Gardener

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park•Grand Rapids, MI

4d•$16•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. Department : Horticulture Supervisor : Horticulture Manager Pay Type: Hourly, Non-Exempt, Seasonal Compensation : The hourly rate for this position is $16.25 per hour. Position Summary: The seasonal Gardener is responsible for collaborating with a team of staff and volunteers to maintain the display gardens, greenhouses, conservatories, irrigation systems, turf areas, and pathways at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. This role supports the Horticulture team by performing a wide range of plant‑care and landscape‑maintenance tasks essential to the health, preservation, and presentation of the grounds. Responsibilities shift throughout the year and are assigned according to seasonal needs, ensuring the gardens and facilities are well‑maintained and visually exceptional for guests. Working both independently and as part of a team, the seasonal Gardener contributes to the overall care, beauty, and functionality of the institution’s outdoor and indoor horticultural spaces. 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.

Nice To Haves

Education : College, university or trade certification enrollment in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, Soil Science, Biology or a related field is preferred.
Experience : 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