Employment & Internships

Work for one of the most beautiful places in Nashville! Formerly the family home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, Cheekwood now serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and museum with period rooms and art galleries. Cheekwood’s mission is to stimulate the mind and nurture the spirit, for not only our visitors, but our staff as well.

We are currently seeking a Director of Facilities and Construction Management. Reporting to the Vice President of Gardens and Facilities, the Director of Facilities and Construction Management will direct and manage the design, planning, construction, repair, maintenance and custodial care of all historic and modern facilities and infrastructure on the 55-acre Cheekwood campus.

Primary Responsibilities:

• • Manages and oversees all levels of maintenance to structures, infrastructure and the fleet including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, as well as on-road and garden vehicles.
• • Initiates preventative and planned maintenance programs and evaluates facilities to identify short-term and long-term improvement needs; develops appropriate budgets and timelines for implementation plans.
• • Directs an efficient work order system and manages interdepartmental communications to ensure repairs of facilities, infrastructure, and equipment meet acceptable timelines.
• • Provides leadership, immediate supervision and management to the maintenance staff including development and assessment of the organizational structure needed to accomplish strategic goals.
• • Develops a team culture where everyone is motivated to achieve high standards of excellence and take pride in their role as critical to the successful operation of the institution.
• • Manages and oversees all contract services associated with facilities maintenance, custodial operations, and waste management to ensure timelines, budgets, and quality controls are met.
• • Manages and oversees preparation of spaces and setup for in-house meetings, rental events, and special events.
• • Organizes and manages direct support of internal fundraisers and garden exhibitions, especially Swan Ball, Harvest, and Holiday Lights.
• • Maintains safe, well-organized, and clean work areas and storage facilities, ensuring all equipment is inventoried, properly stored and in good working order.
• • Regularly evaluates the facilities condition index to prioritize deferred restoration and critical repairs.
• • Functions as the primary project manager in all phases of capital construction, renovation, and repairs.
• • Focuses project-related information flow to senior leadership to facilitate efficient decision-making.
• • Collaborates with operations teams and Senior Leadership to coordinate and ensure construction projects and facility maintenance activities accommodate the institution’s public and special event operations.
• • Ensures repairs and construction comply with applicable laws, building and safety codes and other regulations.
• • Develops, monitors, and assesses annual budget for maintenance, custodial, repairs, and capital building and garden projects, overseeing expenses and payment.
• • Motivates, trains and supervises interns and volunteers working in service of facilities management.
• • Insures adherence to safe workplace practices and procedures.
• • Attends weekly logistics meeting and other meetings as required.
• • Serves as an external representative of Cheekwood and engages members of the community and industry to exchange information and ideas to support individual and institutional growth.
• • Maintains a constant awareness of the guest experience and makes every reasonable effort to ensure the safety and comfort of all persons moving through the Garden.
• • Understands and upholds the Cheekwood Mission, Vision and Values and maintains great awareness and flexibility to accommodate and support organizational goals and operations.
• • Performs other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

• • Associates degree in architecture, engineering, or construction management or a minimum of five years of related practical experience in facilities and construction management.
• • Skilled in leading and challenging employees to achieve goals and foster team spirit.
• • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• • Multi-tasking and interpersonal communication skills.
• • Flexible scheduling.
• • Must regularly lift and or move up to 35 lbs. and occasionally lift and or move up to 50 lbs.

Benefits:

Cheekwood offers a comprehensive array of valuable benefits to full-time team members to protect health, family and way of life including Health Insurance with an HRA (Cheekwood pays 90% of the cost of one of the employee-only plans), Dental (Cheekwood pays a portion of the premium), Vision, Life Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood), Long Term Disability Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood), Voluntary Life Insurance, Short Term Disability Insurance, 403b (with a generous employer match offered), Employee Assistance Program, Paid Time Off and 11 Paid Holidays. Aflac products are also available.

Cheekwood follows CDC Covid-19 recommendations and has a voluntary vaccine policy.

Cheekwood is an equal opportunity employer

To apply for the Director of Facilities and Construction Management position click here.

Work for one of the most beautiful places in Nashville! Formerly the family home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, Cheekwood now serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and museum with period rooms and art galleries. Cheekwood’s mission is to stimulate the mind and nurture the spirit, for not only our visitors, but our staff as well.

