Employment Opportunities at Powell Gardens
Thank you for your interest in joining Powell Gardens’ team. Job descriptions and application requirements are listed below.
Exhibitions
This full-time position is responsible for all exhibitions at Powell Gardens. A strategic thinker, long range planner, project manager, multi-tasker with the ability to move teams forward under critical deadlines, this crucial role will develop and execute a vibrant, cross-disciplinary exhibitions program. The Manager will initiate, develop and manage all exhibitions from the smallest to the largest in a range of media with specific focus on horticulture, art and festival display. From proposal to delivery, the Manager will oversee all teams through planning, development, implementation and evaluation. This position will be focused on attracting and serving a diverse population of new and existing audiences; delivering mission-based exhibitions that include interpretation, events and programming; and partnering with other institutions when applicable.
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Tabitha Schmidt, CEO and President, at tschmidt@powellgardens.org.
Horticulture
This position is responsible for helping with the horticultural design, installation, display and maintenance of the Kauffman Memorial Garden and designated areas of the Kauffman Foundation. The highest quality and execution should be focused on design maintenance and development, installation and supervision of these areas providing the visitor with a premier display garden experience.
To apply, complete the online application form below or email resume to Susan Mertz, Director of Horticulture, at smertz@powellgardens.org.
This position is under the supervision of the area horticulturist and is responsible for the overall horticultural management, installation, display and maintenance of the Core Gardens. The highest quality and execution should be focused on design maintenance and development and installation of these various areas providing the visitor with impactful moments at Powell Gardens.
To apply, complete the online application form below.
This position is responsible for the overall horticultural management of natural lands including hiking trail, parking lot arboretum, trees, waters and natural lands surrounding the Core Gardens, Visitor Center, Children’s Garden, and Heartland Harvest Garden at Powell Gardens. The highest quality and execution should be focused on maintenance and development areas providing the visitor to Powell Gardens a setting for a botanical garden experience.
To apply, complete the online application form below or email resume to Susan Mertz, Director of Horticulture, at smertz@powellgardens.org.
Interns will have the opportunity to sample a variety of horticultural specialties including seasonal displays, aquatic, and grounds/natural resources. And assist with seasonal exhibits and festivals.
Interns will gain insight, skills and mentorship through widely diverse gardens and grounds. Interns will rotate through these diverse gardens working with the horticulture supervisors and their teams. Interns will be invited to meet and learn from other non-horticulture professionals at the Garden including administration, education and development. The goal of the internship is to be exposed to the diverse specializations within horticultural sciences, theory and practice, and instill a passion for public gardens.
Powell Gardens strives for excellence with horticultural display and impact on visitor experience, emphasizing the quality of collections, materials, function, and design. By maintaining exemplary standards of horticultural care, we reflect this commitment to excellence, ensure the optimal health of our living collections, and create a landscape of enduring beauty giving a positive impact on visitor experience.
Students interested in the internship must submit a cover letter addressing the following to Susan Mertz, smertz@powellgardens.org:
- Why are you interested in the internship and what do you expect to gain from the experience?
- What are your career goals?
- What four areas of horticulture are you currently most interested? (Choose from: aquatic, edibles, turf/grounds, natural resources, production, design/display, other)
- If you are seeking credit, how many hours do you need? Attach a course description to the application.
- Resume
- Three references: professional, academic, and/or personal
Working for Powell Gardens, interns will have the opportunity to sample a variety of horticultural specialties including assisting with the overall horticultural design, installation, display and maintenance of a landscape primarily focused on edible plants.
Interns will gain insight, skills and mentorship through widely diverse gardens and grounds. Interns will be invited to meet and learn from other non-horticulture professionals at the Garden including administration, education and development. The goal of the internship is to be exposed to the diverse specializations within horticultural sciences, theory and practice, and instill a passion for public gardens.
Students interested in the Heartland Harvest Garden internship must submit a cover letter addressing the following to Susan Mertz, Director of Horticulture, at smertz@powellgardens.org:
- Why are you interested in the internship and what do you expect to gain from the experience?
- What are your career goals?
- What four areas of horticulture are you currently most interested?
- If you are seeking credit, how many hours do you need? Attach a course description to the application.
- Resume
- Three references: professional, academic, and/or personal
Human Resources
Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, this position is charged with the development and implementation of Human Resource policies and programs designed to acquire and develop top talent, build leadership and organizational capability and champion culture, values and diversity that will enable the organization to achieve our objectives and deliver on our value proposition. He/she will be responsible for implementing components to the 2019-2022 Strategic Plan.
To apply, send a resume and cover letter to Daren Fristoe, Human Resources, at dfristoe@powellgardens.org.
Property & Facilities
This position is responsible for the custodial care of the Powell Gardens campus. The primary role of this
position is to maintain the cleanliness of public and staff areas of the garden campus, provide support for special vents (setup and tear-down), order supplies and vending materials.
To apply, complete the online application below.
Visitor Experience
The Visitor Experience Representative sets the tone for the visitor experience by direct interaction with guests in various capacities. The position will report to the Operations Coordinator and take direction from the Visitor Experience Lead.
Duties include processing admissions in a timely manner; communicating current/upcoming events to the public; taking initiative to increase membership enrollments; providing guidance and direction to guests; accurately processing POS and inventory transactions; following proper opening/closing procedures pertaining to POS and cash reporting procedures, answering incoming calls then directing, returning and forwarding calls to the appropriate departments; maintaining the Welcome Desk with various media; communicating Powell Garden rules to visitors when necessary; providing support to staff with various projects and duties as assigned; and adhering to all Human Resources rules regarding attendance and timecard procedures and dress code
To apply, complete the online application at the end of this page.
Provides efficient, friendly professional bar service to Powell Gardens’ event guests. Bartenders are an important part of the enjoyable atmosphere at special events and act as ambassadors to the Gardens.
Those interested in the bartender position should complete the online application at the end of this page.
Online Application
Apply for open positions by using digital application form. See individual job posting for application details.