Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is hiring: Seasonal Gardener in Grand R

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts. Meijer Gardens is ranked among the 100 most visited art institutions in the world. The organization embraces the concept of a major cultural attraction centering around horticulture & sculpture. Meijer Gardens' commitment is to create a legacy of lifelong learning, enjoyment, and a rich cultural experience for generations to come.

Department: Horticulture
Supervisor: Horticulture Manager
Pay Type: Hourly, Full-time, Seasonal
Schedule: Second Shift (2:30pm- 11:00pm)
Compensation: The hourly rate for this position is $15.00 per hour.

Position Summary: Under direction of the horticulture staff, the seasonal gardener will collaborate with a team of staff and volunteers to maintain display gardens, greenhouses, conservatories, irrigation, turf, and pathways. Specific responsibilities will vary depending on the time of year, with duties assigned as appropriate to the season at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. The position may double as an internship opportunity and used to fulfill college credit requirements.

Essential Functions

• Work with permanent horticulture staff to coordinate and carry out daily tasks.
• Assist with a wide range of plant care and maintenance tasks important to the preservation, protection and transplanting of existing plants, including but not limited to soil preparation, planting, pruning, mulching, weeding, watering, fertilization, and irrigation.
• Work with a small team to maintain turf within specialty gardens.
• Operate lawn mowers, weed whips, backpack blowers, as well as other small equipment.
• Perform snow removal as needed utilizing plow equipment, walk-behind snow throwers, and shovels to ensure safe and accessible surfaces.
• Assist with the changing of seasonal exhibits and displays.
• Keep tool storage areas, carts, and other equipment clean, organized, and free of clutter.
• Lead and direct the work of volunteers, to complete general projects.
• Work at height (ex. on ladders and in lifts).
• Remove compost, properly place materials for recycling.
• Engage with and provide support to guests and volunteers.
• Carry out daily duties with limited supervision.
• Other duties may be assigned within the department as well as across the organization.

Education And / Or Qualifications Preferred

• Education: College or university enrollment in Horticulture, Biology and/or related field preferred but not required.
• Experience: Relevant horticulture work and tool experience as well as equipment operation preferred but not required.
• Skills/Knowledge/Licenses:
• Possession of a valid driver’s license (or equivalent state-issued driving credential) and an acceptable driving record.

Organizational Expectations

• Embrace Meijer Gardens’ mission to promote the enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts.
• Embrace the organization’s non-profit status and commitment to serving and treating the public with dignity and working with a broad and diverse group of employees, volunteers, members, and guests in a respectful and professional manner.

Working Conditions: Basic mobility is expected in offices, grounds, and exhibition areas. Ability to observe details at close range and communicate information accurately with others. Engage in occasional object manipulation with or without assistance, and efficiently navigate the workspace to access essential resources. Ability to regularly move up to 20 pounds, and frequently up to 50 pounds (i.e., load, unload, and move supplies, medium to heavy weight tools, and equipment). Occasionally ascends/descends a ladder. Regularly operates in outdoor and challenging weather conditions, including exposure to temperatures exceeding 100°F and dropping below 0°F, rain, high humidity, snow, and direct sunlight.

Fredrik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.