Gardener

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park•Grand Rapids, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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. This is a full-time, seasonal position (40 hours per week) with an anticipated employment period of April through August, based on operational needs and candidate availability. Employment is temporary and will conclude at the end of the season; continued or future employment is not guaranteed. Hours of work are generally 7:00 AM–3:30 PM or 7:30 AM–4:00 PM, depending on the day’s assignment. The position may require weekend and holiday rotation.

Requirements

Valid Michigan Driver’s License without restrictions
Must be 18 years of age.
Valid Driver’s License without work restrictions.
Ability to commit to the full duration of the assignment (season) required.
Ability to perform tasks outdoors in varying weather conditions throughout the season.
Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.
Ability to demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills
Ability to take direction, work safely, and collaborate with staff and volunteers.
Ability to provide excellent guest service as needed
Ability to adjust work hours on an agreed as-needed basis during peak project periods, which may occasionally include modified hours or limited weekend availability during peak season.
Commitment to specific times of the year, supporting maintenance and care for gardens, grounds and sculpture park landscapes
Must be able to regularly move up to 20 pounds , and frequently up to 50 pounds (such as loading, unloading, and moving supplies, medium to heavy tools, and equipment).
Frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching are required.
Occasionally ascends/descends a ladder and must be able to work at heights up to 50 feet .
Ability to observe details at close range and communicate information accurately with others is required.
Includes occasional object manipulation with or without assistance and the ability to efficiently navigate the workspace to access essential resources.
Basic mobility is required across offices, grounds, and exhibition areas.
Social interaction is required.
As part of our onboarding process, all new hires are required to complete our background check.

Nice To Haves

College, university or trade certification enrollment in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, Soil Science, Biology or a related field is preferred.
Previous horticulture, greenhouse operations or outdoor gardening work preferred
Experience with garden hand tools and basic landscape equipment preferred
Basic horticulture knowledge is preferred but not required.
Ability to demonstrate curiosity, willingness to learn, and an interest in plants or environmental work.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with horticulture leads and/or management to plan and complete daily assignments.
Perform plant care and garden maintenance, including soil preparation, planting, pruning, mulching, weeding, watering, fertilizing, and irrigation support.
Ensures preservation, protection and transplanting of existing plants.
Support keeping indoor and outdoor assigned spaces healthy and attractive during peak growing seasons.
Maintain turf areas within specialty gardens as part of a small team.
Operate lawn mowers, weed whips, backpack blowers, and other small landscape equipment.
Conduct snow removal using plow equipment, walk-behind snow throwers, and shovels to ensure safe walkways and work areas.
Assist in installing, maintaining, removing, and transitioning seasonal exhibits and landscape displays.
Keep tools, equipment, carts, and storage areas clean, organized, and free of clutter.
Provide support to volunteers and/or interns working on general horticulture projects.
Work at heights when necessary (e.g., using stools and ladders).
Manage compost and recycling materials according to procedures.
Engage courteously with guests and provide support as needed.
Perform daily duties independently, efficiently and safely with limited supervision.
Attend meetings and training as assigned.
Other duties as assigned