Employment Opportunities
About Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a world-renowned leader in conservation, plant science, and environmental education. Spanning 83 acres, Fairchild is a living museum of rare tropical plants, a hub for cutting-edge research, and a cherished destination for beauty and inspiration. With a bold vision to transform all of South Florida into a thriving, interconnected garden, Fairchild promotes sustainable landscaping, native plant restoration, and community engagement. Through education, research, and outreach, Fairchild is shaping a greener, more resilient future for our region.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is an equal opportunity organization. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability. We do not tolerate hate or discrimination of any kind.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a Drug-Free workplace.
Facilities Project Manager
JOB TYPE: Full-Time
SALARY: Commensurate with experience
LOCATION: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Coral Gables, Florida
About the Position:
We are seeking a Facilities Project Manager to oversee multiple engineering and construction projects across our 83-acre campus. This role requires a sharp, proactive individual who can think strategically, coordinate efficiently, and keep projects moving with minimal disruption to Garden operations and visitor experiences.
Position Responsibilities:
- Manage construction, infrastructure, and facilities projects through completion.
- Work closely with contractors, engineers, and permitting agencies to ensure smooth operations.
- Identify and troubleshoot potential delays or challenges before they become problems.
- Monitor project progress, maintain schedules, and ensure work is completed efficiently.
- Coordinate with internal teams to minimize the impact of construction on daily activities.
- Keep accurate records of project details, contracts, and timelines.
- Sharp problem-solver who can anticipate challenges and address them proactively.
- Highly Organized and able to manage multiple projects at once.
- Strong communicator who can effectively coordinate with a variety of stakeholders.
- Quick thinker who can make decisions and adapt to changing conditions.
- Team player with a proactive approach to getting things done.
Qualifications:
- A background in civil engineering, construction management, architecture, or a related field (degree or coursework preferred).
- Familiarity with construction projects, permitting processes, and contractor coordination.
- A strong ability to learn, adapt, and think strategically.
- Prior experience managing projects is a plus but not required–we’re looking for the right mindset above all else.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods walking and standing.
- Must be able to lift, push, and/or pull up to 50 pounds.
- Must be able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
- Must be able to bend, stoop, climb, reach, and lift up to 40 pounds at a time.
- Fairchild offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development opportunities.
To apply please submit cover letter and resume to hr@fairchildgarden.org
Barista
JOB TYPE: Part-Time
SALARY: $16/hr.
LOCATION: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Coral Gables, Florida
About the Position:
Are you a coffee enthusiast with a flair for creating delightful experiences? Join our vibrant team at the Garden Bistro, nestled within the stunning Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden! We are on the hunt for a passionate and energetic Barista who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and loves to make every cup of coffee a memorable one.
Position Responsibilities:
- Craft Exceptional Coffee: Prepare and serve a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso, cappuccino, latte, and more, with precision and flair.
- Operate with Excellence: Master the art of coffee-making equipment and ensure everything is spotless and in top-notch condition.
- Be a Knowledge Ambassador: Learn about our products, promotions, and activities to share with guests. Stay informed about daily events and participate in morning update meetings.
- Provide Exceptional Service: Offer accurate and engaging information about the Garden and its programs. Resolve membership issues and assist with special orders. Sell tickets, merchandise, and memberships following The Shop at Fairchild’s Membership and Sales script.
- Customer Delight: Greet customers with a smile, take orders, and process payments efficiently.
- Keep It Sparkling: Maintain a clean and organized workspace that shines.
- Stock Up: Assist with inventory management and keep our supplies well stocked.
- Be the Go-To: Provide outstanding customer service and address any inquiries or concerns with a cheerful outlook.
- Stay Safe: Follow health and safety guidelines meticulously.
Ideal Candidate Qualities:
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills that make every interaction enjoyable.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
- A keen eye for detail and a commitment to deliver quality in every cup.
- Ability to stand and move around for extended periods.
Qualifications:
- Previous experience as a barista.
- Familiarity with coffee brewing techniques and equipment.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods walking and standing.
- Must be able to bend, stoop, climb, reach, and lift up-to 40 pounds at a time.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Employee discounts on food and beverages.
- Paid holidays, vacation, sick time.
- Opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.
- A friendly and supportive work environment where you can thrive.
To apply please submit cover letter and resume to hr@fairchildgarden.org
Retail and Admissions Associate
REPORTS TO: Retail & Shop Manager
JOB TYPE: Part Time
SALARY: $16/hr.
LOCATION: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Coral Gables, Florida
Position Description:
Retail Associates should be prepared to work as part of a team by being friendly, courteous, and respectful of fellow team members and expressing a positive attitude. They are expected to be active salespeople and provide exceptional guest services. Associates work with a sense of urgency within designated time frames in order to complete tasks and actively seek out new assignments. Associates should arrive on time and be ready to work at the start of their shift. Associates are expected to work standing and walking throughout their shift, but sitting or driving may also be included in the day’s tasks. They frequently lift up to 30 pounds, with occasional lifting up to 50 pounds, and are expected to climb ladders while holding merchandise. They are expected to work in both indoor and outdoor environments according to their assigned tasks for the day.
Job Responsibilities:
- Greeting, making eye contact, smiling, and starting conversations with all guests.
- Educating self about products in order to share this knowledge with guests. Educating self about Garden promotions, activities, and initiatives with the ability to express them to guests. Understanding and expressing all membership promotions, donation programs, and Shop sales. Educating self about daily activities and events as listed on the daily sheet or as received via email. Participating in daily morning update meetings.
- Selling tickets, merchandise, and memberships following The Shop at Fairchild’s Membership and Sales script.
- Providing accurate, factual, and engaging information about the Garden and its programs/initiatives.
- Resolving basic membership problems, referring complicated issues to the membership department.
- Preparing food and coffee, cleaning the food sales area, and stocking the food sales area following daily checklists.
- Answering phones in a friendly and welcoming way. Processing phone or special orders.
- Working on the sales floor when not busy at the register, either on assigned tasks or by seeking out new tasks.
- Assisting customers with items in the jewelry case, items in backstock, and heavy or bulky items.
- Following all cash handling and inventory control procedures of The Shop at Fairchild. Operating the cash register in an efficient and knowledgeable manner.
- Unpacking and verifying merchandise deliveries. Stocking shelves, including regularly rotating products. Restocking and straightening items on shelves. Putting backstock and understock away underneath displays and, in the closet, in a neat, organized, and efficient manner. Performing inventory counts as assigned.
- Building eye-catching, relevant, and timely merchandise displays.
- Resolving all guest complaints, involving a supervisor if necessary. Answering all guest questions, including researching answers and following up with guests.
- Welcoming group tours, processing the group quickly and efficiently, and directing group to their activities for the day.
- Working as part of the Visitor Services team by substituting in other areas of the department, including but not limited to Admissions Chalets, Group Tour Sales, South Gate, Reception, Information Desk, kiosk duty, shuttle and tram service, and Visitor Services volunteer supervision.
- Opening and closing store, and providing basic customer service resolution, in the absence of a manager.
- Other duties as assigned by your supervisor.
Requirements:
- Minimum 1-2 years’ experience in Retail Sales and/or Customer Service
- Hospitality experience a plus
- Strong project management skills
- Excellent problem-solving and organizational skills
- Excellent verbal and written comprehension and communication skills
- Ability to multi-task and maintain a calm demeanor in a stressful environment.
- Must be able to lift up to 30lbs.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Employee discounts on food and beverages.
- Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.
- Opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.
- A friendly and supportive work environment where you can thrive.
To apply please submit cover letter and resume to hr@fairchildgarden.org