Application for employment
We are now accepting applications for seasonal employees. For employment consideration, please fill out, print and mail the application to:
Dow Gardens
1018 W Main St
Midland, MI 48640
Click here for the application. Note: after filling out the application, you must print, sign and date it, then mail it to the above address.
Questions? Click on the appropriate link to contact us:
You can also contact our staff members directly by clicking on their name:
Melissa Butkiewicz is the Children’s Garden Horticulturist. She is a graduate from Michigan State University and has a degree in Horticulture. Her responsibilities include design and maintenance of Children’s Garden, children’s programming, and assisting with greenhouse production.
Abbey Claerhout joined the Dow Gardens staff in 2008 as a Horticulturist. She graduated from Michigan State University with a B.S. in Horticulture (emphasis in Landscape Design, Construction and Management) and is licensed as a Michigan Certified Nurseryman. Abbey spent three years with the City of Midland as the Horticulturist for the Downtown area and currently maintains the parking lot islands and the area surrounding the Midland Center for the Arts.
Dale McFarland is the Maintenance Mechanic for Dow Gardens. He has 22 years of experience in the field, has his Millwright Journey card, as well as a certificate in Criminal Justice. Dale handles much of the maintenance needs of the Dow Gardens, including repairs and upkeep on all of our various machines. He also handles parts ordering for repairs and replacements.
Richard Gillis is the Plant Collections Manager. He joined the gardens in 1990. He received an Associate of Applied Science degree in horticulture from Ferris State College. He also received a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in horticulture and a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in agribusiness and natural resources education from Michigan State University. His jobs include updating and maintaining the plant collection, assisting with classes and education, and helping maintain the gardens. Richard believes horticulture is a hobby that can be enjoyed by all. What is paradise but a garden.
Michelle Holmes is the Dow Gardens gift shop manager. She received her B.S. degree in biology from Central Michigan University. Her responsibilities include marketing, managing, and maintaining the Dow Gardens gift shop.
Ray Jennings is an ISA Certified Arborist, and he currently manages the Whiting Forest. He received a B.B.A. in Business/Marketing from Tampa college. Ray brings 15 years of experience in tree care, vegetation management, woodlot management and timber harvesting. He works with children from elementary schools to scouting programs, helping them to understand the importance of ecology, natural resource management and the roles each of us has in protecting and nurturing our woodlands.
Roy Lefevre is a Horticulturist\Aquatic systems specialist. He obtained a B.S. degree from Michigan Tech University and M.S. in ornamental horticulture from Michigan State University. His responsibilities include managing the conservatory, maintaining the ponds and taking care of the irrigation system.
Elizabeth Lumbert is the Assistant Director. Her responsibilities include marketing, coordinating volunteers, and special events. She earned her Bachelor of Science at the college of Lyman Briggs, Michigan State University, as well as her Executive Masters of Business Administration from Northwood University.
Chuck Martin has been a Dow Gardens Horticulturist since 1984. He received his Bachelors Degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Michigan State University. After a few years as a caretaker of an estate garden, he retreated to the University of Wisconsin in Madison and obtained a Master Degree in Ornamental Horticulture. He also obtained an MBA from Northwood University. Chucks responsibilities include care for the rose garden, perennials, woody plants, and ground maintenence.
Elly Maxwell is the Dow Gardens entomologist. She graduated from Freeland High School, received a B.S. degree from Michigan State University and a M.S. degree from Auburn University, both in Entomology. She is responsible for pest control and education, as well as the seasonal butterfly display at the Dow Gardens.
Marty McGuire has been the Managing Director of the Dow Gardens since May of 2007. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Recreation and Parks Administration and a Master's Degree in Public Administration, both from Central Michigan University. He held administrative positions with the City of Midland for over 30 years and now oversees the operations of Dow Gardens. McGuire has introduced several special events to the Gardens in his tenure.
Scott Schultheis has worked at Dow Gardens since 1991. He is a graduate of Ferris State University and holds degrees in both Ornamental Horticulture and Applied Biology. His work roles include various aspects of Floriculture, Horticulture and Greenhouse Management and Production.
Ben Tierney has worked at Dow Gardens since 2003. He graduated from Northwood University with a B.B.A. in Marketing/Management. His responsibilities include coordinating rentals and weddings, maintaining the Dow Gardens and Dow Foundation websites, and scheduling for classes/events.
Dan Veresh joined Dow Gardens in 1982, and is the Dow Gardens Arboriculturist. He received a Bachelor of Science in Forest Management and a Masters in Urban Forestry from Michigan State University
His responsibilities include general grounds maintenance in a designated area of the The Dow Gardens. He supervises a crew to achieve the goals in his grounds and tree maintenance program. He also teaches horticulture classes periodically through the year.
