Philbrook Museum of Art is a vibrant cultural institution in Tulsa, Oklahoma that welcomes approximately 150,000 visitors each year. A 1920s Italianate Villa nestled in 25 acres of designed gardens, the Museum features selections from an actively growing collection of approximately 16,000 objects as well as a dynamic and ambitious program of rotating exhibitions. Philbrook is Oklahoma’s most comprehensive art museum and offers visitors a glimpse into a broad range of cultures, time periods, and perspectives. The diverse collection supports a vision of Philbrook as central to the lives of our community as a place for learning, inspiration, and fun. Through bold action and strategic investment, we create a space for new ideas, diverse perspectives, and social connection.

The Philbrook gardens were designed in 1926 by Hare and Hare, a landscape architecture firm from Kansas City, Missouri, and were completed in 1927. The formal gardens are largely styled after Italian gardens, known for their visual focal points. In keeping with the tradition of Renaissance villa gardens, the strongest geometrical designs are closest to the house. The formal patterns relax as the gardens move into the distance. A series of water elements define the gardens, signaling the transition from formal to informal spaces. The 25 acres include five major gardens, five smaller gardens, four historical structures, 17 works of art, and an urban forest numbering over 1,000 trees. The gardens were renovated in 2004. Since then bee hives, a Victory Garden (which provide fresh herbs and vegetables to our community), and a stained glass log cabin have been added to the garden.

Position Overview

Philbrook Museum of Art seeks applications for a Gardener. All levels of garden/landscape experience are encouraged to apply, as this position may be filled as an Assistant Gardener, Gardener, or Senior Gardener. The Garden is essential to the future of the Museum. The Gardener plays a vital role in the organization.

The Gardener is responsible for performing all aspects of day-to-day landscape operations including, but not limited to, mowing, edging, & trimming (primarily turf care from April-October),

landscape maintenance, operation and routine maintenance of power equipment, fertilizer and chemical applications, tree care, and irrigation repairs as directed by the Landscape Manager.

Essential Responsibilities

Turf Operations

• Perform mowing, edging, & trimming.
• Assist with aerating, fertilizer and chemical applications, and over-seeding.

Landscape Operations

• Maintain all landscaped areas and natural areas, conduct and record fertilizer and pesticide applications, apply Integrated Pest Management practices, operate landscape power equipment, and ensure garden cleanliness. Perform pruning, weeding, mulching, watering, general maintenance, and other task as assigned.
• Monitor plants for issues and report them to the Landscape Manager.
• Maintain and repair tools and equipment, irrigation system, and garden furniture and fixtures, as needed. Report equipment issues to the Landscape Manager.
• Remove leaves due to fall leaf drop and as needed throughout the gardens.
• Clean and remove debris, to include snow and ice from parking lots, walkways, and other paved areas.

Other Horticulture

• Assist the Horticulturists with planting/installing seasonal displays.
• Administrative
• Under leadership of the Landscape Manager, develop and achieve individual goals that contribute to the Horticulture Department’s short- and long-term plans consistent with Philbrook’s mission, vision, & strategic plan.

Customer Service and Safety

• Greet, interact with, and provide information to visitors.
• Maintain the security and integrity of the grounds.
• Follow safety policies and procedures. Keep everyone’s safety and experience at the forefront.
• Attendance
• Maintain prompt and reliable attendance in order to successfully perform the duties of the job.

Qualifications

Knowledge/Skill/Ability

• Knowledge and demonstrated skill in a range of landscape skills such as: landscape maintenance, operation and routine maintenance of power equipment, fertilizer and chemical applications, tree care, and irrigation repairs.
• Demonstrated ability to manage an assigned garden area preferred.
• Ability to lead volunteers and & interns preferred.
• Basic interpersonal communication skills required for visitor interaction.
• Must be able to meet physical demands and working conditions.
• Ability to repair small engines preferred.

Equivalent Education/Experience

• Experience working outdoors and in a garden/landscape, three to five years preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Possess or willing to obtain an ODA Pesticide technician’s license.

This position is expected to work full-time at 40 hours a week, Monday – Friday (with occasional weekend, holiday, and special event shifts), and an excellent benefits package is offered to include medical, dental, vision, FSA, 401(k), and PTO.

Philbrook is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. At Philbrook, we value a diverse and inclusive workforce. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Job details:

Full-time (40 hours per week) - Monday through Friday 

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurances offered 

Retirement Fund 

PTO & Sick Time

12 Holidays per year