We are currently seeking an Event Custodian. Reporting to the Housekeeping supervisor, the Event Custodian will be responsible for set ups, break downs, and supporting meetings and events. You will also be responsible for providing quality custodial services to assigned buildings.

Primary Responsibilities:

• • Responsible for setup and breakdown of tables and chairs for group meetings and events. Maintains a constant awareness of the site calendar in assigned buildings and areas.
• • Directly supports event staff with facility-related needs such as troubleshooting restroom fixtures, electrical circuits, and performing other minor corrections and repairs on-call or as needed.
• • Cleans by dusting, sweeping, mopping, washing, vacuuming, polishing, brushing, disinfecting, or scrubbing to maintain furniture, furnishings, floors, walls, windows, doors, and other surfaces.
• • Removes and properly disposes of trash and recyclables from indoor receptacles and directly support trash removal throughout the grounds.
• • Completes daily routines to maintain high standards in cleanliness as well as scheduled deep-cleaning activities, such as high-dusting, baseboard maintenance, and grout cleaning.
• • Restocks restroom supplies to always maintain an appropriate inventory, especially paper products and hand soap.
• • Assists in moving furniture and other large and heavy objects around campus.
• • Works closely with other departments to support seamless operations and quality guest experience.
• • Maintains a constant awareness of the guest experience and makes every reasonable effort to ensure the safety and comfort of all persons moving through the Garden.
• • Understands and upholds the Cheekwood Mission, Vision and Values and maintains great awareness and flexibility to accommodate and support organizational goals and operations.
• • Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• • Minimum of three years of relevant work experience in basic maintenance and custodial trades.
• • High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• • Excellent verbal and writing skills.
• • This position may be scheduled to work second shift and on weekends.
• • Ability to regularly lift and or move up to 35 lbs. and occasionally lift and or move up to 50 lbs.
• • Ability to work flexible work schedule. Available shifts:
  1. • Friday through Tuesday, 7:00am / 3:30pm (1st shift)
  2. • Wednesday through Sunday, 2:30pm / 11:00pm (2nd shift)

Benefits:

Cheekwood offers a comprehensive array of valuable benefits to full-time team members to protect health, family and way of life including Health Insurance with an HRA (Cheekwood pays 90% of the cost of one of the employee-only plans), Dental (Cheekwood pays a portion of the premium), Vision, Life Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood), Long Term Disability Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood), Voluntary Life Insurance, Short Term Disability Insurance, 403b (with a generous employer match offered), Employee Assistance Program, Paid Time Off and 11 Paid Holidays. Aflac products are also available.

Cheekwood follows CDC Covid-19 recommendations and has a voluntary vaccine policy.

Cheekwood is an equal opportunity employer

To apply for the Event Custodian position click here.

Work for one of the most beautiful places in Nashville! Formerly the family home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, Cheekwood now serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and museum with period rooms and art galleries. Cheekwood’s mission is to stimulate the mind and nurture the spirit, for not only our visitors, but our staff as well. We are currently seeking an enthusiastic, organized, and customer service-oriented Membership Manager. Reporting to the Director of Development, the Membership Manager plays a key role in record keeping as well as the retention and growth of Cheekwood’s membership base.

Primary Responsibilities:

• • Assist in the creation and execution of campaigns to retain existing members and grow the overall number of members households, including on-site, mail, email, and digital campaigns. Serve as primary liaison to the Marketing department.
• • Oversee membership financial transactions, including regular reporting to the Director of Data Analysis and Advancement team. Update and share the Membership Dashboard monthly.
• • Record data related to member records and membership transactions accurately to ensure data integrity. Maintain membership information and documentation in Altru database, hard copy files, and correspondence.
• • Plan and execute Member Appreciation Days
• • Process new memberships and renewals that originate via mail, online, phone or email as needed. Provide backup support for on-site membership transactions and purchases.
• • Oversee membership acknowledgement and digital card processes in Social Good.
• • Work with Visitor Services team to ensure proper training on membership program, policies and procedures, membership processing, data entry, and strategies to increase on-site sales.
• • Supervise activities and assignments of Membership Customer Service Representatives and interns.
• • Serve as a point-of-contact for membership inquiries via telephone, email and in person as needed.
• • Create and maintain membership mailing lists for member publications, invitations, etc. as needed
• • Other duties as assigned by Director of Development or Chief Advancement Officer.

