Mounts Botanical Garden - Gardener Groundskeeper

Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden

Mounts Botanical Garden - Gardener Groundskeeper

West Palm Beach, FL
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Benefits:

    Dental insurance

    Free uniforms

    Health insurance

    Paid time off

    Vision insurance

    Gardener/Groundskeeper Location: West Palm Beach, FL Status: Full-Time | 40 hours per week | Hourly, Non-Exempt

    About Mounts Botanical Garden

    Mounts Botanical Garden (MBG) is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest public garden, featuring 20 acres of tropical and subtropical plants displayed in 25 unique themed gardens. Our mission is to inspire and educate through nature while creating beautiful, safe, and welcoming spaces for the community.

    Position Overview

    The Gardener/Groundskeeper is a vital member of the horticulture team, responsible for maintaining the Garden’s landscapes, supporting projects and events, and ensuring that MBG remains safe, healthy, and beautiful for guests. This role involves a variety of manual labor tasks and requires an individual who enjoys working outdoors, has strong attention to detail, and can work both independently and as part of a team.

    Responsibilities

    Horticultural Maintenance

    Perform routine care such as weeding, pruning, planting, mulching, raking, deadheading, and invasive plant removal.

    Operate and maintain hand-held power tools and related equipment.

    Conduct preventative maintenance on assigned tools and machinery.

    Groundskeeping & Property Care

    Ensure daily appearance and safety of the grounds before and after public hours.

    Unlock and secure gates, doors, and alarm systems; turn on/off water and electrical features.

    Work independently on weekends following supervisor’s shift schedules and task lists.

    Regularly remove trash and debris from garden areas and maintenance shop.

    Adhere to safety and security procedures for guests, staff, and volunteers.

    Contact emergency personnel when necessary and follow established communication channels.

    Event & Project Support

    Assist with set-up and breakdown for events and special projects.

    Provide logistical support for Garden-wide operations as assigned.

    Public & Team Interaction

    Interact courteously with visitors, volunteers, and staff in guest-access areas.

    Contribute to a positive workplace culture aligned with MBG’s mission.

    Qualifications

    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

    Knowledge of plants and their growing requirements.

    Basic mechanical skills and ability to perform manual labor safely.

    Ability to operate and maintain small power equipment.

    Strong teamwork skills with the ability to work independently.

    Effective communication and listening skills.

    Cultural awareness and ability to work effectively with diverse individuals.

    Education & Experience

    High school diploma or equivalent required.

    Prior experience in landscaping, gardening, or groundskeeping preferred.

    Valid Florida driver’s license required to operate Garden vehicles.

    Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

    Outdoor work in varied weather conditions year-round.

    Frequent bending, stooping, climbing, and standing for extended periods.

    Ability to push, pull, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds.

    Exposure to chemicals, fumes, noise, and debris is expected.

    Must wear required branded Garden apparel (provided by MBG) and supply own base work clothing and protective footwear. Dressier attire may occasionally be required for events.

    Schedule & Hours

    Full-Time | 40 hours per week.

    Standard schedule: Wednesday–Sunday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

    Occasional evenings and weekends required for events.

    Conditions of Employment

    Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

    Employment contingent on satisfactory reference and background checks.

    How to Apply

    Send a resume or letter of interest to jmay@mounts.org or call 561-233-1751. Visit https://www.mounts.org/careers/ to see the full job description.

    Equal Opportunity

    The Friends of Mounts Botanical Garden is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who are authorized to work in the U.S.