Turf Specialist/Agronomist
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: Non-Exempt, Full-Time, Hourly
Position Summary: Specific but not limited to Turf/Irrigation. Oversees the day-to-day responsibilities associated with Turf, Irrigation, Storage, Nursery Areas, and Horticulture Exhibition Changeovers. Focuses on skills and techniques directly pertaining to turf care and irrigation maintenance. Coordinates outside contractors for major projects relevant to outlined responsibilities. Coordinates relevant seasonal projects and daily priorities with appropriate staff.
Essential Functions
- Maintain communication with staff pertaining to turf maintenance.
- Keep tool storage areas, carts, and other equipment clean, organized, and free of clutter.
- Lead and direct the work of others, including seasonal staff and volunteers, to complete general projects.
- Work with staff to complete projects in other garden areas.
- Work at height (ex. on ladders and in lifts)
- Remove compost and properly place materials for recycling.
- Remove snow from paths and roadways; reporting early or staying late and on weekends and holidays as needed.
- Interact with and provide interviews/content for TV, social media, radio, etc. and give occasional tours to select groups.
- Work with the Communications Department to provide information, especially as it relates to horticultural content and concepts.
- A flexible and collaborative culture is important. Other duties may be assigned within the department as well as across the organization.
Educational Requirements
- Education: B.S. degree in Horticulture, Biology, Botany and/or related field; or any combination of equivalent education, training, and work experience.
Experience Requirements
- Experience: Minimum of (2-3) years hands-on, relevant horticulture work experience.
- Skills/Knowledge/Licenses: Ability to obtain and maintain valid driver, chauffeur, equipment operator, and MI pesticide applicator licenses. Able to pass a respirator fit test as defined by worker protection standards. Proficient experience using Microsoft Office (i.e., Outlook, Excel, Word).
Special Requirements
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 10 pounds, frequently up to 50 pounds, and occasionally move 100+ 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. This encompasses both outdoor settings and greenhouse environments. May entail exposure to various workplace hazards such as hazardous materials, loud noise, and extreme heat/cold. Ability to wear Garden-issued Personal Protective Equipment. Flexible schedule will include some evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Job Benefits
In addition to carrying out our mission, our employees enjoy a culture of creativity, collaboration, and learning. We believe that promoting respect, empathy, and a willingness to understand others is essential to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We are committed to fostering a supportive and fulfilling work environment for our employees. Our comprehensive employee benefits package reflects our commitment, encompassing a variety of offerings to enhance the well-being and professional growth of our staff members.
A snapshot of our benefits includes:
Medical Insurance with Health Savings Account*
Dental Insurance*
Vision Insurance*
Employer paid short-term and long-term disability insurance*
Life Insurance*
Accident/Critical Care Insurance*
Pet Insurance*
Employee Assistance Program**
Paid Time Off*
Paid Parental Leave*
Holiday Pay**
Volunteer opportunities**
403(b) Retirement Plan with company match**
Professional Development opportunities**
Specialized trainings and classes**
Complimentary Meijer Gardens membership**
Complimentary concert tickets**
Discounts in the James & Shirley Balk Café & DeVos – Keeler Gift Shop**
Enrichment Activities**
Mentorship Program*
*-Available to full-time staff
**-Available to full and part time staff
Date Job is Available
Salary
$15 to $30 per hour
Overtime: Yes
Job Application Instructions
Apply directly on our website.
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