Work Requirements and Qualifications:

• • Minimum Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• • Experience working in a non-profit, equivalent fundraising/membership organization, or data-driven sales-based organization is essential.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• • Knowledge of Altru, Raiser’s Edge, Tessitura or similar CRM program, Excel, and Word.
• • Experience working with data.
• • Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to adapt to varied duties, ability to work with volunteers, team player, professional attitude, good verbal and written communication skills, and a willingness to provide extraordinary customer service.

Cheekwood follows the CDC’s Covid-19 recommendations and has a voluntary vaccine policy. Cheekwood offers a comprehensive array of valuable benefits to full-time team members to protect health, family and way of life including Health Insurance with an HRA (Cheekwood pays 90% of the cost of one of the employee-only plans), Dental (Cheekwood pays a portion of the premium), Vision, Life Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood), Long Term Disability Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood), Voluntary Life Insurance, Short Term Disability Insurance, 403b (with a generous employer match offered), Employee Assistance Program, Paid Time Off and 10 Paid Holidays. Aflac products are also available.

Cheekwood is an equal opportunity workplace

To apply for the Membership Manager position click here.

Work in one of the most beautiful places in Nashville! Formerly the family home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, Cheekwood now serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and museum with period rooms and art galleries, three times voted a Top USA Today Garden. Cheekwood is seeking an individual with a strong interest in horticulture to support garden maintenance and uphold the highest standard of excellence.

• • Performs all levels of garden and grounds maintenance required to maintain the highest aesthetic standards throughout the property and support seasonal display rotations, especially Blooms. Understands and stewards the Mission Statements for individual gardens and collections.
• • Assists the garden supervisor in upholding the historic and current intent of the garden.
• • Frequently practices landscaping maintenance and upkeep including, but not limited to weeding, mulching, watering, planting, pruning, pest control, spraying, string trimming, leaf removal, and trash removal.
• • Troubleshoots irrigation issues in the garden.
• • Maintains bed edges and tree rings.
• • Applies a basic understanding of plant physiology and botanical nomenclature.
• • Practices safety measures during task execution.
• • Maintains water features in assigned garden, if applicable.
• • Actively participates in large seasonal exhibitions such as Blooms, and additional Seasonal Garden Projects.
• • Supervises seasonal employees and volunteers in support of the garden supervisor.
• • Maintains standards for the daily care and storage of garden equipment.
• • Safely and responsibly operate and maintain landscape equipment ** including, but not limited to, backpack blowers, edger’s, gas powered shears, string trimmers, and utility carts.
• • Maintains records of work activities in assigned areas of the garden.
• • Serves as an external representative of Cheekwood and engages members of the community and industry to exchange information and ideas to support individual and institutional growth.
• • Maintains a constant awareness of the guest experience and makes every reasonable effort to ensure the safety and comfort of all persons moving through the garden.
• • Understands and upholds the Cheekwood Mission, Vision and Values, and maintains great awareness and flexibility to accommodate and support ** organizational goals and operations.

Qualifications:

Must have the ability to lift, pull, push, and carry up to 50lbs; strong customer service skills; willing to work in inclement weather and the availability to work the required hours,7:00 AM to 3:30 PM

Benefits:

• • Membership & Discounts: As an employee, you receive a Cheekwood membership, which entitles you to unlimited admission during regular Garden hours and a limited number of free tickets to special events. Members also receive discounts classes, ticketed events, and purchases at the Gift Shop. Your Cheekwood membership also include reciprocal admission for named members to more than 300 gardens though the American Horticultural Society.
• • Reciprocal Admission: As an employee of Cheekwood you have free general admission access to many local cultural, historical, and art institutions as part of the employee admission program.
• • Cheekwood offers a comprehensive array of valuable benefits to full-time team members to protect health, family and way of life including Health Insurance with an HRA (Cheekwood pays 90% of the cost of one of the employee-only plans), Dental (Cheekwood pays a portion of the premium), Vision, Life Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood), Long Term Disability Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood), Voluntary Life Insurance, Short Term Disability Insurance, 403b (with a generous employer match offered), Employee Assistance Program, Paid Time Off and 11 Paid Holidays. Aflac products are also available.

