MCCC / AmeriCorps – Conservatory – Belle Isle

Do you love the outdoors? Work with the DNR Parks and Recreation Division to gain hands-on experience in ecological restoration, forest health, horticulture or sign manufacturing. The Michigan Civilian Conservation Corps is a career training program geared toward those that want to learn what it's like to work in the natural resources field. MCCC members are limited term (6 months to a year) and can serve up to two years. No experience is required.

How to apply

Submit your resume, two references and the DNR's non-career employment application to the contact listed in the position you are interested. Applications are accepted year-round for positions of various lengths.

Conservatory – Belle Isle

The MCCC Conservatory Crew, based out of Belle Isle Park in Detroit, assists in the care of the extensive collection of plant specimens in four distinct plant houses, seasonal floral displays and formal gardens. Work benefits one of the historic and cultural icons in the city of Detroit. This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in plant care, floriculture and horticulture techniques and the maintenance of public gardens

• Plant specimen care including watering, pruning, fertilizing, weeding, dead heading and pest control.
• Regulate temperature and humidity of conservatory plant houses.
• Monitor and record plant conditions, treatments and general data such as temperature, humidity and watering.
• Carry out arrangement, set up and maintenance of formal flower showroom.
• Assist with care of Anna Scripps Whitcomb orchid collection and other greenhouse specimens.
• Layout and planting of annuals, bulbs, and perennials in formal gardens of conservatory and formal beds throughout the island.
• Maintain conservatory grounds and other formal landscaping on the island including pruning, weeding, irrigation and application of herbicide.
• Educate the public about the conservatory/park and the rules of the conservatory.
• Assist with and/or lead volunteers in conservatory work, landscape work and stewardship work inside the conservatory and across the island.
• General maintenance and daily care of the conservatory and grounds including removal of plant refuse, cleaning, washing windows, and removing trash.

Questions? Contact Jeremy Kemp, conservatory horticulturalist, at [email protected] or 313-821-9848.

Benefits, pay and hours

• Starting wage is $17/hour, plus educational award.
• The schedule is 10-hour days, Monday through Thursday. The position requires some overnight travel and weekend work.
• Earn paid leave for career development opportunities, paid school leave and paid personal leave.

Qualifications

• Must be a Michigan resident between 18 and 27 years of age (inclusive).
• Must have a high school graduate or have obtained a GED.
• Must be able to provide a government-issued ID (ie. valid driver's license) and social security card.
• Must undergo an NSOPW, criminal history check and, in some cases, an FBI fingerprint check prior to being considered.

Other specifications

• Willing to be away from home for the work week.
• Willing to use herbicides and pesticides (when applicable).
• Willingness to safely use power equipment, including clearing and chain saws (when applicable).
• Good physical condition to conduct long days of strenuous field work, often under adverse conditions in remote areas.
• Must pass a physical examination/fitness test, to work on prescribed burns.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.