Address
Form of workResearch Collections Maintenance Assistant
Holden Forests & Gardens
Campus Locations: Holden Arboretum & David G Leach Research Station
Opportunity:
The Science & Conservation department seeks a part-time seasonal Research Collections Maintenance Assistant. The Research Collections Maintenance Assistant will learn and apply traditional work-skills to assist in maintaining & improving Holden Arboretum’s living plant collections and trial plots to further our research and conservation goals. The assistant will help maintain various field plots and collection areas within Holden Forests & Gardens. With direction from the Rhododendron Collections Manager or Field Station Specialist, the Research Collections Maintenance Assistant maintains turf and meadows, controls weeds and other pests, applies mulch, waters new & established plantings, and performs other care and maintenance as needed. This position will work at both the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, OH and the David G Leach Research Station in Madison, OH. We are looking for a team member who wants to do meaningful work. Holden Forests & Gardens connects people with the wonder, beauty and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities. HF&G strives for a welcoming workplace where everyone feels that they belong.
Position Details:
- Reports to the Rhododendron Collections Manager
- Non-Exempt position
- Part-Time seasonal position
- 2 days a week, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm
- $15.00/hour
- Great entry level position for anyone looking for work to gain experience in the green industry
Key Responsibilities:
Key responsibilities of theResearch Collections Maintenance Assistant include but are not limited to:
- Supports Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission, vision, and values
- Manages turf and meadows through regular mowing
- Aids with general field and grounds maintenance including mulching, watering, pruning, planting, fertilizing, and spraying
- Maintains a safe and productive working environment for staff and visitors
- Safely operates a variety of machinery and equipment such as riding and push lawnmowers, motorized utility cart with dump body, tractor with bucket loader and fork attachments, cargo van, pick-up truck, chain saws, pruners, hand shears, pole pruners and saws, weed-whipper, sprayers, leaf blowers, and various wheeled carts
- Inspects and maintains large and small equipment to ensure safe operating condition, e.g., sharpening tools, mixing fuel, greasing fittings, and checking fluid levels
- Works cooperatively within a small team of full-time staff, interns, and volunteers
- Perform other duties as required by supervisor
Qualifications and Skills:
- Demonstrate a passion for people and nature
- At least 2 years of relevant experience in the green or related industry, preferred
- Ability and willingness to operate large and small power equipment and perform strenuous, hands-on work in all types of weather
- Experience with large mowers and tractors, a plus
- Ability and willingness to make pesticide applications as directed by licensed staff according to the pesticide label
- Ability to work effectively in a team and independently
- Ability to plan and communicate needs and actions to a team
- Positive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to participate within a multi-disciplinary team
- Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record
Physical Requirements
Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:
- Willing and able to operate small and large power equipment and perform strenuous, hands-on work year-round in all types of weather conditions
- Working outdoors or indoors where the ambient temperature spans 0-100 degrees Fahrenheit
- Transporting oneself by foot over a variety of terrain that may be wet, slippery, uneven and/or rocky.
- Standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, reaching, pulling, pushing, sitting, grabbing, lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs. on a repetitive basis daily
Some of the reasons Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) is a great place to work!
| Work in a beautiful environment within Greater Cleveland | Discounts in our stores & cafes |
Free parking at both campuses anytime we are open | Free admission to many
Northeast Ohio Museums | Free Employee Assistance Program | And Much More!
Apply:
Holden Forests & Gardens values an authentic sense of belonging at all levels of the organization, including staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and visitors. HF&G believes that working toward an equitable culture that values all perspectives enriches the work environment, helping achieve our goal to build a greener and healthier Northeast Ohio. We are working to create and sustain a supportive environment and sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds. HF&G also provides regular DEAI training for staff, managers, volunteers and Board to create a welcoming and accessible environment.
Research shows that individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Qualified applicants should submit résumé, cover letter explaining why you are interested in gaining experience in horticulture or arboriculture and how this role is part of your career path and 3 professional references.
Holden Forests & Gardens (Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diverse and talented workforce. We seek skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced individuals to join our staff and enhance our reputation as one of the country’s foremost public gardens.
