Groundskeeper

The minimum starting pay for this position is $18/hr.

Position

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden (FWBG) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to our Mission to explore the critically important world of plants, collaborate to discover the role they play in our cultural and natural environments, and engage people to conserve nature and improve the human experience.

As part of the Botanic Garden Team, you will collaborate with and learn from other passionate individuals who enjoy a workplace immersed in the beauty of nature. Our employees enjoy a positive workplace culture that serves our community, brings joy to children and families, and demonstrates the core values of respect, integrity, and collaboration in our day-to-day interactions with each other. All full-time employees have access to outstanding medical benefits and exceptional paid time off and many positions are able to take advantage of scheduling flexibility and hybrid work options. FWBG gives employees many opportunities to actively participate in conversations and decisions that impact their jobs and work environment. In return, our employees are making it possible for FWBG to expand our botanical research and biodiversity conservation programs, engage with a large and diverse audience, create exceptional gardens to inspire and serve our guests, and change lives through our education programs.

FWBG is seeking an experienced individual to join our Horticulture team as our Rose & Tinsley Garden Groundskeeper. The right candidate will share our values, be dedicated to the support of our mission, and want to help us achieve our vision of being renowned globally and treasured locally for exceptional and influential research, horticulture, and education.

Success in this position will require the ability to positively engage with guests and colleagues, the drive and tenacity to maintain beautiful gardens in Texas weather, and the desire to perform duties safely and efficiently. A willingness to develop your skills, knowledge, and contribute your wisdom, and ideas to enhance our team’s performance will ensure you achieve a sense of satisfaction in this important role.

Qualifications

Key Qualifications to be considered for the Groundskeeper Position

• Physically able to perform strenuous manual labor tasks related to assigned responsibilities in Texas weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, wind, and rain.
• The willingness to undergo a physical exam to assess whether you are able to perform the duties of the position with or without accommodation.

• Skilled at establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with colleagues and thrive in a diverse and multicultural workforce that includes volunteers.

• The enthusiasm to help Garden guests feel welcome, respond to guest inquiries, and participate in preparation and filling of employee roles for various public events/ exhibits hosted by the FWBG.
• Scheduling flexibility to adjust work hours for seasonal needs; work overtime when necessary; and work evenings, weekends and holidays when required.
• The experience to successfully perform a variety of groundskeeping and maintenance activities including pruning, weeding, mulching, performing minor infrastructure repairs, and applying pesticides and fertilizers. Prior experience with and knowledge of rose garden care is a plus.
• Knowledgeable in the operation and maintenance power-driven equipment and identifying maintenance and repair needs; in performing preventive maintenance on equipment and completing identified repairs; follow-through to report repair needs out of the scope of this position to appropriate supervisor.
• The discipline to regularly inspect equipment before use, clean equipment and perform equipment maintenance needs after use, complete operations reports, and properly complete timesheets daily.
• Experience with assisting in the maintenance and repair of automatic and manual irrigation systems; assists with installing and expanding new and existing irrigation systems.

• The willingness to clean debris from the grounds; collect and haul trash, garbage, debris, and other grounds materials.

• Possession of and ability to maintain a current Texas Driver’s License.
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; prepare clear and concise reports; and understand oral and written instructions.

Required Education and Experience

• High School diploma/GED and three years of landscape maintenance, park maintenance, or residential turf care.
• Minimums of 2 years’ experience in groundskeeping tasks; rose garden experience a plus.
• Knowledge of operation and maintenance requirements of power-driven equipment, and proper techniques and uses of hand and power tools with ability to operate assigned tools and equipment.
• Education in the principles, practices, installation, and maintenance of irrigation systems.
• Knowledge of proper pesticide and fertilizer application, if applicable.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Basic computer and mobile phone app skills for benefits enrollment, time reporting, and electronic communication.

Visit FWBG's Careers Page at https://fwbg.org/about-us/careers/and click the link to view current job openings. Apply online by answering screening questions and completing the application. Applicants who do not fully complete the application process will not be considered. Review of completed applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled

Candidates invited to final interviews must provide three professional references and contact information to verify work history. The successful candidate will receive a written offer and be required to submit personal information for a criminal background check. The anticipated start date is the first Monday after reference checks, background check, and applicable physical test are successfully passed.