Floral Designer

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library encompasses an unrivaled museum of American decorative arts in its mansion and galleries and a magnificent 60-acre naturalistic garden—all set on 1,000 gorgeous acres.

Winterthur employs a wide array of positions in the areas of curatorial, horticulture, education, conservation, library, maintenance, marketing, development, technology, and administration.

Winterthur offers a unique and rewarding experience that is rich in culture and natural beauty. Winterthur considers its employees and volunteers to be among its greatest assets and welcomes applications from candidates who will contribute their specific skills to its mission “to inspire, enlighten, and delight all of its visitors while preserving and enhancing [Winterthur]” and also uphold its core values of agility, excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusion, and transparency.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The floral designer is an integral part of the Winterthur floral team. The designer creates custom floral arrangements for the museum displays and public reception areas year round, according to parameters set by the Floral Supervisor and Interpretive Team. As requested, the designer will create floral displays for museum events and provide wedding work and installation. The designer is trained specifically for working in and around objects in the Museum’s collection, demonstrating the utmost consideration for the safety of them.  The designer must make daily judgements as to the health of floral arrangements to protect the of the Museum’s objects.  The designer must demonstrate skill in specialty seasonal work, especially for the Yuletide season and events.   On scheduled days, the designer will care for, maintain, and groom all floral arrangements in the Museum and public areas, plants in the Conservatory, and seasonal displays.  At times, the floral designer will assist with floral classes or demonstrations.

Compensation: $15.99 per hour

Benefits: 403b with employer match for eligible employees; discounts in the museum store and cafe; free general admission for you and your immediate family

Work Schedule:  Variable; approximately 10 hours per week, primarily 8:30 AM – 11 AM

Responsibilities:

1. Work with flowers in the collection using Care and Handling protocols set by museum curators.
2. Custom design and handle floral arrangements for display on the estate.
3. Care for maintain, and groom flower arrangements and plants in the Museum and public areas.
4. Design, install, and maintain large displays at Yuletide and other times of the year.
5. Process flowers in the method required for each variety.
6. Receive and prep plants and flowers, clean containers and tools, and keep floral spaces clean.
7. Perform other floral duties as assigned, including wedding and event work, and  assist in floral classes and demonstrations.

Requirements

Minimum Experience: 3 years of floral design experience and proven experience creating floral arrangements and 1-3 courses in floral design or horticulture.

Preferred Experience: 3-5 years floral design experience and proven experience creating floral arrangements, event, holiday and wedding work with 3-5 courses in floral design or horticulture

Knowledge/Skills:

1. Must be able to demonstrate Care and Handling training while working in the Museum.
2. Proven skills in creating original floral designs in a variety of styles using both fresh and artificial material.
3. Able to assess the health of a flower arrangement on a daily basis.
4. Must be able to differentiate the various types of floral and plant materials.
5. Must be able to interact with the public.
6. Able to process information received verbally or in written form and reconstruct this information in creating and maintaining floral décor.
7. Must have a flexible schedule and be able to work weekends, evenings, and some holidays. Must be able to work extra hours during Yuletide setup and other times, as needed

Essential Functions:

1. Must be able to lift arrangements that are up to 40 lbs. from a cart to a counter-top and lift buckets and bins of floral materials up to 40 lbs.
2. Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a safe driving class and be able to drive a golf cart.
3. Must have ability to walk up and down 2 flights of stairs.
4. Ability to ascend and descend an eight foot ladder