Job Description: This is not a summer mowing job. You must have previous experience with skilled gardening and knowledge of native and non-native plants.

As the lead horticulturist you will manage and improve our 7-acre prairie, native gardens, perennial flower gardens, shrubs, trees and lawn. This include monitoring the health of all plants and grounds, adding additional gardens, trimming trees and shrubs, weeding gardens and answering any guest's questions about our gardens. You will also be responsible for managing and directing other staff members in assisting in gardening tasks.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• • To keep the grounds at Crystal Cave appealing to our guests.

• • Manage and plant shrubs, trees, bulbs, grass, perennials and native plants. 

• • Manage and direct proper watering of plants, trees and grass when needed.

• • Deadhead flowers, weed, and manage all gardens.

• • Operate vehicles and powered landscaping equipment. 

• • Direct other staff members to assist in gardening tasks. 

• • Will be required to work various shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays.

• • Enjoy working with the general public and school groups.

• • Have excellent verbal communication skills, ability to be pleasant, confident and engaging.

• • Must be committed to having fun at work and encouraging our guests to do the same during their visit. 

• • Assist visitors in the gift shop, picnic area, other attractions including mini golf and gem panning.

Minimum Requirements:

• • Master Gardener training preferred but not required.

• • Have previous experience with skilled grounds keeping and knowledge of native and non-native plants.

• • Be able to use a variety of gardening tools/equipment.

• • Must be in good physical condition to be able to descend and ascend several flights of stairs and ramps several times each day, stand for extended periods of time, lift a minimum of 30 pounds, use landscaping equipment.
    

• • Able to learn and understand basic geology, biology and conservation of caves.

• • Will be required to work various shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays.

• • Must be able to pass criminal background checks.

Out of State Applicants: Crystal Cave has a limited number of fully furnished, non-smoking rooms available for staff housing! If you require housing please contact us for more information and availability.

Job Description:
The assistant manager is responsible for assisting with the day-to-day running of gift shop, minigolf, cave tours, and grounds at Crystal Cave. The assistant manager will ensure that excellent customer care standards are met through the supervising of staff and meeting the objectives of Crystal Cave. Managers will also be able to provide an educational yet entertaining (scripted) one hour tour of Crystal Cave as need; training is provided.

The successful candidate must have prior experience managing staff, preferable in a retail, restaurant, hospitality, zoo,  or science center.  No previous experience with caves is needed.

The position will work some weekends during our season. This is a full time, year-round position. Even though we are closed to the general public and groups during the winter our main offices are open year-round. We are flexible for winter vacations.

 Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• • Willingness to learn about the scientifically accepted facts of geology, biology, and conservation.

• • Previous geology background is not required as training is provided.

• • Assist in supervising tour staff, assist in training.

• • Assist in supervising gift store staff, and assist in managing our gift store.

• • Communicate job expectations, assign jobs and tours to staff and evaluate job results.

• • Liaison with schools and summer camps.

• • Assist at ticket counter / retail POS

Secondary Duties:

• • To conduct an informative, educational and entertaining tour of Crystal Cave (comprehensive training in provided).

• • Assist in the general maintenance and upkeep of the grounds, gift shop and cave.

• • Perform other tasks as identified by Executive Director or General Manager

Minimum Requirements:

• • At least two years previous experience managing staff, preferable in a retail, restaurant, hospitality or science center.

• • High degree of organizational skills

• • Enjoy working with the general public and school groups.

• • Have excellent verbal communication skills, ability to be pleasant, confident and engaging.

• • Must be in good physical condition to be able to descend and ascend several flights of stairs and ramps several times each day, stand for extended periods of time, lift a minimum of 30 pounds.

• • Comfortable underground.

• • Available daily (including weekends and holidays)

• • Must be able to pass background checks.

• • Job Type: Full-time

Out of State Applicants: Crystal Cave has a limited number of fully furnished, non-smoking rooms available for staff housing! If you require housing please contact us for more information and availability.

The minimum age for working at Crystal Cave is 16.

You can fill out this online application (pressed link on online application).

Please email us at hr@acoolcave.org to let us know you are looking for return employment. 

We operate 7 days a week, including holidays. Since we are a tourist attraction all shifts typically start mid-morning and are usually 6 to 8 hours in length.

Are you a college student? We have flexible scheduling and we can work around class schedules.

 If you would like to talk to us about the possibility of working around your current school schedule or other scheduling questions please call us at 715-778-4414 or email hr@acoolcave.org.

Yes, the cave is open on all holidays between April and October. However, shift are in the middle of the day so you will have plenty of time to enjoy a holiday party or 4th of July fireworks after work.

Yes, we offer flexible start and end dates to accommodate school year end and start dates. Students in school can also choose to only work during the weekend in the spring and fall as well.

Yes, we offer internships for a variety of areas of study including geology, environmental sciences, tourism and hospitality, biology, theatre and outdoor education. Be sure to contact us for additional information on our internships.

The staff housing is individual rooms in fully furnished houses. We would be happy to discuss the staff housing and availably with you in more detail.

We are happy to answer any questions that you may have about working at Crystal Cave. Please email or call us.