Campus Operations Coordinator (Part-time)
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is seeking a part-time Campus Operations Coordinator to help keep the Garden welcoming, safe, organized, and ready for visitors and events. This hands-on position supports campus readiness, routine maintenance, room setup and breakdown, seasonal grounds needs, and the upkeep of indoor and outdoor public spaces.
The ideal candidate is proactive, dependable, detail-oriented, and comfortable responding to changing priorities. Previous facilities, maintenance, groundskeeping, hospitality, or event-venue experience is preferred. Candidates must be able to perform physical work indoors and outdoors, including lifting and carrying 50 or more pounds.
Hours are primarily focused on weekends and evenings, with occasional holiday availability required.
To perform this role successfully, the individual must be able to carry out each essential duty satisfactorily and perform other duties as assigned.
Campus Readiness:
- Maintain clean, orderly, and well-presented indoor and outdoor spaces, with particular attention during high-traffic times such as weekends and events.
- Monitor public areas and address immediate needs to ensure a positive visitor experience.
- Empty trash and recycling receptables – indoors and outdoors – as needed to prevent overflow.
- Restock restroom supplies and support general restroom upkeep.
General Maintenance & Repairs
- Perform routine maintenance tasks such as replacing lightbulbs, completing minor repairs, and basic troubleshooting.
- Assist in identifying and reporting facility or grounds issues requiring additional attention. Support upkeep of public-facing equipment and furnishings.
Event & Operational Support:
- Assist with room flips, event set-up, and breakdown to ensure spaces are ready, functional, and aligned with event needs.
- Collaborate with internal teams to support smooth transitions between daily operations and special events.
- Support seamless transitions between public visitation, educational programming, private rentals, and special events.
- Assist with room rests and operational readiness to maximize effective use of campus spaces.
Hospitality Support:
- Monitor the visitor environment and proactively identify opportunities to improve comfort, cleanliness, accessibility, and overall presentation.
- Provide friendly, helpful assistance to visitors and guests as appropriate.
- Support the Botanical Garden team in creating a welcoming environment through the campus.
Seasonal & Grounds Support:
- Assist with snow and ice mitigation to maintain safe access for visitors, staff, and volunteers
- Support basic turf care and outdoor upkeep as needed
- Help maintain cleanliness and readiness of outdoor visitor spaces.
Safety & Stewardship
- Follow established safety {procedures and contribute to a safe environment for staff and visitors
- Use tools, equipment, and supplies responsible and effectively
- Support a culture of care, stewardship, and pride in the Garden’s spaces
Qualifications:
- Prior experience in facilities, maintenance, groundskeeping, or similar hands-on work preferred.
- Previous experience supporting hospitality, visitor attractions, museums, hotels, event venues, parks, or similar public-facing environments is desirable.
- General knowledge of basic maintenance and repair tasks.
- Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and respond to changing needs.
- Strong attention to details and commitment to maintaining high standards.
- Ability to lift and carry 50+ pounds and perform physical tasks in indoor and outdoor environments in all seasons.
- Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and occasional holidays.