To apply for the Full-time Gardener position click here.

Cheekwood follows the CDC’s COVID-19 recommendations and has a voluntary vaccine policy.

Cheekwood is an equal opportunity workplace

Reporting to the Grounds Supervisor, this full-time position supports the grounds maintenance team to establish and uphold the highest standards of turf excellence.

• • Primarily responsible for executing the comprehensive turf maintenance program including mowing, trimming, edging, and blowing as well as seasonal renovation and repair.
• • Monitors and controls weed and pest populations in lawn areas via integrated pest management best practices and in accordance with the Cheekwood Pesticide Use Policy.
• • Works with garden staff to assist in seasonal, property-wide maintenance activities such as leaf removal and mulching.
• • Assists Department Leadership to oversee the general operation of the automatic underground irrigation system including maintenance, repair, winterization, and mapping.
• • Collaborates with the Department Leadership to develop, maintain and document best management practices within the ground’s maintenance function.
• • Assists in the care and maintenance of all outdoor equipment used in the Botanical Garden Department including implementing routine maintenance schedules. Maintains standards for the daily care and storage of garden equipment and notifies supervisor of any supply needs.
• • Performs some tree work, including heavy pruning and light removals.
• • Responsible for maintaining records of work activities in assigned areas of the garden.
• • Engages in diversified and/or specialized scope based on individual background and departmental and institutional needs.
• • Performs all levels of landscape and grounds maintenance required to maintain the highest aesthetic standards throughout the property and support seasonal display rotations, especially Blooms. Understands and stewards the Mission Statements for Gardens and Collections. Primarily responsible for the full scope of garden maintenance within a clearly identified zone.
• • Identifies special needs and maintenance priorities for immediate action, including hazard removal, health and safety issues, invasive plant control, pest problems, and irrigation failures. Reports these needs and priorities to Department Leadership.
• • Motivates, trains, and supervises seasonal interns and volunteers in assigned areas of responsibilities.
• • Assists co-workers with special projects as determined by Department leadership and provides project management assistance for major garden projects.
• • Serves as an external representative of Cheekwood and engages members of the community and industry to exchange information and ideas to support individual and institutional growth.
• • Maintains a constant awareness of the guest experience and makes every reasonable effort to ensure the safety and comfort of all persons moving through the Garden.
• • Understands and upholds the Cheekwood Mission, Vision and Values and maintains great awareness and flexibility to accommodate and support organizational goals and operations.

Qualifications:
An associate or Bachelor of Science/arts degree is preferred or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Must be a certified pesticide applicator in the State of Tennessee or obtain this certification within one year of employment. Must have at least one-year turfgrass or landscape maintenance experience in public horticulture, golf course management, estate maintenance or related field. Knowledge of cultural requirements for healthy turfgrass; general knowledge of basic plant healthcare and lifecycle principles and skillful in the safe and efficient operation of landscape maintenance equipment. Working knowledge of basic equipment maintenance and irrigation troubleshooting experience is preferred. Must have a positive professional attitude; detail-oriented; ability to work independently as well as on a team; work flexible and fluctuating schedules based upon business needs. This position requires frequent lifting, pulling, pushing, and carrying up to 50lbs and willing to work in inclement weather. Must have the availability to work 7:00am-3:30pm Monday-Friday.

Benefits:

Cheekwood offers a comprehensive array of valuable benefits to full-time team members to protect  health, family and way of life including Health Insurance with an HRA (Cheekwood pays 90% of the cost of one of the employee-only plans), Dental (Cheekwood pays a portion of the premium), Vision, Life Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood), Long Term Disability Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood), Voluntary Life Insurance, Short Term Disability Insurance, 403b (with a generous employer match offered), Employee Assistance Program, Paid Time Off and 10 Paid Holidays. Aflac products are also available.

Please send your letter of interest and resume to Penny Bruckse, Vice President of Human Resources, at Pbruckse@cheekwood.org. Cheekwood follows the CDC’s COVID-19 recommendations and has a voluntary vaccine policy.

