Turn Your Passion for the Outdoors into a Career

ABOUT US

Do you come alive on the trail? Love hiking, birdwatching, camping, or simply spending your days surrounded by nature? If the idea of wearing hiking boots to work, spotting wildlife during your lunch break, and being part of a collaborative, mission-driven team excites you, then Boyce Thompson Arboretum may be the perfect place for you.

Founded in 1924 by mining pioneer William Boyce Thompson, Boyce Thompson Arboretum is Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden. Situated on 374 breathtaking acres at the base of Picket Post Mountain and bordering the Tonto National Forest in Superior, Arizona, the Arboretum offers a truly unique work environment unlike any other.

Our living collection showcases extraordinary plants from the world's deserts and arid regions alongside the native beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Every day brings opportunities to experience nature firsthand, with miles of scenic trails, spectacular mountain views, and abundant wildlife throughout the grounds. It's not unusual to encounter javelina, bobcats, roadrunners, hummingbirds, and a variety of native and migratory birds while working and exploring the Arboretum.

As an independent nonprofit organization, we're united by a shared passion for conservation, education, horticulture, and creating meaningful experiences for our visitors. We value teamwork, stewardship, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Located just 30 minutes from Mesa and one hour from downtown Phoenix, Boyce Thompson Arboretum offers the opportunity to build a rewarding career while enjoying the beauty, adventure, and tranquility of the Arizona outdoors.

If you're looking for more than just a job—and want to be part of a community that inspires connection with nature every day—we'd love to hear from you.

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for cleaning, custodial maintenance, and providing guests with a clean and safe environment.

The Custodian is responsible for the overall care and cleanliness of all buildings and structures; both public and private, at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. In addition, the custodian is responsible for ensuring that the grounds are clean and free of garbage and debris.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform daily and weekly cleaning and custodial maintenance of all buildings, facilities, and grounds according to the set schedule 
• Uphold high standards of cleanliness as outlined in the custodial expectations document 
• Monitor inventory levels of cleaning supplies and report anticipated outages to purchasing staff 
• Undertake special and deep cleaning tasks such as carpet cleaning, scrubbing walls, and deep cleaning of various surfaces to prolong the facility's life. 
• Trash removal from offices, buildings, parking lots, trails, grounds area, and frontage road as assigned and when needed.
• Use the leaf blower to clear debris from the paved areas of the Visitor’s Center and other garden walkways and areas as needed and directed by the supervisor.
• Remove cobwebs and dust from all structures which include buildings, pavilions, greenhouses and other assigned areas.
• Assist in the set-up and tear-down of all BTA events and meetings, which includes both internal and external activities.
• Performing all tasks in accordance with safe workplace practices, and OSHA standards and in alignment with training received from the supervisor. 
• Assist Horticulture and Facilities as needed on special projects to keep the garden clean and well-maintained as assigned by the supervisor. This includes teamwork days.
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma, GED, or HSED
• 1 year of custodial experience preferred
• Must hold a valid Driver's License

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong communication skills and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate efficiently and effectively to various audiences
• Knowledge of OSHA standards and State and Federal laws regarding workplace safety 
• Must be available to work a minimum of one day of the weekend each week and occasionally evenings for events.   

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical abilities and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to occasionally perform work outside in extreme weather conditions.  Summer temperatures may exceed 110 degrees F. 
• Ability to communicate with fellow staff, applicants, stakeholders, visitors, and donors. Communication will include one-to-one, small, and large group communication. Communications need to be in English. Communication means both written and oral communication.
• Ability to work in a standing position for up to 8 hours at a time.
• This position will also require the ability to stand, bend, crouch, walk, lift, and carry.  
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with assistance.  
• Must have the ability to walk short distances and move throughout the arboretum office and grounds, occasionally traverse uneven terrain and hiking conditions, and perform repetitive movement of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Fully functional vision is required to perform essential duties of the position (prescription lenses are acceptable).