The Department of Health Services (DHS), Mendota Mental Health Institute (MMHI) in Madison, WI is currently recruiting for a part-time Horticulturalist. This position may be filled at the Therapist or Therapist-Senior level based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.

MMHI is located on the north side of Madison and offers a beautiful campus environment, convenient free parking and an onsite workout facility. MMHI is an inpatient psychiatric facility, with one outpatient program. MMHI is a psychiatric hospital specializing in serving patients with complex psychiatric conditions, often combined with certain problem behaviors. MMHI is an integral part of the entire Wisconsin mental health service delivery system. 

MMHI is part of the Division of Care and Treatment Services (DCTS). DCTS is committed to helping all state residents live their best lives through an interconnected web of behavioral health services. Watch this video to learn more about the work of DCTS.

This position will work approximately 24 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Vacation and additional benefits will be prorated based on the amount of hours worked.

As the Horticulture Therapist, you will:

• consult, coordinate, develop, and implement the horticultural therapy program.
• oversee and evaluate the horticultural therapy program.
• provide oversight, supervision, and direction for the greenhouse program.
• participate as a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team.
• serve as a member of the Rehabilitation Services Department.
• train Rehabilitation Service students and volunteers, program evaluation and research.

The starting salary for the Therapist is between $28.00 and $30.00 per hour, depending on experience, plus excellent benefits. The pay schedule/range is 11/05.

The starting salary for the Senior level is between $31.00 and $38.00 per, depending on experience, plus excellent benefits. The pay schedule/range is 11/04.

A 12-month probationary period is required for both levels. Pay for current or former state employees is set based upon the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction.

All applicants will be required to allow DHS to conduct a Caregiver background check to determine whether the circumstances of any convictions may be related to the job being filled.

All appointees will be required to receive a TB test, which will be administered by the facility or medical personnel directed by the facility within 30 days of the start date.

DHS does not sponsor work visas for this position, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire.

Minimally qualified applicants will have all of the following:

• Experience obtaining, growing, treating or maintaining plants. 
• Experience managing a greenhouse including purchasing greenhouse supplies and equipment and managing a budget.
• Education or training in plant science.
• Experience, education, or training assessing and documenting patients’ therapeutic needs and strengths.

Well-qualified applicants will also have one or more of the following:

• Experience developing a horticulture therapy program. 
• Certified or eligible for certification in Horticulture Therapy in Wisconsin. For more information, see the American Horticulture Therapy Association website.
• Experience integrating knowledge of multicultural issues, ethnic, diversity, and individual differences into horticulture programming.
• Education, training, or experience in horticulture therapy or providing horticulture therapy-based activities to individuals.

Your letter of qualifications is limited to one (1) page and your resume is limited to two (2) pages.. For a guide on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here.

Applying is easy! Click “Apply for Job” to start the application process.  Sign in to your account or click “Register Now” to create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.

Helpful Information: 

• Once your application is submitted, no changes are allowed. Click “Save” to allow changes to your application as needed before submitting by the deadline. 
• You may want to save a copy of the job posting for referencing after the deadline.
• Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts according to the qualifications above. 
• Please monitor your email for communications related to this position. 
• Current or former permanent, classified, state employees must complete the online application process to be considered. 
• If viewing through an external site, please apply directly at Wisc.Jobs. 
• For technical assistance and general information, please see Frequently Asked Questions. For questions about the position, to request a copy of the full position description, or for other employment inquiries, please contact Rachel Libera in Human Resources at rachel.libera@dhs.wisconsin.gov.  

DHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on veterans’ hiring programs with the WI Department of Veteran’s affairs, click here.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.