Klehm Arboretum Jobs (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY

This temporary position is 32-40 hours per week and provides hands-on support for late-season garden and grounds maintenance and for the installation, operation, and removal of Klehm's fall and holiday events, including Eerie Autumn Lights and Christmas at Klehm. The employee will work closely with the Executive Director, Facilities Manager, other staff, and volunteers to keep the property attractive, safe, and event-ready. Duties will shift with seasonal and event needs. This temporary position begins work upon hiring and concludes on November 25, 2026

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain gardens, landscaped areas, and grounds through watering, weeding, planting, pruning, deadheading, raking, mulching, leaf cleanup, and other seasonal tasks.
• Assist with fall garden cleanup, removal of annual plantings, winter preparation, and protection or storage of seasonal materials.
• Perform general grounds cleanup, including litter, brush, leaf, and debris removal.
• Install, test, maintain, and remove seasonal lighting and decorations, including string lights, floodlights, extension cords, signage, props, and related event elements.
• Assist with preparing and resetting event areas, including moving tables, chairs, barricades, decorations, supplies, and other equipment.
• Provide event support as assigned during Eerie Autumn Lights and Christmas at Klehm, which may include monitoring event areas, replenishing supplies, responding to basic operational needs, light cleaning, and assisting guests or volunteers.
• Safely use hand tools, ladders, carts, and approved power equipment after training.
• Interact with visitors, volunteers, vendors, and coworkers in a polite, helpful, and positive manner.
• Work cooperatively as part of a team while also completing assigned tasks independently.
• Assist with light janitorial and other grounds, facilities, or event duties as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED equivalent, or current enrollment in a program leading to a GED equivalent.
• Dependable attendance and the ability to follow instructions, work safely, and adapt as priorities change.
• Availability for evening and weekend shifts during scheduled events in October and November.
• Gardening, landscaping, grounds maintenance, facilities, event setup, or similar hands-on experience is preferred but not required.
• Valid driver's license and experience operating utility carts or similar equipment are preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions unless doing so would create an undue hardship or direct threat. The position regularly requires standing and walking for extended periods; bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, climbing, and working with the hands; and frequently lifting or moving up to 40 pounds. The employee must be able and willing to climb and work from a ladder for lighting and decorating tasks and to safely operate assigned tools and equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed outdoors and indoors in changing weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, mud, and low-light conditions. Event work may continue after dark and may involve working around cords, lighting equipment, vehicles, crowds, and uneven terrain.

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a 155-acre public garden and outdoor museum open to visitors year-round. Hosting more than 30,000 annual visitors, Klehm serves as one of Rockford’s signature outdoor attractions and a hub for environmental education, horticulture, and community events. The Arboretum is a member of both the American Public Gardens Association and the American Horticultural Society’s Reciprocal Admissions Program, making it a recognized tourism destination that draws guests from across Illinois and surrounding states. Its accessible facilities, regional programs, and nationally affiliated memberships strengthen its visibility and credibility within the broader public-garden tourism network. The Arboretum serves as a key regional destination for outdoor recreation and cultural tourism within five miles of downtown Rockford, an area offering full visitor services including hotels, restaurants, retail, and entertainment venues.