Turf Specialist Downtown

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Turf Specialist

Department: Park Operations

Reports To: Grounds Supervisor

Location: Woldenberg Riverfront Park

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Date Revised: September 2025

Position Type: Full-time

Who We Are

Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and Audubon Wilderness Park

At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact. We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change. We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world. At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission. As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.

What You’ll Do

The Turf Specialist position works outdoors in public parks managed by Audubon Nature Institute and Is responsible for the care and maintenance of the lawns and grass In the downtown riverfront parks. Routine job tasks include lawn care such as mowing, string trimming, edging, repairing ruts and uneven areas, aerating the lawns, and applying fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides. The Turf Specialist will set and monitor their Irrigation systems and manually water as required. The position will follow annual turf maintenance schedules and will diagnose and treat lawn Issues Including weeds, pests, and nutrient needs. The Turf Specialist will properly use, maintain, and secure equipment such as leaf blowers, mowers, string trimmers, and vehicles.

The position works under the supervision of the Grounds Supervisor and may be assigned to work with volunteers, and Interns. The position will support the great needs of the Park Operations department and will support the general success of the parks as assigned Including providing customer service to all park guests, supporting engagement and education, ensuring the park Is clean and free of trash, and supporting event production and recovery.

Day to Day Responsibilities

• Mow lawns following best practices in frequency and height based on the grass type and time of year. String trim and edge grass and lawns. Ensure areas are maintained ahead of scheduled events.

• Apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides following best practices based on the grass type, time of year, and lawn purpose. Treat ant hills.

• Monitor irrigation systems and hand water as necessary.

• Support events including installing protective barriers and event perimeters and turf recovery measures.

• Maintain equipment including cleaning equipment after use, adjusting and sharpening blades, changing filters, checking tire pressure, and changing the oil.

• Adhere to safe and proper use of tools, PPE, equipment, and chemicals.

• Assist in group activities and special projects as needed.

Additional/Overall Skills:

• Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.

• Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience.

• Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.

• Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.

• The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

Must Haves:

• 2+ years in grounds, horticulture, or related field.

• Ability to identify common pests and weeds.

• Ability to use handheld gardening tools, such as shovels, rakes, and brooms.

• Ability to operate and maintain equipment such as hedgers, weed eaters, and blowers.

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• Strong verbal and interpersonal skills, ability to read and write

• Ability to operate vehicles such as golf carts and gas-powered utility vehicles

• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions

• Ability to engage with a diverse audience

• Affinity for nature and the outdoors

Nice-to-Haves:

• Louisiana Horticultural License

• Bachelors degree

• Computer literacy

• First aid/CPR training

Physical Requirements:

• Working 100% outdoors in the elements including hot, humid summers and cold, wet winters.

• Prolonged standing, walking, and climbing of stairs or ladders.

• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry objects up to 50 pounds.

• Frequent bending, crouching, twisting, and reaching.

• Manual dexterity to operate machinery or handle tools.

• Frequent use of vision and hearing to assess surroundings and job tasks.