About Us

As Kansas City’s Botanical Garden, Powell Gardens provides 175 acres of recreation, adventure, and

exploration. Established in 1988, Powell Gardens is a non-profit, public garden containing display gardens with

rotating botanical displays, notable plant collections, seasonal programming and events, a three-mile nature

trail, educational classes, art, architecture, breathtaking views, and more.

We believe our team members are our most important asset. By building strong relationships with each other,

we can ensure that our guests have the best possible experience. If you love working in a beautiful setting and

want to leave your mark in the gardening world, Powell Gardens is the place for you! Experience our beautiful

gardens and join our team of experts.

Summary

The turf technician is responsible for the overall display, ongoing improvements, and maintenance of the turf

at Powell Gardens. The highest quality and execution should be focused on turf care providing visitors to

Powell Gardens with a setting for a botanical garden experience. Not an entry-level position, experience

operating, basic mechanical maintenance, and following safety protocols while operating lawn maintenance

equipment including zero-turn and four-wheel drive mowers is required. Turf, weed, tree and plant knowledge

are preferred. The State of Missouri Commercial Pesticide Applicators License is required within 60 days of

acceptance of this position. The ability to work independently or part of a team is a must.

Essential Functions

Display
We strive 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.

• Maintenance of turf in gardens as assigned including zero-turn mowing, four wheel drive

• Weekly trimming in the production greenhouse zone.
• Create and implement lawn improvement projects in high impact areas.
• Implement thoughtful strategies for lawn and garden maintenance allowing for the least amount

of impact to the visitor experience.

• Maintain a high level of quality, efficiency, and safety.

• Garden maintenance tasks as assigned by Lead Horticulturists.
• Trail improvement projects as assigned by Natural Resources team.

Turf Care and Quality

• Coordinate and communicate with Dave Chastain, Senior Gardener, and Susan Mertz, Director

• Identify grass types, weeds, lawn diseases and pests.
• Apply lawn fertilizer and pesticides.

• Mix chemicals according to directions.
  

Equipment Care and Maintenance Perform basic maintenance tasks including checking and refilling oil and fuel. Inspect and

communicate concerns and needs with the maintenance department in a timely manner
allowing enough lead time to manage issues.

Other Duties

Seasonal Festivals and Exhibitions

• The horticulture team is an integral part of planning, designing, installing, and tearing down

Experience/Education

• High School Diploma or GED Required

• Lawn Care Maintenance and Turf Improvement

• Operating zero-turn mower, four wheel drive mower, push mower, trimmer, edger, and leaf blower
  

Knowledge

• Turf improvement

• Turf treatment of problems and pests.

• Operate necessary garden equipment and vehicle.

• Valid driver’s license.
  

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

Must be able to lift 40 lbs; accomplish strenuous work on an ongoing basis in various weather conditions,

including extreme heat and cold; must have dexterity and be able to mow and groom the property following

safety standards; ability to work evenings, holidays and weekends as required.

Benefits

Medical/Dental/Vision

403b Plan

Employer Paid Life Insurance

Employer Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance

Generous PTO Plan

To Apply

Applicants interested in this position must submit the following to hr@powellgardens.org.

• Cover letter addressing the following:

• Resume

• Three references: professional, academic, and/or personal
  

To view all of our current openings, please go to www.powellgardens.org