Explore a Career with Lauritzen Gardens

Explore a Career with Lauritzen Gardens
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Turf Specialist

About Our Organization

Lauritzen Gardens, acclaimed as the Best Attraction in the 2025 Omaha Metropolitan Area Tourism Awards and voted #5 by USA Today for Top Botanical Gardens in the United States, is home to 100 acres of horticultural displays showcasing the diverse Nebraska landscape. Lauritzen Gardens is a non-profit organization that provides conservation efforts across the Great Plains, practices and promotes thoughtful and ecologically minded horticulture practices, creates educational and inspirational experiences, and offers a year-round schedule of tours, programs, and workshops that explore, explain, and celebrate the world of plants. Lauritzen Gardens is dedicated to upholding its exceptional standards and providing joyful experiences for its visitors.

Job Summary

The Turf Specialist supports the mission of Lauritzen Gardens by maintaining the health, safety, and aesthetic quality of the garden's outdoor spaces, landscapes, turf, and hardscape areas. This role ensures that all grounds and facilities are well-kept, inviting, and safe for guests, while preserving the integrity of plant collections and natural resources.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Perform routine grounds maintenance, including mowing, edging, trimming, watering, raking, and leaf/blower operations.
  • Care for turf, pathways, and hardscape areas to maintain a clean, attractive, and safe visitor experience.
  • Assist in seasonal landscaping tasks such as mulching, planting, soil preparation, pruning, and removal of invasive species.
  • Support integrated pest management (IPM) practices, applying fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides as directed.
  • Operate and maintain all types of turf equipment, including zero-turn mowers, aerators, sprayers, and smaller gas equipment.
  • Remove debris, manage composting/recycling of organic materials, and support sustainability practices.
  • Assist with snow/ice removal and storm clean-up as required.
  • Treat and control invasive plants throughout the gardens.
  • Collaborate with horticulture staff, volunteers, and contractors to support garden events, exhibits, and public programs.
  • Ensure compliance with safety protocols and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Provide excellent customer service when interacting with visitors, volunteers, or staff in the garden.
  • Willing and able to work outdoors in all weather conditions at all times of the year; the majority of work for this position is performed outside.
  • Ability to conduct repetitive, moderate to strenuous physical activity in the field and lift up to 50 pounds.

Education & Experience

  • High school diploma or equivalent required; vocational training in horticulture, turf management, or related field preferred.
  • Valid driver's license required.
  • 1-3 years of experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, or horticultural maintenance; public garden, park, or campus experience desirable.
  • Knowledge of turf care, plant care, and grounds equipment.
  • Ability to safely 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.).
  • Previous experience and knowledge of irrigation systems and maintenance preferred.
  • Pest and disease identification and treatment skills/IPM experience is a plus.
  • Ability to work outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks.
  • Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Commitment to environmental stewardship and the mission of Lauritzen Gardens.

Work Environment

  • Outdoor environment with exposure to weather, noise, dust, pollen, and chemicals.
  • Flexible schedule required, including some weekends, evenings, and holidays in support of garden events and seasonal needs.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive hourly wage based on experience.
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance.
  • Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance.
  • Voluntary Life Insurance.
  • 401(k) with matching employer contributions up to 4% annually.
  • Paid Sick Time.
  • Accrued Vacation Time.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Employee Discount.
  • Lauritzen Gardens Membership.

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Do you have at least 1-3 years of experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, or horticulture maintenance?

Are you able to lift up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation?

Are you comfortable working outdoors with exposure to various weather conditions year round?

Are you able to work some weekends, evenings, and holidays to support garden or seasonal events?

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