Maintenance Utility- Gardens (seasonal)

About the role

The Garden Crew plays an important role in maintaining the beauty, health, and appearance of The Henry Ford's outdoor spaces. This position requires a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions while contributing to a welcoming experience for guests.

Responsibilities

• Plant, water, weed, mulch, fertilize, prune, and maintain annual and perennial flower beds, gardens, shrubs, and landscaped areas
• Aid with the installation and removal of seasonal plant displays, containers, and decorative landscape features
• Prepare planting beds by cultivating soil, adding compost or fertilizer, and ensuring proper growing conditions
• Operate and safely use hand tools and power equipment such as shovels, rakes, hoes, trimmers, blowers, wheelbarrows, and other landscaping equipment
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, including proper storage and care of equipment and materials
• Contribute to effective team communication by identifying problems, offering solutions, and supporting continuous improvement efforts
• Support tree and shrub maintenance by assisting with pruning, watering, and general care
• Follow established horticultural practices and safety procedures while handling tools, equipment, fertilizers, and other landscaping materials
• Work collaboratively with other members of the Grounds and Horticulture team to complete daily assignments and seasonal projects
• Perform other grounds maintenance and landscaping duties as assigned to support the mission and appearance of The Henry Ford

Qualifications

• Greenhouse, nursery, or horticulture experience preferred
• Basic knowledge of lawn care, landscape maintenance, plant care, and safe operation of landscaping equipment and hand tools
• High school diploma preferred
• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age. Valid driver's license required
• Previous experience in commercial groundskeeping, landscaping, horticulture, outdoor maintenance, equipment operation, or related field preferred
• Preferred Licenses/Certifications: CPR/First Aid certification preferred, Certified Horticulturist (American Society for Horticultural Science) or equivalent horticultural certification preferred, Commercial Driver's License (CDL) preferred but not required

Special Skills

• Knowledge of basic horticultural practices, including planting, pruning, soil preparation, fertilization, watering, and seasonal plant care
• Ability to identify common landscape plants, trees, shrubs, weeds, pests, and basic plant health concerns
• Safe and effective use of gardening tools, landscaping equipment, and grounds maintenance machinery
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain high-quality landscapes and identify maintenance needs
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and follow schedules with minimal supervision
• Strong teamwork and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments
• Ability to follow safety procedures, written instructions, and established maintenance practices
• Basic knowledge of irrigation systems, sustainable gardening practices, and environmentally responsible landscape care
• Ability to safely operate hand tools, power equipment, and utility vehicles after training
• Basic recordkeeping skills for tracking completed work and materials
• Commitment to preserving and maintaining The Henry Ford’s landscapes, mission, values, and service standards
• Dependable, self-motivated, and able to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Willingness to discuss sensitive historical topics and challenging themes with a diverse range of guests
• Flexibility with on-call scheduling and availability as needed during evenings, weekends, and short-notice situations