Lead Grounds
Employment Type
Job (Full-time)Job Categories
Horticulture
Job Description
In this role, you will oversee all aspects of turf management throughout the garden and a few adjacent offsite properties under the supervision of the Grounds Superintendent. Pesticide application and documentation plays a vital role for this position. The Lead Grounds will need to work cooperatively with the horticulture team members in managing the turf areas. This position is full-time at 40 hours per week in a schedule that may include a weekend day and participate in other duties assigned including, but not limited to, snow removal, festivals and event staffing, special projects, and overtime as needed. Your leadership will be crucial in fostering a collaborative environment and promoting our mission.
About Us
Lauritzen Gardens is a living museum of unique four-season plant displays, maintained to the highest standards consistent with environmental stewardship. It provides memorable educational and aesthetic experiences for all. If you feel passionate about the importance of people making connections with plants and the value of Lauritzen Gardens to the community, then we may have an opportunity for you. Lauritzen Gardens is a nonprofit, Equal Opportunity Employer that welcomes dynamic and energetic professionals to join its team.
Duties & Responsibilities
• Hands-on job and must be able to lift 50 pounds safely and work in all extremes of weather.
• Must be willing to use fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides with the label stated safety precautions and attain an applicator’s license within 12 months of start date.
• Operate small engine equipment safely.
• Cleans and uses hand tools and equipment responsibly.
• Display commitment to excellence and keen eye for detail.
• Ability to apply best horticulture practices for plant health and display aesthetics.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and mathematical skills for research, recordkeeping, and problem-solving skills.
• Continuous communication and/or interaction with staff, volunteers, visitors, and management.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the horticulture team as well as understand and interpret instructions to work effectively and efficiently with minimal supervision.
Education and Experience
• Must have 3 years or more of grounds care experience (required).
• Valid driver’s license (required).
• Current pesticide applicators license (categories 01 & 04) (preferred).
• Previous experience in garden or grounds maintenance (required).
• Ability to operate various types of hand and power operated tools and equipment utilized in all phases of ground care duties (lawn mowers, backpack sprayers, weed eaters, etc.) (required).
• Previous experience and knowledge of irrigation systems and maintenance (preferred).
• Possess flexibility and time management.
• Pest and disease identification and treatment skills. IPM experience is a plus.
• Must have organizational, multi-tasking, and year-ahead planning skills.
Application Instructions
If you are interested in this position, please send your cover letter and resume to the HR Manager, Shawna Knoop, at s.knoop@omahabotanicalgardens.org.
Application Deadline:May 16, 2025
