Responsibilities:

General grounds keeping and landscape maintenance
Trim hedges and plants to proper size and shape
Mow and edge lawn areas to maintain neat appearance
Apply correct amount of water and fertilizer to lawn
Prepare planting beds when needed
Transplant plants properly
Remove weeds from shrub/plant beds and apply correct amount of water and fertilizer
Groom the yards for visitors
Ability and desire to work in a strong team oriented environment
Other gardening duties as assigned

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

Knowledge of basic gardening skills
Able to move, lift, carry, push, pull and place objects weighing less than or equal to 80 pounds without assistance
Able to lift 50 pounds or more and be able to perform a variety of physical tasks including lifting heavy equipment, bending and stooping
Must be able to follow verbal and/or written instructions and work with minimal supervision
Must have a valid Texas driver’s license
Able to use hand and power tools
Able to withstand exposure to adverse weather and temperature conditions
Strong team orientation

Education and Experience:

Two (2) or more years of experience in a horticultural field such as landscape installation, grounds maintenance, plant production or pest control are required.
Experience with commercial or institutional gardening desirable
Prefer experience with Houston area or southern gardens of comparable quality and plant materials

Working Conditions:

The position involves considerable physical exertion, such as regular climbing, lifting of heavy objects (up to 80 pounds) on a frequent basis and/or assuming awkward positions for long periods of time. There are routine exposures to significant levels of heat and cold temperatures and moisture. The position may involve use of and periodic exposure to fertilizers and other related chemical substances.

About the MFAH:

The MFAH is an organization comprised of 600+ employees and 1,000+ docents and volunteers. The museum is more than 100 years old and ranks nationally among the top 10 art museums in exhibition space, memberships, endowments, and attendance, with 1M visitors annually. Our multifaceted institution includes multiple gallery buildings, a sculpture garden, two art schools, three eateries and two house museums for decorative arts. The encyclopedic collection numbers more than 70,000 works of art in a wide range of media. As an employer, MFAH offers a supportive, collegial and inclusive work environment and a competitive benefits package.

Equal Opportunities for All

At the MFAH, we believe that diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity are fundamental to our organization. We welcome all candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our organization and our pledge for workplace diversity, inclusion, and excellence.

Our commitment to our policy and practice of nondiscrimination represents more than good intentions. It provides for employment decisions that are made without regard to race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law or any other reason unrelated to your ability to join and contribute to our organization and support our mission to provide a museum experience for all.

Research shows that individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.

The MFAH is equally committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals interested in employment with the organization. As part of this commitment, we want to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation needed to 1) participate in the job application or 2) interview process; 3) perform essential job functions; and/or 4) participate in the benefits and privileges of employment with the MFAH. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the human resources department: HR@mfah.org

Benefits:

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, offers an excellent benefits package that includes:

Medical Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through a choice of managed health care programs
Dental Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through two plan choices
Vision Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through a vision program
Group health, dental and vision insurance coverage available and effective the first of the month following employment with the MFAH for this role.
Life Insurance & AD&D: Employee coverage at no cost to the employee
Long Term Disability: Employee coverage at no cost to the employee

The MFAH provides a generous schedule for time off under the following benefit categories:

Paid Time Off - Used for absences from work such as vacation, illness of short duration, and personal reasons. Hours are accrued biweekly, based on employment status, length of service, and hours worked
Reserve Time Off - Used for extended illnesses. Employees accrue up to 6 days per year, up to a maximum of 120 days
Holidays - Full-time employees receive ten paid holidays per year
Volunteer Time Off - The MFAH supports activities that enhance and serve the communities in which we live and work. Employees receive up to 40 hours of paid time off annually to give back and volunteer.

Other Benefits

Staff may contribute to the MFAH Retirement Savings Plan. Eligible staff contributing to the plan may receive up to a 5% matching contribution from the MFAH after one year of service. (We also recognize prior nonprofit service which will provide for an accelerated employer match!)
MFAH Membership – Staff receive a free Family-level membership.
Discounts – Staff receive discounts on purchases at the Museum shop and all on campus eateries and the Glassell School of Art.

Compensation:

Salary will be commensurate with the applicant's experience and the needs and requirements expressed in the job description. The MFAH has set the pay range for this job and level as a general guideline and not a guarantee of the compensation amount or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, the needs and requirements expressed in the job description, as well as internal equity, and alignment with market data, and any related regulations or other laws.

Application Procedure

Qualified applicants should apply online, which will be the most effective way to ensure consideration.

Application materials should include a cover letter, your resume or CV, and if you prefer, a list of references will be accepted but not required at this early stage in the process.

Applications or letters of interest sent via mail, fax, or direct email to a staff member will not ensure consideration.

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

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