Employment Opportunities
Controller
About the Arboretum – A National Treasure
The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden’s mission is to cultivate our natural, horticultural, and historic resources for learning, enjoyment, and inspiration. This vibrant gem is the result of an exciting partnership between the nonprofit Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation (LAAF) and the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). As it celebrates its 76th year, the Arboretum invites you to explore its stunning 127 acres, brimming with diverse plant life and captivating history. Join over 600,000 passionate and enthusiastic visitors each year and immerse yourself in a world of beauty, learning, and wonder.
Job Scope
The Controller has primary responsibility for planning, implementing, managing and controlling financial-related activities of the company. This includes responsibility for accounting, finance, forecasting, and payroll.
• Reports to: CFO
• Department: Finance
• Position Type: Full Time, Salary, Exempt
• Pay Range: $100K to $120K annually
Essential Responsibilities
• Maintain the company’s financial records, including its general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, accruals, billing, payroll, and general journal in accordance with GAAP.
• Oversee and manage all accounting department staff.
• Create and enhance effective financial controls for the organization to minimize risk
• Produce monthly financial statements, annual financial reports, complete audit activities and other reports and requests, ensure accuracy and integrity of all financial reporting
• Oversee all business and accounting practices while improving financial policies and procedures
• Support ongoing organizational growth strategy with internal and external teams
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal government requirements
Additional Responsibilities
• Work with Human Resources on payroll, 401(k) administration and ad hoc projects
• Provide actionable insights which help the company become more operationally efficient
• Perform other related duties as necessary or assigned.
Required Experience, Skills and Abilities
• 10+ years of Accounting experience
• 5+ years of experience in roles with progressive leadership responsibilities; 2+ years of experience as a Controller or similar position is preferred
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred. Not required
• Prior experience working with a non-profit organization is preferred
• Experience with accounting systems implementation is preferred
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels in the organization
• Excellent management and supervisory skills
• Strong problem solving and creative skills and the ability to exercise sound judgement and make decisions based on accurate and timely analyses
• High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and focus on results
• Proficient with Quickbooks Online, Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Accounting software
• Strong working knowledge of financial systems
Education Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration is required.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
• Work is performed in an indoor setting with minimal noise levels
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Regular use of hands and fingers to type on a computer keyboard
• Must be able to lift, push and pull at least 15 pounds
Mental Demands
• Ability to thrive in environments that require rapid adaptation to changing priorities and circumstances
• Ability to respond to others in a manner that demonstrates flexibility, consistency and professionalism
• Ability to cope with difficult or temperamental clients or co-workers as well as general stress related to the position
• Ability to function independently
Please email your resume to jorgensenhr@arboretum.org. Please no phone calls or faxes. Our HR department will reach out to candidates to initiate the interview process.
Human Resources Manager, Part-Time
The Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation is looking to add a part-time Human Resources (HR) Manager to the team! This role will work independently and report to the CEO. It will be on-site, three days a week with a flexible work schedule available. The HR Manager will develop policies, ensure legal compliance and maintain structure of the HR department at the Arboretum.
Essential Duties:
• Recruit, manage interview process, hire, onboard and offboard staff.
• Maintain employee personnel files in accordance with legal requirements.
• Coordinate, document, distribute and file performance evaluations.
• In-charge of processing bi-weekly payroll, maintaining employee roster and up to date accrual balances.
• Work with accounting team to process and document related payroll financial information.
• Administer compensation, benefits, leave, disciplinary matters, disputes, investigations, productivity, recognition, occupational health and safety requirements, training and development.
• Manage the organization’s employee relations by addressing demands, grievances and other issues that may arise.
• Identify upcoming challenges and communicate with the CEO. Provide solutions, time frame and a plan to accomplish.
• Assist with development, engagement, motivation, preservation of staff morale and nurture a positive work environment.
• Maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes and new technology in human resources, talent management and employment law.
• Apply knowledge to communicate changes in policy, practice and resources to upper management.
• Keep up to date with professional development, training and certification needed.
• Perform ad-hoc duties related to the HR function.
Qualifications:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and employees.
• Knowledge of employment laws and regulations.
• Proficient with ADP user interface.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office 365.
Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the Human Resources field.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP or other professional certifications are preferred, but not required.
Benefits:
• $48.00 to $53.00 per hour – 20 hours per week
• Sick Leave Benefits
For consideration send resume to jorgensenhr@arboretum.org
Summer Nature Camp Staff, Seasonal
Position Description & Primary Responsibilities:
The Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation is seeking qualified candidates for the seasonal positions of Summer Nature Camp Counselor and Summer Nature Camp Assistant. Summer Nature Camp is an enrichment program that connects children to the natural world through joyful, hands-on experiences and meaningful peer interactions. Serving children ages 5 to 10, Nature Camp integrates playful explorations of the gardens with seasonal, nature-themed science, art, and cooking activities. Each week is a different theme. Explore our 2025 Summer Nature Camp weekly themes, descriptions, dates, and Frequently Asked Questions HERE.
We are hiring for the following positions: Camp Counselor, $19 per hour; Camp Assistant, $19 per hour. Both positions will report to the Camp Director and Cohort Lead. All camp staff will receive one year family membership to The Arboretum. These are seasonal positions with the potential of assisting with additional programs in the future such as Scouts programs, school field trips, and weekend workshops.
Primary Responsibilities:
Candidates must be able to commit to all 9 weeks of camp, June 16-August 15. Schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30am-5pm.
Camp Counselor: Assist in implementing fun, hands-on educational activities with children; Lead and supervise outdoor explorations of the garden; Assist children with process-driven projects; Engage with children in a playful capacity while ensuring a safe environment is maintained; Help to connect children to nature-themed concepts through inquiry-based learning techniques and informal education pedagogy; Serve as role model for children and youth volunteers; Assist camp director with camp operations; Help children regulate emotions and work through developmental processes with peers. All curriculum will be provided.
Camp Assistant: Assist Camp Director and Cohort Lead with supply preparation and procurement, prepare materials, delegate tasks to volunteers, coordinate various operations and logistics, help maintain an organized camp space, support camp counselor efforts, and assist children with camp activities as needed.
Position Requirements:
We are looking for candidates who will see this as more than just a summer paycheck. The ideal candidate will feel genuinely excited to spend a summer inspiring children out in nature and welcome an active, hard day’s work. Summer Nature Camp is a unique, boutique camp program that demands significant maturity and dedication from staff. This position requires an energetic person with a positive disposition, strong work ethic, ability to juggle shifting priorities and circumstances, good initiative, and a genuine love for working with children. Desired Skills: Experience working with children ages 5 to 10; Excellent judgment and high emotional intelligence; Strong communication and interpersonal skills; Interest in and appreciation for the outdoors and nature-based experiences; Ability to communicate well with both children and parents; Ability to adapt to changing circumstances with ease; A positive, respectful, easy-going attitude; Familiarity with informal education pedagogy and inquiry-based teaching methodology; Understanding of child development ages and stages, as well as child-centered education theory; Ability to be playful and silly while maintaining a leadership stance; Ability to walk moderate distances outdoors in the heat and be on one’s feet for most of the day. This is a robust, fast-paced work experience – Please consider this before applying. Experience working with children with special needs a plus.
To Apply:
Email cover letter and resume to Brooke Applegate, Director of Education: brooke.applegate@arboretum.org
*APPLICATIONS WITHOUT COVER LETTERS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
