What are the responsibilities and job description for the Field Station Assistant position at Holden Forests & Gardens?
Field Station Assistant
Campus Locations: David G Leach Research Station
Part-Time | Seasonal
Opportunity:
The Science & Conservation department seeks a part-time, seasonal Field Station Assistant. The Field Station Assistant will learn and apply traditional work-skills to assist in maintaining & improving living plant collections and research plots to further our research and conservation goals. This position is based at the David G Leach Research Station in Madison, OH, with rare work at Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, OH. The research station is a satellite campus of HF&G focused on rhododendron and azalea breeding and collections horticulture. With direction from the Rhododendron Collections Manager or Field Station Specialist, the Field Station Assistant applies mulch, prunes dead and diseased wood, waters new & established plantings, transplants and waters nursery plants, maintains turf and meadows, controls weeds and other pests, and performs other care and maintenance as needed. We are looking for a team member who wants to do meaningful work.
Position Details:
- Reports to the Rhododendron Collections Manager
- Non-Exempt
- 2-3 days a week, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, April through September
- $15.00/hour
- Great entry level position for anyone looking for work to gain experience in the green industry
Key Responsibilities:
Key responsibilities of the Field Station Assistant include but are not limited to:
- Supports Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission, vision, and values
- Manages turf and meadows through regular mowing
- Aids with general field and grounds maintenance including mulching, watering, pruning, planting, fertilizing, and spraying
- Maintains a safe and productive working environment for staff and visitors
- Safely operates a variety of machinery and equipment such as riding and push lawnmowers, motorized utility cart with dump body, tractor with bucket loader and fork attachments, cargo van, pick-up truck, chain saws, pruners, hand shears, pole pruners and saws, weed-whipper, sprayers, leaf blowers, and various wheeled carts
- Inspects and maintains large and small equipment to ensure safe operating condition, e.g., sharpening tools, mixing fuel, greasing fittings, and checking fluid levels
- Works cooperatively within a small team of full-time staff, interns, and volunteers
- Perform other duties as required by supervisor
Qualifications and Skills:
- Demonstrate a passion for people and nature
- At least 2 years of relevant experience in the green or related industry, preferred
- Ability and willingness to operate large and small power equipment and perform strenuous, hands-on work in all types of weather
- Experience with large mowers and tractors, a plus
- Ability and willingness to make pesticide applications as directed by licensed staff according to the pesticide label
- Ability to work effectively in a team and independently
- Ability to plan and communicate needs and actions to a team
- Positive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to participate within a multi-disciplinary team
- Maintain a valid driver's license and possess an acceptable driver’s record (of less than 3 points), required
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:
- Willing and able to operate small and large power equipment and perform strenuous, hands-on work year-round in all types of weather conditions
- Working outdoors or indoors where the ambient temperature spans 0-100 degrees Fahrenheit
- Transporting oneself by foot over a variety of terrain that may be wet, slippery, uneven and/or rocky.
- Standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, reaching, pulling, pushing, sitting, grabbing, lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs. on a repetitive basis daily
Some of the reasons Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) is a great place to work!
Work in a beautiful environment within Greater Cleveland | Discounts in our stores & cafes | Free parking at both campuses anytime we are open | Free admission to many Northeast Ohio Museums | Free Employee Assistance Program | And Much More!
Apply:
Qualified applicants should submit resume along with 3 professional references by Monday, February 16, 2026.
Holden Forests & Gardens is an equal opportunity employer and values an authentic sense of belonging at all levels of the organization, including staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and visitors. HF&G believes that working toward an equitable culture that values all perspectives enriches the work environment, helping achieve our goal to build a greener and healthier Northeast Ohio. We are working to create and sustain a supportive environment and sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds. HF&G promotes an equitable approach in its hiring, retention, and promotion; in Board recruitment efforts; and in community partnerships and programming.
Salary : $15