birdwatching, camping, or simply spending your days surrounded by nature? If the idea of wearing hiking boots to work, spotting wildlife during your lunch break, and being part of a collaborative, mission-driven team excites you, then Boyce Thompson Arboretum may be the perfect place for you.

Founded in 1924 by mining pioneer William Boyce Thompson, Boyce Thompson Arboretum is Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden. Situated on 374 breathtaking acres at the base of Picket Post Mountain and bordering the Tonto National Forest in Superior, Arizona, the Arboretum offers a truly unique work environment unlike any other.

Our living collection showcases extraordinary plants from the world's deserts and arid regions alongside the native beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Every day brings opportunities to experience nature firsthand, with miles of scenic trails, spectacular mountain views, and abundant wildlife throughout the grounds. It's not unusual to encounter javelina, bobcats, roadrunners, hummingbirds, and a variety of native and migratory birds while working and exploring the Arboretum.

As an independent nonprofit organization, we're united by a shared passion for conservation, education, horticulture, and creating meaningful experiences for our visitors. We value teamwork, stewardship, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Located just 30 minutes from Mesa and one hour from downtown Phoenix, Boyce Thompson Arboretum offers the opportunity to build a rewarding career while enjoying the beauty, adventure, and tranquility of the Arizona outdoors.

If you're looking for more than just a job—and want to be part of a community that inspires connection with nature every day—we'd love to hear from you.

JOB SUMMARY

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum is seeking a Maintenance Technician to provide upkeep and repair for the campus and garden trails at the Arboretum. This position is responsible for basic preventive maintenance of buildings, general repair tasks that include simple plumbing, carpentry, refinishing of garden benches and other tasks. This position assists with irrigation, well maintenance and provides support as needed to the Horticulture team for large projects. They will be chainsaw trained and assist as needed with projects involving tree trimming, removal and storm cleanup. The incumbent will receive OSHA 10 training and training on large equipment such as the skid steer and backhoe. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for general maintenance and repair of arboretum infrastructure. Skills needed include but are not limited to general handyman repairs, plumbing, carpentry, drywall repair, experience with large equipment and chainsaws etc.
• Assists Irrigation Technician with irrigation installation and adjustments.
• Moves equipment and furniture as needed, for cleaning or renovation purposes.
• Performs basic repairs to plumbing systems including fixing leaky faucets and opening clogged drains.
• Performs basic carpentry skills to repair wooden structures, fix benches and other projects that require carpentry.
• Basic office renovation and repair such as painting, repair and other DIY related tasks.
• Performs building preventative maintenance and identifies repairs that are needed.
• Assists Horticulture Department with trail repair, maintenance and repair of greenhouses and other projects.
• Operates heavy equipment such as skid steer and backhoe.
• Assists Horticulture Department with projects that involve a chainsaw such as tree trimming, tree removal and storm cleanup.
• Performs regular cleaning duties, which include sweeping, dusting, mopping, and vacuuming. 
• Assist Janitorial staff on high volume visitor days with bathroom maintenance and trash pickup as needed.
• Maintains tools and equipment and keeps supplies and parts in order. Cleans work area, tools, machines, and equipment.
• Promptly responds to work orders and requests for emergency repairs and clean-ups.
• Performs other general building maintenance as assigned. 
• Responsible for event set up as assigned and works collaboratively with Marketing and Development on event needs.
• Follows OSHA safety regulations and works cooperatively with Safety Officer on all safety needs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED required
• Two years of experience in craft/building maintenance work preferred.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Basic knowledge in the areas of general maintenance and repair. 
• Able to perform basic handyman tasks and identify potential problems and repairs.
• Ability to use power tools and do high quality repairs and projects.
• Ability to do good quality carpentry. Construction and renovations skills are a plus.
• Ability to use a chainsaw for basic tree and storm removal.
• Ability to work with gravel and stone to do trail repair and maintenance.
• Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
• Detail-oriented, collaborative manner, and strong work ethic.
• Ability to work as part of a team and also perform tasks independently as needed.  
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Computer skills: Able to use email, calendar programs, and Microsoft Word. Digital access to files and data will be required.
• Must have a valid AZ Driver's License.   

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical abilities and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to occasionally perform work outside in extreme weather conditions.  Summer temperatures may exceed 110 degrees F.  
• Ability to communicate with fellow staff, applicants, stakeholders, visitors, and donors. Communication will include one-to-one, small, and large group communication. Communications need to be in English. Communication means both written and oral communication.
• Ability to work in a standing position for up to 8 hours at a time.
• This position will also require the ability to stand, bend, crouch, walk, lift, and carry.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds with assistance.
• Must have the ability to walk short distances and move throughout the arboretum office and grounds, occasionally traverse uneven terrain and hiking conditions, and perform repetitive movement of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Fully functional vision is required to perform essential duties of the position?(prescription lenses are acceptable).