Cheekwood is an equal opportunity employer

To apply for the Grounds Technician position click here.

Café 29 is located inside the gates of beautiful Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in the restored Frist Learning Center Courtyard, and offers a casual, made-to-order menu including soups, sandwiches, salads, smoothies, baked goods, snacks, coffee selections and alcoholic beverages. We are seeking several friendly Back of House Team Members for food preparation, cleaning and assisting the Café 29 guests.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• • Food preparation
• • Work the pantry station
• • Cleaning of the Café
• • Keep the back of house tidy and organized
• • Other duties as required

Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent; ability to multi-task and perform duties effectively under stress; cashier experience; knowledge of basic kitchen equipment for food preparation; ability to endure long periods of standing or sitting, based on assigned post. Food or Hospitality Industry experience is a plus.

Cheekwood follows CDC COVID-19 recommendations and has a voluntary vaccine policy. Please send resume to Penny Bruckse, Vice President of Human Resources at Pbruckse@cheekwood.org.

Cheekwood is an equal opportunity workplace

Café 29 is located inside the gates of beautiful Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in the restored Frist Learning  Center Courtyard, and offers a casual, made-to-order menu including soups, sandwiches, salads, smoothies, baked goods, snacks, coffee selections and alcoholic beverages. We are seeking several friendly Front of House Team Members to assist the Café 29 guests.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• • Set up dining room daily
• • Stock supplies upon arrival
• • Prep hot beverages
• • Daily cashier
• • Expedite food from kitchen to tables
• • Assist guests

Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent; ability to multi-task and perform duties effectively under stress; cashier experience; knowledge of basic kitchen equipment; ability to endure long periods of standing or sitting, based on assigned post. Food or Hospitality Industry experience is a plus.

Cheekwood follows CDC COVID-19 recommendations and has a voluntary vaccine policy. Please send resume to Penny Bruckse, Vice President of Human Resources at Pbruckse@cheekwood.org.

Cheekwood is an equal opportunity workplace

Department: Rentals

Reports To: Jessica Ware, Director of Events

Semester: Summer 2022

Internship Description: Rentals/Special Events Department internships are designed to expose students to the multi-faceted and high energy field of Venue Logistics, Event Sales, Planning, Coordination and Execution while providing students with opportunities to apply skills in a real-world environment.

Responsibilities:

• • Conduct a semester long project tailored to interns goals and department needs. Department needs may include execution of events, event sales, etc.
• • Active learning in the area of proactive sales, venue logistics, planning, coordination and scheduling of a wide variety of events including large and small annual events, corporate events, weddings, fundraisers, networking events, internal events, and special interest group meetings. Internal events may include holiday and seasonal programming, weekly events on the grounds, large and small dinners, meetings etc.
• • Assisting in the creation of proposals to tailor events specifically to clients needs and accurately represent financial obligation of client.
• • Web/social media based marketing and media – assist with creating, editing and publishing content.
• • Working with a team to become familiar with preparing venue logistic documents for vendors and staff including BEO’s and floorplans.
• • Day of event execution as needed; set-up, tear-down, and general coordination of overall event.
• • All other duties approved by supervisor.

Qualifications:

• • Strong project management skills, working with cross-functional teams.
• • Strong analytical skills; fluent with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
• • Excellent oral and written communications, demonstrated success with multi-tasking & juggling multiple priorities.
• • Self-starter who takes initiative, highly reliable, polished and professional when dealing with members, prospective members, sponsors, and executive management.
• • Comfortable in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment with an all-hands-on-deck mentality.

Hours/Time Commitment: Minimum 15 hours/week for up to 16 weeks

Education: Rising Junior or Senior at the undergraduate level, or recent graduate from an accredited university

Area of Study: Hospitality management, Tourism, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, or Business

Compensation: $15.00 hourly

Application Requirements: Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest with desired internship and semester, a resume, and a list of 3 references, at least one academic. Start dates may vary based upon department needs and schedule. Please submit all applications to Abby Ornella at aornella@cheekwood.org by the application deadline for the desired semester. All interns will be required to undergo a background check.

Cheekwood is an equal opportunity workplace