Water Conservation Intern – Horticulture Assistant

JOB LOCATION

15151 E Alameda Pkwy Aurora, Colorado 80012-1555

City of Aurora, Colorado

It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.
 
Why Work for Aurora?

• Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
• Diverse community
• Competitive total compensation package
• Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
• Light rail station minutes away
• On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation workspaces

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Hiring Salary: $20/hour

The deadline to submit an application to this position is March 22, 2026. However, it is subject to close at any time once a qualified pool of applications is obtained.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION / DEPARTMENT 

The Water Conservation Intern - Horticultural Assistant promotes and educates customers in the Aurora Water-wise Garden. Horticulture Assistants will perform skilled manual and technical work to maintain the Water-wise Garden, assist in coordinating volunteers and educating customers in water-wise principles and techniques, and assist with work planning by scheduling, organizing, and securing materials and equipment for the accomplishment of assigned tasks.

This is a 40 hour per week, Variable Hour Non-Benefits Eligible position. Horticulture Assistants' work schedule will be Tuesdays through Saturdays. The position reports to the Water Conservation Specialist – Water-wise Garden lead.

This is a seasonal, 40 hour per week position that reports to the Water Conservation Specialist lead. The anticipated start date for this May 18th with an approximate end date in mid-September.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Completes routine tasks including weeding, mulching, watering, planting, pruning dead heading, seed collecting, compost, trash, and herbicide application on a regular basis.
• Operates power tools commonly used for landscape maintenance.
• Assists in facilitating volunteer work projects.
• Installs and repairs irrigation systems.
• Educates garden visitors on water-wise principles and Aurora's water conservation programs.
• Utilizes open communication to maintain positive relationships with team members, visitors, volunteer, lead, and supervisors.
• Compiles data using MS Excel.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Education:

• High School diploma or GED with current enrollment in college-level horticulture, landscape architecture/design, landscape maintenance, or environmental education program with a college, university, or technical school

Preferred Experience:

• Horticulture, landscape maintenance, irrigation system repair and installation experience, and working in a team environment
• Experience creating content for social media
• Experience with ArcGIS and Field Maps

Preferred Knowledge:

• Knowledge of methods, techniques, and equipment used in water-wise landscaping, horticulture, and applicable safety practices and procedures
• Knowledge of Colorado and western water issues

Skills:

• Must exhibit strong customer service skills, interpersonal communication and collaboration skills
• Proper use and understanding of tools, equipment, methods, and safety practices common to the assigned maintenance function
• Must be proficient at Microsoft Offi