Seasonal Gardener (First Shift)

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking a Seasonal Gardener (First Shift) to join the Horticulture team. The role supports garden and greenhouse maintenance, irrigation, and landscape care across indoor and outdoor spaces.

The position runs November through April (40 hours/week), with some weekend and holiday rotation. Applicants should be at least 18, hold a Michigan driver’s license, and demonstrate a willingness to learn and work outdoors in varying conditions.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with horticulture leads to plan and complete daily assignments.
• Perform plant care and garden maintenance, including soil preparation, planting, pruning, mulching, weeding, watering, fertilizing, and irrigation support.
• 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.

Skills

MI Driver's License

Age 18+

Horticulture knowledge

Oral and written communication

Outdoor weather endurance

Seasonal commitment

Team collaboration

Garden hand tools

Landscape equipment

Education

College / university enrollment in Horticulture or related field

Tools

Garden hand tools

Landscape equipment

Job description

Position:Seasonal Gardener (First Shift)

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Job Id:877

# of Openings:3

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Parkpromotes 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

Pay Type:Hourly, Non-Exempt, Seasonal

Compensation:The hourly rate for this position is starting $17.25 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 November through April, 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 7:00 AM–3:30 PM.
• The position may require rotating weekend and holiday rotation.

Essential Functions

• 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

Education and / or Qualifications preferred:

• 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
• Skills/Knowledge/Licenses:
  • Valid Michigan Driver’s License without restrictions
  • Must be 18 years of age.
  • Valid Driver’s License without work restrictions.
  • Basic horticulture knowledge is preferred but not required.
  • Ability to demonstrate curiosity, willingness to learn, and an interest in plants or environmental work.
  • 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

Organizational Expectations

• Welcoming:Fostering joy and an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.
• Excellence: Approaching all we do with world-class intentionalism.
• Innovation:Embracing the future to create unique and engaging experiences in art, culture and nature with a commitment to creativity.
• Integrity: Operating with honesty, transparency and accountability throughout the organization.
• Stewardship:Preserving and enhancing our community, physical, cultural, and financial resources for current and future generations.

Working Conditions: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.Work is performed both indoors and outdoors with exposure to extreme temperatures, loud noise, dust, fumes, hazardous materials, cleaning agents, small spaces, and varying heights. Conditions may include challenging weather such as temperatures exceeding 100°F, dropping below 0°F, rain, snow, high humidity, and direct sunlight in both outdoor settings and greenhouse environments. Basic mobility is required across offices, grounds, and exhibition areas. PPE is required for certain tasks. Social interaction is required.

As part of our onboarding process, all new hires are required to complete our background check.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.