"The U is an excellent place to work. I love feeling the energy and excitement from the University community, and it's fulfilling to watch the landscape and trees grow over time. That's not as common in the private industry, where you may only visit a site once or twice. The hours and people are great too!"—Elliot Redmann, Landcare Supervisor, Civil Service

Favorite trees (specifically on the Twin Cities campus): Knoll Area black walnut, Elliott Hall bur oak, Peters Hall hawthorn, East River Road Garage ginkgo

Learn about jobs with U Services.

Note: the tree cross section in the photo is a bur oak that dates back to 1783.

“I’m one of those people who has always loved digging holes. 

“I studied the classics at the U and worked in Landcare as an undergrad to help pay tuition. I found out I liked working outside much more than working inside. When I graduated in 2016, my coworkers encouraged me to apply for an opening as a gardener. 

“I’m still passionate about Roman history, so I might use the Regents [Tuition Benefit Program] to further my education. That’s a great option at the University that I wouldn’t have in a similar role elsewhere.”—Steven Blodgett, Senior Gardener, Teamsters Local 320 

Favorite tree: white pine 

Learn about jobs with U Services.

“I’m working toward becoming a certified arborist, and the University is a great place to grow my skills. 

“Well-maintained trees help keep our buildings cooler, reduce our energy expenditure, sequester carbon, and provide a welcoming campus environment. We actively manage more than 10,000 trees by pruning them, treating them for illnesses, and, if needed, taking down dying trees to replace them with healthy new trees. 

“Being able to bike to work, learning from knowledgeable coworkers, and banking my overtime for more vacation are other reasons why I like working at the U.”—Matt Gingerich, Assistant Gardener, Teamsters Local 320  

Favorite tree: sugar maple

Learn about jobs with U Services.

“I came to the University for the benefits, and I’m staying at the University for the benefits. I get paid holidays, vacations, and sick leave, as well as flexibility, stability, and health insurance. This is a place where I can work until I retire. And when I retire, I’ll have a University pension.

“At U Services, we try to keep things out of the landfill, whether through recycling or through our ReUse facility. The roles we play at the University are different than in a lot of private sector jobs. Every day we’re learning new things, and we regularly get training that helps us get better at our jobs and gain new skills.

“If you’re bored at your job, come work at U Services. We’ll match your skills and abilities to a job that’s right for you.”—Dwayne Holmes, Delivery Service Driver, Teamsters Local 320

Learn about jobs with U Services.

“I spent most of my early career in the food service industry. A few years ago, I decided it was time to start a new chapter, so I headed to Rochester Community Technical College to become a vet tech. I’ve always loved animals, so this field is a great fit for me. 

“Interning at the Veterinary Medical Center proved that I was not only in the right field but also in the right clinic. Even as a nontraditional vet tech student, I fit right in at the VMC. I’m always learning, and so is everyone else. 

“In addition to a good work environment, I get fantastic benefits. The medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, and retirement pension I get at the University are phenomenal.”—Nate Olson, Senior Veterinary Technician, AFSCME Unit 7 - Technical

Learn more about veterinary technician jobs at the Veterinary Medical Center.

“I knew I had to join the Veterinary Medical Center when, on the day I interviewed, I saw how comfortable staff members were when handling intensive procedures. The doctors also went out of their way to make sure I understood what was happening just as much as the veterinary medicine students.

“At the VMC, I discovered my passion for cardiology, and the VMC supported me as I obtained my VTS in cardiology. I use my advanced training to teach residents and interns within the VMC, and I also travel across the U.S. and Canada to give lectures.

"Last year I was honored to receive the Technician Excellence in Teaching Award from the VMC, and I look forward to continuing to teach vet and tech students, residents, and interns.”—Kristin Hohnadel, AH Pro 1-Clinical Vet Care, Civil Service

“I started at the Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) 19 years ago and discovered that I’m a neuro nerd! I love working on intriguing neurology cases and building client relationships. The University has also provided a supportive environment for me to start a family and get my VTS in neurology, giving me time off to study and money toward taking the test. 

“In addition to the great benefits and the central location, the caliber of technicians I work with keeps me at the VMC. It’s a great group of people that I’m happy to be a part of.”—Anna Engrem, Animal Care Technician Specialist, AFSCME Unit 7 - Technical

Learn more about veterinary technician jobs at the Veterinary Medical Center.

“Before I started working at the University of Minnesota nine years ago, I didn’t know how important recycling was. My time at U Services has made me passionate about recycling and helping the University do better. I know that I can make a difference here, and I value the vacation and sick time I get as a University employee.”—Joe VanGuilder, Delivery Service Driver, Teamsters Local 320

Learn about jobs with U Services.

“I fell in love with Minnesota while working with the Conservation Corps. I was able to take classes in indigenous studies, forestry, and ecological restoration at the University through the Conservation Corps, and now I’m applying what I learned at the University to care for its campus. 

“As the natural areas gardener, I’m diversifying what we plant and incorporating hardy native species into our landscaping. Right now I’m working with partners and student interns to take 40 acres owned by the University and restore it to a natural area.

“The University offers great benefits, especially the Regents [Tuition Benefit Program]. I’m hoping to take advantage of reduced price classes to continue learning about ecology and the history of this area. That way, I’ll be able to better use the land’s history to inform its future.”—Alex Wegrzyn, Natural Areas Gardner, Teamsters Local 320

Favorite tree: red cedar

Learn about jobs in U Services.

“I came to horticulture in a roundabout way. After a stint in the Marine Corps, I served as a professional welder. Then I went back to school at the University to study environmental horticulture, worked in the private sector for a while, and came back to the University as a gardener.

“I never thought I’d wind up at the U, but I’ve enjoyed working here so much that I’ve been here for 10 and a half years. It’s gratifying to see students and visitors appreciate our work, taking pictures of our flowers and studying on the lawn.

“Outside of my job I volunteer as a Master Gardener in Anoka county through University of Minnesota Extension. I love sharing my passion for plants and also learning from other master gardeners across the state.”—Todd Knowler, Senior Gardener, Teamsters Local 320

Favorite tree: pin oak

Learn about jobs in U Services.